Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Peter: Being a bassist myself, I thought we all thought like that!!!! Does your 350 sound brighter or does it have more gain (or both)?

lefty: My 350 sounds a whole lot brighter and I would argue that is has less gain. Not to worry. I just jack up the volume and all is well. Bye the way, I sort of see both sides of the argument.

Peter: I've talked with other collectors who emphasize on pre-1964 Rickenbackers (Combos, Capris, Tulip-body guitars etc....) who say the older toaster-tops are best out of the pack; do the re-issue scatter-wounds come close to the sound of those earlier pickups, or are they more in line with the mid-late '60's production pickups? My '68 12-string is quite bright but doesn't have the gain of the earlier guitars, but more than its decendants. BTW, it looks like you're laying down a 'stone groove' in that picture man!!

lefty: Interesting comment that you have made with regard to the pre versus post 1964 toasters. I would have to say, and I cannot give you an electronic explanation here, that the scatterwounds rival my 1966 toasters on my 450/12. In fact, at present I enjoy the scatterwounds a bit more. It sounds to me like the scatterwounds may be between the pre-1964 and post 1964 sound. Now to find a combo I guess.

Peter: It is just one of those things you have to hear right when you have the guitars side by side...the Combo 850 I have heard (which is bone stock) will just get up and go---Loud and meaty..all the notes are right there. Not just the Combo models but the old 310-325's, all of the older stuff...they're all hot-rods. Not to disparage other guitars in any way, but it is interesting how most of us seem to go 'retro' in trying to attain our own guitar/bass 'nirvana'(present company included). I will also agree with the others on your own 350--man it HAS the LOOK...!

Glen: I tried the coffee staining technique and two weeks later the tip emerges from the "sludge au cafe" as pearly white as ever. Gotta love the durable finishes that the new chemistry has created. Time to leave it in the sun and see if it breaks down further.

Peter, how 'bout Motor Oil?? I've never done it, and I'm NOT advising you to try, but it may work...it may give you the 'yelloed' effect you're looking for.....

lefty: I appreciate the thought and the unstated cautionary comment. Do you suppose it will affect the Mobil - ity? We may have to refer to it as the Valdez switch.

HA! The reason I thought of this is my experience from working the automotive industry--I've seen the effects of petroleum products on plastics and thought it worth mentioning...so good luck Peter!!! BTW, Havoline a good time with your 350!!!

Thanks lefty. At least I won't have to Shell out too much to give it a try.

Don't mention it...I hope the project doesn't en GULF you.

Lefty: I looks as if this discussion is going to turn into a MARATHON.

This is TOTAL sillyness!

I can't HESSCAPE this website. Help me please!

That's what makes this forum such fun and be informative at the same time...discussing even the most ESSO-terric subjects !!!! (Sorry guys, I'm just rollin' with it--we'll run out of oil companies soon !!!!)