Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I'm a bassist, but I've always wanted a Ricky 6-string for home recording -- I've got a great Telecaster, but there's something about that Rickish The Jam/REM/Beatles *clang* that I love. Anyway, I've been looking at eBay, Craigslist, this forum, and others for the perfect 360 (or 330/340/370) in either JG or FG.

Then this one came up

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7345187224&sspagename=ADME%3AL%3AAAQ%3AUS%3A1&rd=1

I've never seen a 360VP before... was it a reissue thing?

Anyway, I'm sure it's a great instrument, and I'll probably have plenty of questions once it arrives. Would Rick roundwound .010s be good on it?

-a

Looks great Andrew...maybe not an absolute bargain, but with the VP's & vintage case, perhaps it is! The vintage pickups can be ordered from the factory, as can the vintage style case...both are considered upgrades.

Compressed rowndwound Ric 10's will be perfect for it. You did well....

Andrew,

That appears to be about an average price as far as I can tell for that guitar. BTW welcome to the forum.

I use made for Martin .010 rounds on my 350 that I buy in bulk. It all comes down to what sound you want to get. Enjoy.

I noticed that one on there, she's a beaut! I'd agree with Anthony, you got a good deal for a 360VP with vintage case.

I had Ric 10's on my 360 and found the tension to be a bit higher than the D'Addario 10's I normally use. They sounded great, though.

Welcome Andrew!Beautiful guitar.A new 360VP with a vintage case would cost about $1400 so I think you did pretty good.

Thanks, all -- I'm a mod at the FDP (Fender Discussion Page), but I've always had a love for Ricks. My v63 is my secret weapon on studio sessions... it's amazing how many engineers don't realize the amount of *butt* a 4001 w/toaster can put out.

-a

Andrew, nice get! Congratulations, and welcome!

Andrew..... Pyramid flatwounds (med) are what you need. Cost is over $20 a set but its worth it. Check ebay.

I've got Pyramids on my 4001v63 -- how do they sound on the 360? I can't picture flatwounds giving good jangle....

-a

Although Kent feels as a lot of others do, I would like to offer the opposite view. I tried pyramids & they were off the gtr within the day. Dreadful things....OK if you want to sound like a Beatle, but 40 years on, I think I prefer some thing a little more up to date....

BTW, there is absolutely no offence meant to anyone in this post, Pyramids are finely made strings with a great deal of fans who can't all be wrong, but I'm just offering an alternative viewpoint! I am also talking of their flatwounds, as I haven't tried the rest of the range.

I'M OFFENDED BY THAT!!!.... no, not really. As Tony says, we all have sounds that make us happy and sounds that make us barf.

To me, the difference in sound when I switched from regular strings (Gibson I believe they were) was very noticeable and brought a smile to my face. Yes, they are a little less bright but its not like you are suddenly transported against your will into the world of soft jazz. You will be able to get plenty of jangle if you want (assuming that your amp and footswitches are allowing you to do so... strings and/or guitar is where the sound starts but is still only part of the picture). What I noticed most with the Pyramids was a fuller, richer tone and more sustain. You'll notice that they are obviously very well made and so far my strings seem to be lasting for a long time. Flatwounds will generally last longer than regulars because of their geometry. Personally I like the FEEL of the flats more than the bumpy kind but that is a personal thing.

Whatever you wind up with, the Pyramids are certainly worth a try..... You can get them for less than $20 a set (plus shipping) from ebay so I dont think it will break the bank.

http://cgi.ebay.com/PYRAMID-GOLD-FLATWOUND-MEDIUM-6-STRING-3-SETS-55_W0QQitemZ7345569570QQcategoryZ41433QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Thanks for that Kent. I looked at my post & realised that it could be misconstrued as offensive. It's always awkward when people have totaly opposite views, especially when no one is actualy right! I would suggest Andrew, that you try Ric compressed round wound for a week, then change to pyramid flats, then on to any other brand that you have used & like. You will soon know which you prefer & which suits the particular sound that you are trying to achieve.

>>>I looked at my post & realised that it could be misconstrued as offensive

hey, no problem, buddy!

>>>It's always awkward when people have totaly opposite views, especially when no one is actualy right!

uh wait a minute... I'M the one who is ALWAYS RIGHT!!! (right?)