Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

What's everyone's opinion on the playability/lovability/obsessability of the C58 vs. the C64? I went back and forth on what to get....and was told by some pro's that they thought that the C64 would be a better overall guitar (though I know this can be debated). My deposit is in. The waiting begins!

Welcome, Alisha.... great to have you on board!

All my Ricks are full scale and I've never played a short scale before. Tomorrow will be my first try out, coincidentally - on a spankin' new 325C58, so I can't offer you much except the fact that being Ricks, they will both be lovable and obsessive. I'll let you know about the third part later!!

Alisha,

Probably the first difference would be in the vibrato assemblies--the 325's is a bit of a challenge--it's why Lennon got a Bigsby. If you attempt to use the '58 Vibrola, 2 things can happen, and neither of them are good. 1., you use it correctly (it works "sideways" instead of "up/down" like most of us are used to)--you will throw your guitar out of tune; 2., if you use it the wrong way (like a normal trem arm), you'll gouge a hole in the top of the guitar.

The '64 has a different trem system that is playable. There are other differences (the body is lighter and thicker on the '58; finished (vs. unfinished) fretboard on the '64; 2-piece pickguard and the 5th "knob" on the '64; some other cosmetic differences as well, etc. The '58 is avail in either Jetglo or Mapleglo, for what that's worth.

Personally, I really like the short scale, and while I love my '58 (I did replace the Vibrola with a Bigsby), I think in general terms your friend's advice is probably pretty accurate--you can likely do more with the '64 right out of the box (no mods required), and you have the extra adjustment capability given by the 5th knob.

Beyond that, it's all personal taste! Hope this helps.

Bill

Bill & Howard,

Thanks for all of your info! I really appreciate it.

Alisha

I've often wondered why RIC doesn't make the Bigsby an option on the 325?

I think John Hall mentioned once in this forum that the reason they don't offer the Bigsby is that the idea of these re-issues is to put the guitar out just as it was originally built and sold. Since all the mods were done by Lennon, it's up to the buyer to make the same mods...and that's what I did. It was a little nerve-racking putting holes in the top of a brand new Ric, but it turned out great. Once you've added the Burns knobs and the bowtie bridge, you've "walked in John's shoes".

Of course, then there's the small matter of leading a mega-group, making millions, and having people obsess over the size of your hands 40 years later. But I've least I've got the guitar part nailed.

Damn!! It was sold yesterday....... oh well, August is nigh!

I agree with that totally....but why was the 325JL sold without the bigbsy? I'm looking forward to my 325C64...I've been told it will probably be Christmas at the earliest....but I'm patient (or at least I keep telling myself that).

The 325JL never had a Bigsby as it was based on Lennon's second 325 model. It came with the Ric accent vibrato. I own both the 325JL, plus a 325C58 that I did the Lennon modifications to. I would love to get a new 325C64 just to compare it to my 325JL. From what I've read so far, especially on some of these posts is that the 325C64 is about is close as you can get to Lennon's second 325 model.

Man...I guess I never realized it, but did Lennon not put a bigsby on the second 325? Did he keep the Kaufman?

the second 325 has the "Accent Vibrato" not the Kauffman that the first one did.

Rookie mistake. My apologies.

No big deal Alisha! I learn something new on here EVERY DAY!!! You're in for a BIG treat when that 325C64 arrives!!! Like I said, I own two (325JL and a 325C58), and I still want another one! You're in GOOD COMPANY!

Agreed . I learn something new here all the time. I don't even have a Rickenbacker yet, but the 360/12C63 and 325C64 will be the first two... the first one is on order, the second one I'll probably order sometime later this year.

so its possible to screw up your 325 if you use the kauffman the wrong way !?!?