Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

There has been a lot written on the forum about modifying different Ric models with different types of vibrato arms - some easily reversible, others not so. Would someone be so kind as to give a quick synopsis of the different types of vibrato arms that can be added to 300 series guitars and how extensive/reversible each specific mod would be? Are there any variations within the 300 series - e.g., could one type of arm be easily installed on a 330/340 but not a 360/70? Thanks in advance.

Bill, I think that when you say, "arm", you mean "assembly", correct?

You have, for practical purposes, two types of vibratos: the kind that can be put on without mods--Accent; and the kind that require drilling--Bigsby.

The B5 is the most common Bigsby, and it requires 4 screw holes to be drilled. It installs equally easily on either a 330 or 360 style Rick, and others, too, as it's equally at home on a flat top solid body as in the sculpted recess that is the hallmark of the Rick semis.

(Speaking of hallmarks, my Hallmark Swept Wing has a wonderful Semie Moseley-designed vibrato that is same as Mosrites have; it's sand-cast, beautifully-chromed and works a treat.)

Accent? Goes on most Ricks by simply undoing the rear strap button. You could add a couple of screws to stabilize it but strictly speaking, it's not required.

I VERY highly recommend a Bigsby if you're looking at vibrato. I love mine. I was really uneasy about modifying it, but I wasn't disappointed at all. I think the sound was just superior to an accent vibrato. It's on a 330. I don't use it much, but when I do it's a nice steady vibrato sound and it doesn't ever go out of tune on me. I highly recommend it.

See now I prefer the Accent. It's not as heavy as the Bigsby, and for subtle bends, I think it sounds better. Its spring is a lot stiffer, and it doesn't allow for crazy dive bombs, but if you're looking for just a little bit of a subtle swell, it can't be beat.

I have a 1997 three pickup model (spc) with the Accent vibrato. It is an integral part of my sound and style. And I've never had a problem with tuning or re-stringing.

The reason I play the 1997 so much more than the 360V64 is the lack of vibrato on the latter. So... I'm thinking Bigsby on it! Dusty, does it still fit the original case easily?

Yes, I did mean vibrato assembly Paul. Thanks for the input fellows.

I just put on my accent vibrato last week. I have a '60s 335 and when I picked up a new 330 I really missed having a vibrato. An simple modification and an easier switch than a Bigsby.

I LOVE that arm, Walter. But I've seen them modified and/or competely replaced as in the case of the famed Marty Willson-Piper Ric. His featured a straight piece of roundstock! Any marginally competent machinist could slap something together for you. Or you could simply unscrew if from the tailpiece, cut the sharp point off, and dremel/sand it smooth.

Best of luck.

Or, you could stick on a vinyl tip, available at Home Depot and Ace hardware for a quarter. I wonder if a Fender vibrato tip would fit?

Good one, Walter.

A FENDER part on a Rickenbacker?!? For shame, Paul! LOL

The Bigsby does work with the case lid closed. I move it around closer to the bridge, but that's mostly just a personal thing. But it closes just fine. We did a little fifties and surf type of stuff in a band I was in, and it worked really well for that.

Excellent.

Dusty, how the hell did you play it with the case lid closed???

Seems like it might, er, affect the sound...

hahahaha, I didn't even notice my problem with phrasing there. I just meant that it does fit and there's no problems or modification needed. A cheap Les Paul copy I was making into Neil Young's Old Black required a new case though, so I guess it all depends on the model and the case. But on my 330, I had no trouble whatsoever. The Bigsby worked whether I needed just a little subtle bend for texture, or whether I was using it for a more dramatic effect. I highly recommend them.

I know that this thread is about modifying a 300 series RIC, but I think it should be added that the best vibrato for any RIC is the "high performance vibrato system" available for the 650.

So if you are looking for a RIC with a really good vibrato, it might be interesting to get a 650 C/D/S VH. If I really need a vibrato for a song, I always use my 650AVH. The Bigsby on my 325V59 is also quite nice and the RIC Accent works on a 330 and 360, but the "modern" vibrato of the 650 is the best vibrato available for a RIC.