Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I'm confused about what years this model was offered. I bought the "history of Rickenbacker" book and it stated the 360WB was made from 1983-1984. Yet the 360WB I have (according to jack plate serial) is Feb of 1982... Also, when I pump in my serial on the Rickenbacker official site, it says Feb of 1981, so not sure now what year my guitar is... it starts with a "V"..

Anyway, does anyone have any additional information on this model?

It's listed in the '70s "Walnut 360" catalog ('75?) and was discontinued almost exactly 20 years later, as the 360v64 became available in all colors.

Still kicking myself for not picking up a late-80s 370 BG I saw in Atlanta two years ago...

I've got an early 90's 370WB with factory vintage pickups.

So basically, the History of Rickenbacker book is full of ______ as far as saying only produced 83-84? Gee, I wonder how accurate it is as far as other models? Sort of blows the point of why I bought the book in the first place.. trying to find out more about the model I had.. seems like it isn't documented very well anywhere... does that mean it is rare because they are unpopular (in the big picture), are they low production or something? Is there any other books that anyone could recommend that are closer to the mark as far as accuracy of information?

I believe you could buy a 360 WB anytime from 1965 to about 1990 if you specified that you wanted the "Old Style" 360...
But I'm only a bass player so what do I know?

What a coincidence: while surfing, I ran across this pic. Here's a 370WB BG just like the @#$%ing one I @#$%ing passed on (see earlier entry this thread)...

http://www.gruhn.com/photo/EX0847.jpg

...and now it's at Gruhn's. I bet you a candy bar that it's the same instrument...

That is a nice-looking guitar.... I love the Burgundyglo. It looks like it needs toasters, though.

I haven't every played a ric with toasters... but, I really really like the sound of the high-gains in my 360... But I play a WIDE variety of styles of music being in a classic rock to modern cover band... Am I correct in assuming the toasters are more aimed at clean tones (i.e. less output, and brighter sounding?) But to get back on topic, so is the consensus that the 360WB was offered from the 70's to the 90's... why then is it so rare to see one of these on ebay for instance... seems like if it was made over the course of 20 years there would be more examples on the market...

Melissa, I agree with you completely.

Matt, I do see them from time to time on eBay, etc. - they were cool, and I wish they were still in the line, but for now, they ain't.

As for the pickups, your assesment of them is pretty accurate, however the toaster pickups, because they sound so great, are indeed good for multiple uses. Maybe not as sustain-y, but a turn of the knobs on your amp can fix that.


Post edited to make more sense.

It would be great if Ric offered the 360 and 370 as WB (or Old Style) models again. They have that classic look. But is this body shape not as comfortable to play as the current-style 360/370? Ideally, if I had my druthers, I'd order a 370WB with HB-1's and an Accent vibrato.

Matt, I think you don't see as many of these guitars on eBay because they are so beautiful nobody would willingly part with one.... I have seen one go up occasionallly, however. And Kenny is right about changing your amp settings for a Ric with toasters..... I have a 381v69 with toasters and it out-rocks all my other Rics! The sustain is truly incredible (maybe because of that deeper hollow body?) and it really surprised me when I started playing it. My other Ric with toasters is a 1967 365, and it is definitely brighter and janglier sounding; the toasters have a lower output and I wouldn't want to change that; nothing beats it for that authentic 60's vibe!

Lower output w/toasters? I was surprised by my recently aquired 660/12. It's freakin' LOUD. Maybe double the strings, double the LOUD .

Jerry, sometime when you get a chance would you give us a critique of your 660/12? I'd love to hear your thoughts about sound, balance, etc. I think we got the picture about volume.

Thanks

Lindsay: I'll be happy to, first give me a little time, need to set it up, get used to it, rehearse with it, etc. (been doing the major o.t. thang at work). Though I'm recording with it tomorrow, untested. But I can tell you this: it's LOUD.

Thanks, Jerry, I'm looking forward to it. No hurry though, my lovely wife just told me that she wants new carpet, so my guitar budget has taken it in the shorts (third time this year).

What a world...