Top Of The Line model?

[dustymurphy]

Recently I've noticed a lot of grey market 660 and 660/12 models for sale, and in the description many (almost all) of them say "This is Rickenbacker's top of the line model." or something close to that. Now while I agree it's certainly the top of the line solid-body model, but wouldn't a more elaborate or more expensive model, i.e. 381 and 381/12 be considered top of the line? Or is all just a sales point? I realize this is probably a stupid question, but I've seen it so many times I just had to ask.

[rick_ovic]

To the best of my knowledge the 381 and 381-12 are considered the "top of the line" in the guitar range, if you exclude the Jazzbo. They usually have figured wood, toasters, full width inlays, check binding etc.

The 660 is the top of the line in solid bodies.

[dustymurphy]

That's what I thought/felt too, but I'd seen it so often lately, I began to wonder. I even saw one for sale in Canada a little while back (sent to me by a friend who wanted me to look it over for her) that claimed the 660 was the 'crown jewel of the vintage reissue series', so I wondered if it was just someone who didn't know Rics well selling for a quick buck, or if I was wrong about my opinion of what was the flagship model.

[jingle_jangle]

The 660s are the Crown Jewel Solid Bodies.

The 381s are the Crown Jewel Hollow Bodies, and all-around TOL.

[scotty]

Em I personally think this is the top line in all rics

[JakeK]

Wasn't the 1993 a Top of the Line model at one point? God, if that model could be reissued...

[lennon211]

Wasn't the 1993 a Top of the Line model at one point? God, if that model could be reissued...

Nope. I think that would have belonged to the 360 in those days, as the 1993 wouldn't have had deluxe inlays, among other things. If I had to judge a "top of the line" model, I'd say it would be the 381 as it is simply one of the most elaborate Rics that there is with the deluxe appointments and the carved top.

[dustymurphy]

If I had to judge a "top of the line" model, I'd say it would be the 381 as it is simply one of the most elaborate Rics that there is with the deluxe appointments and the carved top.

I agree with that sentiment completely (just like everybody else on here ). It was just popping up so often that I thought that maybe I was confused or unaware.

[collin]

Wasn't the 1993 a Top of the Line model at one point? God, if that model could be reissued...

Nah, that was only TOTL model for the RM series in the UK. A std. US 360/12 was the most deluxe Ric at that time (stereo inputs, neck binding, triangle inlays etc). The 1993 is a mix of Deluxe 360 features and 330 standard features.

Yeah..I agree on the reissue bit. Don't count on it though. (Though I would sign any petition towards it!)

Cheers,
-Collin

[goofyfoot]

381V69 + 381/12V69 are TOL models for me, although let's face it......any Ric is TOL when you consider it. Late....Goofyfoot.

[JakeK]

My vote goes to the 660/12 as the TOTL. Best electric 12-string ever made!

[wj350]

Looking at Ric's 2007 MSRP price list, the "TOTL" top 5 models appear to rank in this order:

1. 381/12v69 ($5409)
2. 381v69 ($4949)
3-5. 325c58, 360/12c63, and 4001c64S (tied at $3839)

The 660/12 would come in somewhere around #9, after all the C series and the 350v63.

Bill