Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I recently bought a 330/6, my first Ric of that body style. I instantly fell in love with the shape and feel of the guitar, it's easily (for me) the most comfortable Ric I've owned.

At present I've got the 330 with hi-gains, and a 620VP with toasters. I'm toying with the idea of selling the 620, whose body size has always been a bit small for me, and buying something in the 330-shape with toasters. What I want is basically a 21 fret 330 with toasters. After doing a little snooping around, it looks like the only option at a reasonable price would be the reissue 1997. I like the no-frills, no inlays/binding look of the 330, so I think I'm going to pass on the 360v63.

So, 1997 owners, how do you like 'em? Can you give me a ballpark estimate of what I should be spending? The ones I've seen in the little research I've done were in the $1500-1700 price range.

Any help would be appreciated!

I love mine, Sean!

IMO the toasters are the absolute beez nutz on that body style with 21 frets. I have a 1997, a 330/6 with VP option and a 360/6 with hi-gains and to be honest, the 1997 is the best sounding of the three and it and the 360/6 have a less 'clubby' neck than the 330.

A 330/6 with the VP option would hardly be a compromise but if you can get a 1997 for around or even under $1500 you would do well to pick it up. If you're looking for Fireglo, the added bonus with the 1997 is the darker 'vintage' finish. The trapeze tailpiece may also appeal. I paid $1299 USD for mine about a year ago, FWIW.

Not exactly a brilliant shot but here's a comparison of the two:



The 1997 will be treated to a full 'Wilczynski' treatment this weekend, BTW...

The 1997 will be treated to a full 'Wilczynski' treatment this weekend, BTW...

Tell us more...

Hmmm... Zymol & diapers?
Nice couple, BTW...

It's a 'longish' thread, Clive, but it gives you a good indication of what can be achieved with the right ingredients - and a Rick, of course!

Try this:

http://www.rickresource.com/cgi-bin/discus/show.cgi?tpc=63229&post=199699#POST199699

I showed the Jetglo 360V64 to another forumite last weekend and he was most impressed!

Ah ha. I thought it was maybe being shipped off for modification/ respray/ etc.

I must agree though, there is real therapy to be had polishing a Rickenbacker!

Sean: You can't go wrong with a 1997 reissue. It's a classic design that's built better than the original 330-series guitars. I have a '66 335 FG, but prefer to play my 1997 reissues. I have an '89 1997VB FG, '91 1997 JG, and a '99 1997 FG. They are all excellent guitars.

Sean, I have a 1997SPC/VB and it is without question the best guitar I've ever owned, played, performed, or recorded with. The 360V64 comes close, but the 1997 edges past due to its balanced sound and versatility.

The neck is perfect!

A breathtaking photo Noel. Two beauties, but for me the 1997 takes the prize.

I am very impressed with my two. Playability, A+, as well as tone. Had to get a second after buying the first. Want more! If I were to collect non-bass ricks, these would be them. A 1987 and a 1993.

My own 1997 is headed toward SPC/VB three toaster territory.

It is the sad possessor of a clownglo paint finish but will be refinned as soon as my workload slows down (2010?). I also plan on doing the fifth knob volume control mod, where it controls the middle pickup independently.

I have owned several 1997's & have a FG example at the moment. Great gtrs, but I fear that this one is heading for the exit door shortly. The 24 fret higain gtrs are becoming the obvious choices for me & the toasters don't really cut it (except in 12 strings). I do like the little extras though & the 360WB is a great choice for those that like the 330 shape & 24 fret neck (not particularly 24 frets, but the pickup spacing that comes with it!).

My ultimate....a 360WB with F hole & small headstock...we can dream can't we?

So, you might sell your 1997, eh?

Well I guess I'll have to keep my eyes peeled for a nice 1997, then! Thanks for the responses, any excuse to exercise my R.A.S. is good by me.

It looks that way Jerry.....