(NOTE: the title should read '...redundant?)
okay - here we go!! i've just purchased my first rick - a 330 fg. so i've been reading alot here and around the 'net about different models. the other model that has caught my eye (after - of course - the 330) is the 620. is this just a solid-bodied 330? does it produce a really different sound than the 330? it has the same pups, right? how is the neck different?
any thoughts about this would be appreciated
geoff
Owning a 330 and a 620 - redundant!
Moderators: rickenbrother, ajish4
Hey. I did not feel that my 620 was anything like semi-hollow. I've not owned a 330, but I own a 1997 now and am guessing (??) that the 330 and the 1997 (re-issue of the 60s Rose Morris 360 -- semi-hollow double batwing like the 330 but with toasters and an f-hole instead of a slash) are similar in many respects. To me the 620 felt something more akin to an SG and/or a Tele (perhaps a really nice combination of the two, actually). My 620 (I no longer own it) was lighter than is my 1997. The 620 also has 21 frets and a bound neck with the triangular inlays. That difference (21 frets as opposed to the 24 on your 330), along with the slim solid body, has some serious impact tonally. I think they're different enough to warrant having both around.
Good luck!
Good luck!
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tony_carey
- Advanced Member
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Geoff, the pick ups are hi-gains on both (assuming you haven't gone for the vintage option) & the neck is the same witdth on both (all be it with neck binding on the 620) & they sound similar, but not identical. The 620 is a 'harder' sound than the 330, which is only to be expected with the solid body.
If you want a gtr that is different to your 330, then why not go for a 620 12 string. If you want a solid body 6 string, then look at the 660. Slightly wider neck & with toaster p/ups, it will sound different to your 330!
If you want a gtr that is different to your 330, then why not go for a 620 12 string. If you want a solid body 6 string, then look at the 660. Slightly wider neck & with toaster p/ups, it will sound different to your 330!
'Rickenbacker'...what a name! After all these years, it still thrills me.
some good thoghts here. i have read (here and over at harmonycentral) that the 620 resembles the feel and sound of the tele more closely than any non-rick. good for me - tele is my favorite guitar (so far!).
tony - i've ordered a straightforward 330 - no vintage pups (i'm just getting starting on figuring out the 'coding' and options of the rick family). i will take a look at the 660. wider neck is fine (i fingerpick martins with 1.75" nut widths) but the toaster pickup (which i've seen many refs to) is on top of my list of 'find-out-abouts'. could you give me a brief description of it?
i have to add that i might even like the look of the 620 even more than i like that of the 330. that 'cresting wave' (?) upper bout it too cool.
thanks, all.
geoff
tony - i've ordered a straightforward 330 - no vintage pups (i'm just getting starting on figuring out the 'coding' and options of the rick family). i will take a look at the 660. wider neck is fine (i fingerpick martins with 1.75" nut widths) but the toaster pickup (which i've seen many refs to) is on top of my list of 'find-out-abouts'. could you give me a brief description of it?
i have to add that i might even like the look of the 620 even more than i like that of the 330. that 'cresting wave' (?) upper bout it too cool.
thanks, all.
geoff
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beefandbones
- Intermediate Member
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I love my 330, but I've been thinking about getting a 620 (or 610) with toasters to go along with it. The 330 has hi-gains and 24 frets, and a nice full, resonant, and sometimes almost soft sound. I surmise that the solid body of the 620, with the vintage pickup spacing and toasters, would make a good compliment to the 330.
Plus, my bandmate has a 610 and it's a lot of fun to play.
Plus, my bandmate has a 610 and it's a lot of fun to play.
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tony_carey
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I couldn't get on with either my 450, or 620, as they were just too small. But I am used to the 330 shape, so now I have six 330 shape gtrs & a 4003.
The 620/660's are lovely gtrs, but you know when you just don't feel right about some thing? My 360 was the most comfy gtr I have ever had, but I just feel 'right' with my 330 (1997, 360v64's).
The 620/660's are lovely gtrs, but you know when you just don't feel right about some thing? My 360 was the most comfy gtr I have ever had, but I just feel 'right' with my 330 (1997, 360v64's).
'Rickenbacker'...what a name! After all these years, it still thrills me.
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beatcomber
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I have a '64 615, which is similar to the 620.
I've A/B'd a '66 365 against my 615, and found their tones to be surprisingly similar. I would say that the 365 had more "sparkle" and the 615 had more "bite," but they sounded very much alike nevertheless.
I would assume that the differences and similarities between modern 300 and 600 series Ricks would be comparable.
I've A/B'd a '66 365 against my 615, and found their tones to be surprisingly similar. I would say that the 365 had more "sparkle" and the 615 had more "bite," but they sounded very much alike nevertheless.
I would assume that the differences and similarities between modern 300 and 600 series Ricks would be comparable.
Geoff,
The 620 and 330 are about as different as can be within the Rickenbacker line. While the necks maybe identical in shape and feel, the bodies are, as you mentioned already different.
The 330 would sound mellower and less trebly, with less sustain than the 620. They do weigh the same, though.
A 620 is like the solid body version of the 360: binding and inlays make it a deluxe model. It also has Rick-o-Sound, enabling the musician to play the 620 through two amps simultaneously in stereo.
I've had a 12-string 330 and was disappointed it's tone. I currently have a 620-12 string and find it's tone to be closer to what I hear on those old Byrds' recordings (McGuinn used a treble booster and compression to add sustain to his 360-12). The 330 is wonderful, so is the 620.
Try 'em out and buy the one you like, or better still, buy both!
Respectfully,
Larry
The 620 and 330 are about as different as can be within the Rickenbacker line. While the necks maybe identical in shape and feel, the bodies are, as you mentioned already different.
The 330 would sound mellower and less trebly, with less sustain than the 620. They do weigh the same, though.
A 620 is like the solid body version of the 360: binding and inlays make it a deluxe model. It also has Rick-o-Sound, enabling the musician to play the 620 through two amps simultaneously in stereo.
I've had a 12-string 330 and was disappointed it's tone. I currently have a 620-12 string and find it's tone to be closer to what I hear on those old Byrds' recordings (McGuinn used a treble booster and compression to add sustain to his 360-12). The 330 is wonderful, so is the 620.
Try 'em out and buy the one you like, or better still, buy both!
Respectfully,
Larry
Geoff,
The 620 and 330 are about as different as can be within the Rickenbacker line. While the necks maybe identical in shape and feel, the bodies are, as you mentioned already different.
The 330 would sound mellower and less trebly, with less sustain than the 620. They do weigh the same, though.
A 620 is like the solid body version of the 360: binding and inlays make it a deluxe model. It also has Rick-o-Sound, enabling the musician to play the 620 through two amps simultaneously in stereo.
I've had a 12-string 330 and was disappointed it's tone. I currently have a 620-12 string and find it's tone to be closer to what I hear on those old Byrds' recordings (McGuinn used a treble booster and compression to add sustain to his 360-12). The 330 is wonderful, so is the 620.
Try 'em out and buy the one you like, or better still, buy both!
Respectfully,
Larry
The 620 and 330 are about as different as can be within the Rickenbacker line. While the necks maybe identical in shape and feel, the bodies are, as you mentioned already different.
The 330 would sound mellower and less trebly, with less sustain than the 620. They do weigh the same, though.
A 620 is like the solid body version of the 360: binding and inlays make it a deluxe model. It also has Rick-o-Sound, enabling the musician to play the 620 through two amps simultaneously in stereo.
I've had a 12-string 330 and was disappointed it's tone. I currently have a 620-12 string and find it's tone to be closer to what I hear on those old Byrds' recordings (McGuinn used a treble booster and compression to add sustain to his 360-12). The 330 is wonderful, so is the 620.
Try 'em out and buy the one you like, or better still, buy both!
Respectfully,
Larry