Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I was wondering if anyone could help me decide which one to get--the 360/6 or the 370/6? It seems that the 370 would be more versatile, but they don't seem as popular...?

Also, vintage p/u's or standard on this model? I am leaning toward vintage. Yes, I have read what is on the forum on the pickups, but I seek more opinion!

If you can find a 370 (or really any 3 pickup Ric in a store) play it and see if your picking style gets messed up because of that middle pickup. For me, the 360 model was the way to go because of my picking style and the fact I use an ebow quite a bit. I have the vintage pickups on both my 360 6 and 12 models and am very pleased with their sound.

There's the wiring issue in the 370 too - Normally the middle and neck are slaved to the same volume and tone pots, so whatever you get with the middle, you get from the neck. You can modify the 5th knob to work as a mid volume control, however.

I'm wondering whether a 3rd pickup really would offer that much more sonic versatility. . . .

John - I am of the opinion that it doesn't (exceptions being the mix and match Toasters with HB1 mods, but as a stock item, no). At some point, you have to stop with the tinkering and just play the guitar.

"If you can find a 370 (or really any 3 pickup Ric in a store) play it and see if your picking style gets messed up because of that middle pickup. "

Same here . I have a 360/12 and a 370/6. It took me a while to get used to the middle pick up.. Having done so , it is now very playable and of course its no problem playing the the 360. I cant compare the sound directly but I am happy the way the 370 sounds

I have a 360V64 and a 1997SPC (3 p/u).
I've never had difficulty with the middle pickup being in the way -and I'm known to be vigorous with the strumming at times.
Both Rics in question have Toasters in them.
The difference in tones are not drastic, but I think a few things are evident:
1997 jangles more
360 has a bit more air and definition on the notes
360 is a shade darker in tone
1997 is a trifle brighter
360 has more compressed, midrange-y sound
1997 is capable of tremendous bass response
BOTH guitars have a gorgeous lead tone
BOTH guitars play as an extension of my body
360 gets meaner easier
These guitars cover a bit of the same sonic ground, naturally, but they do each have their own distinct tone/sound. If you're fortunate enough to have a store with both 2 and 3 p/u models in stock, give them a try. I cannot say that one is better than another.

Of my two Rics, (I have a 650 too, but it has humbuckers) I can never decide which one I love more.

Cheers, Noel
If you're getting

Thank you all for your views. I am leaning toward the 370. Unfortunately, I have only been able to test out a 360 with hi-gains and a 340 with toasters. The middle pickup didn't seem to get in the way on the 340, but I wasn't able to go nuts on it....

Oddball: Are you leaning toward the 370 based on looks or sound?

I played the 340 first, and loved the sound and the way it felt (and the look of course but secondarily). I like the look and it appears, slightly better quality, of the 360/370 better (for the relatively little extra $$). Having only played the 360 not the 370, the reason I'm trying to get some opinions between them is because I'm hoping that the 370 sounds at least as good as the 340 I played, with some manufacturing upgrades. The 360 I played sounded good, but I was not able to compare any models side-by-side. Maybe I am making unjustifiable assumptions...?

The pickup wiring is the same for the 340 and the 370, so all things considered I think you will be happy with the sound of the 370 with toasters. I think the only issue with the 370 will be the middle pickup and the extent to which it may get in your way.

The first thing I would do with a 370 is rewire it so that you can have seven different sound options as opposed to the three you have with the stock wiring.

I think I will do that, although I am somewhat concerned about warranty issues.

I plan to order it around the holiday--hopefully it won't take too long!

Thanks for your help.

I've been thinking about ordering a 370 with the HB-1 humbuckers. Any opinions on how this might change the traditional sound of a 370/6? Will it be darker, "fatter," less jangly? Will it make the instrument more versatile (I want to use it for blues/old R&B)?

Fury, I exchanged the toasters (7.4) in my Carl Wilson Ltd. Ed. for the HB1s. In short, I don't miss the toasters at all. I wouldn't call the HB1s "dark" at all. How about Hi-Fi? They are quiet but still retain that RIC sound. I luv 'em.

Jwilli, that's interesting... I suspected that the HB-1s would add more power but still be uniquely Ric. But what do you mean by "hi-fi"? More clarity? Presence? Would you say they're even brighter than the toasters? How's the bass response with them? Do you think the HB-1s would benefit from slightly bigger gauge strings in the D, A and low E positions? I know... a lot of questions. I'm really trying to convince myself to order a 370 this way... I feel that it would certainly make for an unusual guitar.

Fury, I would say that clarity, quietness and bass response would all figure into it. I don't think that they are brighter but they are bright enough. I like a heavier guage string on my RICs. .054 to .052 down to .011 or .013. (with a wound G string). It adds a lot to the sound. Order your 370 with HB1s. You won't be sorry.