Video of my 325c58!!
Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 6:50 pm
Hi folks -
Thought I'd post a link to a Youtube vid of myself, test driving my new Rick. I got it about a week ago off Ebay. Some of you may remember me posting a while back about hankering for one - had a 325v63 as a teenager - played if for ten years, and sold it. I'm 31 now, still big time into guitars and missed my old Ric. So I searched a while, and finally this popped up on Ebay. First, here's the video, and then I'll give my impressions after a week of playing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mp-Dbt9k41o
Sorry for the horrible sound quality, and rough playing.
Overall, I'm in love. I can't see putting this guitar down for a while. Guitars have a tendency to come and go here, as do amps. But the 325 was one of the main reasons I got into guitar. I just love the look of it. I've missed my old 325. I used to just LOOK at it, and I do the same with this one. I defintely don't do that with my other guits. The 3/4 scale felt like coming back to an old friend. And yes, the guitar is quite light in weight. Love it.
A few folks had posted about rough fretwork edges, but the fretwork on mine is flawless (2002, I believe). Overall, the fit and finish of the guitar is fab. The finish is even sunken in. The grain on this one is perfect - not too over the top, but not boring either. Just a nice straight grain.
Kaufman Vib'rola: well, it is what it is. Once the guitar is in tune, it tends to stay that way. The vibrato function is not very useful - I think it needs some Teflon. I did oil it, but really, it's just decoration. My take on it is that I love the look of it - the originality of it. I think it's great that Rickenbacker is this committed to making such fine guitars. I may throw on a Trapeze tailpiece, but the Kaufman just looks "right". I'm tempted to do a Bigsby but A) the ramp on this guitar isn't flat B) I'd hate to screw holes into it C) I'm more into vintage 325's than I am into Lennon's mods D) I'd never use it E) sure would look sweet though, and probably anchor the strings better, give a better tone.
Roller bridge: yeah, it rattles a bit, sometimes. But it's a little work of art in itself, as it the Kaufman. The roller bridge does allow for easy adjustment of intonation.
Pickups: well, I'm a pickup maker, so I'll probably end up handwinding them. I've rewound and repaired lots of Ric pickups over the years, but I think these sound pretty darn good. They are completely un calibrated - as you can hear in the video. Volume and tone changes between pickups. That said, I think the bridge sound perfect by itself. I don't find it thin, except when switching between them. Overall, very nice sound.
My overall impression is the same as when I left it when I sold my 325 8 years ago. It may not play as great as others, may not sound as good as others - but it certainly has it's own appeal that is hard to deny. That's really a personal thing, however. But I am completely impressed with Rickenbacker for their commitment to making such great instruments in the USA. I paid a pretty penny for the guitar, but I think it's worth it. I hope it sticks around a while!
Thought I'd post a link to a Youtube vid of myself, test driving my new Rick. I got it about a week ago off Ebay. Some of you may remember me posting a while back about hankering for one - had a 325v63 as a teenager - played if for ten years, and sold it. I'm 31 now, still big time into guitars and missed my old Ric. So I searched a while, and finally this popped up on Ebay. First, here's the video, and then I'll give my impressions after a week of playing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mp-Dbt9k41o
Sorry for the horrible sound quality, and rough playing.
Overall, I'm in love. I can't see putting this guitar down for a while. Guitars have a tendency to come and go here, as do amps. But the 325 was one of the main reasons I got into guitar. I just love the look of it. I've missed my old 325. I used to just LOOK at it, and I do the same with this one. I defintely don't do that with my other guits. The 3/4 scale felt like coming back to an old friend. And yes, the guitar is quite light in weight. Love it.
A few folks had posted about rough fretwork edges, but the fretwork on mine is flawless (2002, I believe). Overall, the fit and finish of the guitar is fab. The finish is even sunken in. The grain on this one is perfect - not too over the top, but not boring either. Just a nice straight grain.
Kaufman Vib'rola: well, it is what it is. Once the guitar is in tune, it tends to stay that way. The vibrato function is not very useful - I think it needs some Teflon. I did oil it, but really, it's just decoration. My take on it is that I love the look of it - the originality of it. I think it's great that Rickenbacker is this committed to making such fine guitars. I may throw on a Trapeze tailpiece, but the Kaufman just looks "right". I'm tempted to do a Bigsby but A) the ramp on this guitar isn't flat B) I'd hate to screw holes into it C) I'm more into vintage 325's than I am into Lennon's mods D) I'd never use it E) sure would look sweet though, and probably anchor the strings better, give a better tone.
Roller bridge: yeah, it rattles a bit, sometimes. But it's a little work of art in itself, as it the Kaufman. The roller bridge does allow for easy adjustment of intonation.
Pickups: well, I'm a pickup maker, so I'll probably end up handwinding them. I've rewound and repaired lots of Ric pickups over the years, but I think these sound pretty darn good. They are completely un calibrated - as you can hear in the video. Volume and tone changes between pickups. That said, I think the bridge sound perfect by itself. I don't find it thin, except when switching between them. Overall, very nice sound.
My overall impression is the same as when I left it when I sold my 325 8 years ago. It may not play as great as others, may not sound as good as others - but it certainly has it's own appeal that is hard to deny. That's really a personal thing, however. But I am completely impressed with Rickenbacker for their commitment to making such great instruments in the USA. I paid a pretty penny for the guitar, but I think it's worth it. I hope it sticks around a while!
