Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Ok... I' reading The R. R. Smith History book, and there is plenty of pictures and references to the 330 and 360... But CAN SOMEONE TELL ME THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THESE TWO??? PLEASE!!!

I tought the difference was that the 360 (nowadays) have rounder contours than the 330, but that would exclude George's as a 360 so it's wrong...
Then, it might be the number of frets and the position of the neck pickup, but both can be 24 frets (see pages 111-112 of the book)...

So, how can I tell the difference... with the year it's being made???

Karl,

In about 1964 or '65 Rickenbacker changed the contour/shape of the model 360 to the rounded shape we have today. If one wanted the shape like George Harrison's 360/12, it had to be special ordered as a 360 WB (with binding), which does have the same shape and contour of the less expensive 330. Are you still with me?

This option was available until hmm, dunno the early 80's I think. For the last 20 years or so if one wanted a 360, one had to take it in the rounded shaped model. The 330 is a "down market" model: no binding, inlays or Rik-o-Sound. The sharp cut-aways appeal to many, as does it's lower price tag. Try one!

Larry

Wow! thanks... really...