330/6 Seafoam Green....Desirable Sound/Color?

lawnjockie · Post by **lawnjockie** » Sat Nov 09, 2002 2:56 am

I've recently sold a few 660's (6& 12), and also recently acquired a 360/6VP in Burgandy. It was after receiving, playing, and listening to the 360/6VP that I was smitten with the Ric semi-hollow body sound and tone.

That being said, I have turned my attention to a Ric 330/6 with high-gains. After some lengthy searching and reading on this subject...I still can't find the answer to my burning question.

Will the tone of the 330/6 with high-gains be noticeably different than the tone of my 360/6 with toasters using the exact SAME amp and the exact SAME amp settings?

This brings me to the color choice for my new Ric 330/6. I've narrowed my search to Desert Gold and Seafoam Green. The color I choose is not that aesthetically important to me. However, the desirability of the color I choose is. The Desert Gold is $195.00 CHEAPER than the Seafoam Green, but money is not an issue. Both have high-gains and come with the Vintage Case, both are "AS NEW". Which (if either) would you choose and why?

It is my understanding that the Seafoam Green is harder to find, but may not appeal to the masses. Any input from forum "guru's" is well taken and appreciated.

corey · Post by **corey** » Sat Nov 09, 2002 4:21 am

I have a fondness for the Desert Gold colour, and a dislike for the Seafoam Green (I love that Burgandy, though).

Others can speak on this with far more expertise, but my opinion is that you won't get that big of a difference in tone between two similar models with different pickups. The Toasters won't be as hot a signal and people who like sustain will get more of that from the non-vintage pu's... Still, I play a;ong to R.E.M. pretty exactly with my Toasters in my 360's as opposed to Mr. Buck and his high gains. Perhaps search the archives for "Toasters vs. High Gains" threads to read lots of people's opinions on this.

As a fellow 300 series advocate, I know that I'm looking at the 380 Laguna as a possible model to invest in for a little different tone.

rob · Post by **rob** » Sat Nov 09, 2002 5:17 am

When I bought my 330 (with Hi-Gains, BTW), I could have bought the new one with Desert Gold finish, but opted for the used Fireglo. I guess, IMHO, as long as it looks good, plays good, and a little bit cheaper, then go with that one. Both the colors you're looking at are discontinued, so if you sell it down the road, you can sell it as a "rare color."

lawnjockie · Post by **lawnjockie** » Sat Nov 09, 2002 9:21 am

Well, thanks for the input guys. After some thought...and thankfully a phone call...I have purchased the 2002 (yes 2002) 330/6 in Seafoam Green with vintage case.

Here begins it's interesting story. As Chris at Pick of the Ricks explains, this guitar was originally shipped from the factory to Dave's Guitars in Wisconsin. It was never sold there, so Dave contacted Chris and asked if he would be interested in it. Chris said absolutely...and the guitar found its way to him.

Now for the funny part. Seafoam Green was the "special" color for the year 2000. The last day for order would have been 12-31-00. From all accounts, it looks as if the factory missed the order...and later filled it. The finish on this particular guitar is a shade or two DARKER than the other Seafoam Green (2000's) that Chris has, or has seen. His explanation is that he thinks they mixed a special run of finish for this particular guitar just to complete the order. But, it wasn't manufactured until 2002....thus the NEW, NEVER OWNED, 2002 Seafoam Green 330...with corresponding 2002 serial number.

I couldn't resist...so I bought it!! WOW!!

Any other's have a story like this? If so, I'd love to hear it.

admin · Post by **admin** » Sat Nov 09, 2002 11:33 am

Nice story Scott. This is an interesting history. Why not print off this post and put it in the case before the details fade, and believe me they will.

shiraz · Post by **shiraz** » Sat Nov 09, 2002 12:03 pm

I have a 340 Desert Gold w'Hi Gains. I love the guitar and the color. BUT if I had to choose, I would grab one of my toaster-equipped Rics for my all-around guitar. They have more air and life in the tone, more depth. The Hi Gains are nice. Lovely snarl, bite, and singing lead tone.
I use the 340DG for 'heavier' stuff. Cheers, Noel
Noel's Guirars

lawnjockie · Post by **lawnjockie** » Sat Nov 09, 2002 12:15 pm

Great idea Peter. Sometimes the journey is more interesting than the final destination.

My point in sharing this story is to see if perhaps this has happened before. I can't imagine it NOT happening in some form throughout the storied history of Rickenbacker. One thing's for certain...I'm happy for what it is...and the story, well that's just icing on the cake.

For all I know...it could be a common occurance.

dave4004 · Post by **dave4004** » Sat Nov 09, 2002 2:31 pm

My 330 DG is a 2002. I assume it was made to fill an existing order and just didn't get done before the end of 2001.

For the record, I definitely prefer the Hi Gain tone over the toasters.

Scott, I saw your 330 at Dave's earlier this year. But I couldn't venture an opinion on the color darkness because that's the only Seafoam Green I've seen in person.

lawnjockie · Post by **lawnjockie** » Sat Nov 09, 2002 2:32 pm

Something has just come to mind...it took awhile...but it finally did. (I'm fairly slow, so this is not uncommon)

I now own TWO "special" color Rics and both have 2002 serial numbers...a true oddity.

Thanks for your input on this Dave. I haven't got to see the actual guitar yet (Tuesday). I'm only relaying what Chris had to say about the color...and I think he said he had 3 others (Seafoam Green) to compare it to. I won't know the difference....because I've never seen another one either. I almost chose the Desert Gold until Chris explained the story with this one. The final selling point to me was (all things being equal) the fact that the "color" is 2 years removed from the product line..but it's still a 2002 model.

wmthor · Post by **wmthor** » Sat Nov 09, 2002 6:12 pm

Congratulations Scott; looks like your acquired a RIC that may very well become a collector's item .

lawnjockie · Post by **lawnjockie** » Mon Nov 11, 2002 8:40 am

Just got the serial number info on my new 330/6 Seafoam Green. The 17th week of 2002..........(02-17181). May 2002?

lawnjockie · Post by **lawnjockie** » Mon Nov 11, 2002 1:43 pm

I just received a very special and informative email for Mr. John Hall on this subject. The color designation is Sea Green. This does happen due to the backlog, and another Sea Green just left the factory a few days ago.

The mystery (at least to me) is over. Thank you Mr. Hall for your personal reply...it has gone a long way in my book. I could not be happier!

I apologize for wasting space and time here with this post (with regard to color of finish).

admin · Post by **admin** » Mon Nov 11, 2002 1:58 pm

Lawnjockie: It is not possible to waste time or space speaking about Rickenbackers and learning additional information such as this from the CEO of RIC. Thanks for passing it along.

lawnjockie · Post by **lawnjockie** » Mon Nov 11, 2002 2:50 pm

Thanks Peter. He also made reference to a NEW color upcoming for the 2003 model year. I guess we don't know what the color is, but they are continuing this practice. I can't wait, but my wallet can...I've bought 5 Rics in the last 2 months..OUCH!

ricnvolved · Post by **ricnvolved** » Tue Nov 12, 2002 3:32 pm

Scott-- Heckuva story on the guitar you purchased! I was secretly rooting for Seafoam Green, even before you posted the revelation about when it was actually produced. The Desert Gold has never appealed to me.

By the way, I'm still wondering whether Azureglo will ever become available as a standard option finish.