Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

The topic says it all. What are the less noticeable difference? Obviously it has an "R" tailpiece, high-gains, and different knobs, but what are the less noticeable difference?

For example, are the tuners the same, or how about the wiring? Are the knobs in different positions, is the scale length the same, etc.? Thanks, everybody!

The '5' designation just donates a vibrato. So a 325 is the same as a 320, but with a vibrato. The same for 330/335....etc.

The 320 with the R tailpiece is one of the older 'B' series, which was a crude atempt at a re-issue. The later V & C series were much, much better as a historical re-issue.

I've always thought of the "R" tailpiece 320s as their own line of guitars, and not as crude reissue attempts. They don't seem to be a replica of anything and thank God they are made very well. The only historical thing about them is the similarity of body shape in plan view, possibly the control placement, and the neck geometry, and this is a function of function (got that?) and not any deliberate attempts to ape history.

But it's pretty much a 325 with an "R" tailpiece right?

Function of function at the junction...

Paul, Rickenbackers own advertising claimed that the B series were 'classics from the past' & 'vintage favorites'. Also, when you take the 320 as part of the three gtr series (360WB & 4003SB), it seems that these were indeed attempts at reissue.

Yeah, but reissues of what? At least the 360WB resembled a 360OS, which resembled a 360...

I'll defer to your point, Tony, and not argue it, but taking it in the sense in which you interpret these words, then their ad agency missed the boat on that one and RIC are still paying the tab.

In the world of literary license, however, any Rick of the original lineage could be blessed with those two phrases, without being far off the mark (marque?). It's when I actually see the words "replica" or "reissue" that my own vision and pen both sharpen.

Talking of the 360WB. Although, for a while, they were not fetching a great deal of money, I always felt that it could well be my ultimate gtr. I like the 330 shape & 24 fret neck pick up spacing, but I do like the binding & little luxuries. I have tried 21 fretters (still have some), but for my style of music, the spacing just doesn't quite cut it (apart from 12's). Anyway, the price of a WB has gone up & up in the last couple of years or so & now almost command V64 prices.

The point to this post, is that I have managed to find (or rather Mike Smith has managed to find) a stunning '84 FG 360WB...& I pick it up on Thursday!

Tony - you're an animal! We've not had pictures of the last lot you scored yet!

Well Rob...a couple of my new ones didn't suit, so they went & I'm having the WB & that 370BG that Mike has.

I love the feel of my 360WB. Rick-solid.

I should have clarified. I mean the 80s 320s with high gains, a two ply pickguard, etc...

Do they have Klusons or Schallers?

yeah, we kind of neglected Nick's original question here...

Paul's your man, Nick - he bought himself an MG 320 some months back, before doing a gorgeous re-fin

Getting off topic again...

Does a 360WB have the same exact body style as a 330, only with binding?

Nick:

The '80's 320's had Kluson Deluxe nickel plated tuners. I took the old old ones off my '81 and replace them with new chrome ones from RIC. I've kept the old ones though... just in case.