Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

The time is set and I get to try out a used 2002 Rickenbacker 330 tomorrow night. I have never played a Rickenbacker before. I currently own an American Strat and a Gibson Les Paul Custom for my electrics. What should I look for and what should I expect? I've always wanted one since I was a kid (I'm 40) since I'm a huge Beatle fan!

A Ric has a feel & playability that is unique and is definitely different from any Fender and Gibson you've played. "Different" doesn't mean "bad", however. It's not realistic to pick up a Ric for the very first time and subconsciously expect it to feel similar to other guitars you've played. Keep in mind that a Ric isn't for everyone. However, I personally think you'll like the 330 when you play it, but you will have to give it a chance and take a reasonable amount of time to get accustomed to it. The pleasure reward will be great if you decide that the 330 is for you. "There's nothing like a Ric."

Don't play a 360 if you want a 330.
It may change your mind.
360 = more mojo

To answer your question, look for a 330 with distinctive chime, bite, and sustain.
Rickies twang better than Teles and their sustain is tastier than Les Pauls. Naturally, be certain the neck is straight and the bridge is fairly level.
You might find yourself thinking 'this is the fastest guitar I've ever played'. Really.
Try it with a clean amp first. You must hear the depth and wonder of the neck pickup. Somewhere between a grand piano and a bell! Try it with distortion, but not too much. Rics sound great with distortion, but they are punchy enough by themselves.
If you have the store to yourself -or if you don't- plug into an AC30 and tear into it.

Best of luck. Cheers, Noel

Don't cringe, but I play thru a Line 6 POD 2.0 or a Line 6 Flextone II XL. It only "models" the AC30 and I'm sure not a very correct one at that. They suit my purposes tho with play many different types of music. I play in my churches worship band and we play a little bit of everything. I could have used a Ric when we did the theme from the FRIENDs TV show. I'm a bit apprehensive in trying out the guitar in that I am afraid I will not like it. I have yet to play a semi acoustic that I have liked. Granted the ones I have tried were more of full size body and not the quality (ibanez, epiphone, etc). A Guild wasn't bad. Also, I've played Teles and was not impressed. Liked my Strat sound much better. This is thru a private party 2 hours away and I will be bringing my POD with (and headphones) to give it a shot. I will be dialing up the AC15 and AC30 and various other models I like.

It will sound great through the Fender settings too. I really like my Ric through the Marshall settings (on my Zoom modeler). Perfect nasal lead tone. But remember, I use my Rickenbackers for almost everything I play. My other guitars are added flavor.
Have fun, Noel

I like 330's too, but its mainly just because I like the way they look! So you think I would like the way a 330/6 plays? Is it a workhorse guitar?
I have played quite a few of them, but it was before I really got serious about playing the guitar. Now, I would like to try one, and I can't find one in stock at my local shop!