Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi All,

I have 360 WB B series from 1982. I was just wondering if someone can
give me some history about the guitar.

Specifically:

I noted in older message threads that some of the toaster pickups are
not true toaster pickups. How can I tell? They look like toasters to
me.

I understand that the series was not a "true" reissue of vintage
guitars, which I don't really care about, does this make them less
valuable? Just looking for a general idea since I'll never part with
it.

Are there any noted problems with the guitar? My friend's telecaster
was MUCH louder than mine played at the same volume level through my
JC-120, why?

That should do for starters.

Thanks,

Tony

To answer your pickup question, i.e. assuming your pickups are original, here's what you need to look for: "B" series pickups are hi-gains with the pole pieces shaved to fit the toaster housing. They look like toasters, but sound like hi-gains. They're easy to spot 'cause real toaster bobbins are molded 'to fit' the openings at the top of the toaster housing.

Tracy,

I'm not exactly sure what you meant in your last sentence. "They're easy to spot 'cause real toaster bobbins are molded 'to fit' the openings at the top of the toaster housing."

Can you dummy it down for me?

Thanks,

Tony

Im not sure if this is correct but anyone feel free to correct me. I believe she was saying that real toaster bobbins come up flush with the case, where the high gains (although look the same) do not conform to the toaster slots, they just remain flush with the inside of the cover.

Yeah, toaster bobbins have raised areas that fit the openings in the chromed housing. "B" series toasters have a thin sheet of black vinylite that fits (just sort of lays) inside the housing. It looks great unless ya get up close, but they are nothing but hi-gains in sheeps clothing.

There's nothing functionally wrong with "B" series guitars. Their dimensions are not historically accurate and this was a problem as they were promoted in advertisements as being a significantly detailed reissue. On a personal note, I feel that the introduction of the Rickenbacker hi-gain pickup is one of the darker moments in musical history. They just sound terrible.

"Im not sure if this is correct but anyone feel free to correct me. I believe she was saying that ..."

Tracy is a "she"?

Is there any danger in taking the cover off to see if they are in fact hi-gains?

How would I do it?

Tony: to disassemble the pickup, remove all the screws and the whole thing sorta falls apart in your hand. Don't handle the winding area aggressively as the wire is thinner than balinese catfur. This will give you the total picture, but you should be able to tell without taking the unit apart by comparing it to a known toaster. I hesitate to open pickups unless absolutely necessary on account of Murphy's Law.

Andrew: I'm a 'he'. Thanx for asking.

I thought so, Tracy.