Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hey guys,

So I've been looking for a 12 string Ric for a little while, and I had been tossing up between a 360/12v64 or a 360/12c63. Then I started looking more into the 381/12v69 and hot damn. GAS!

The cheapest I can find it for is $3250 - in fireglo, which is what I want. Just dont want the new price tag.

So what are my chances of finding a used 381/12v69 in fireglo for around $2500? - which is what I was expecting to pay for a 360/12v64 or a 360/12c63.

They appeared pretty regularly a few years ago, but you're right -- ever since the price increase, used 381's (twelves in particular) have been pretty thin on the ground. I guess the reasoning is that if you sell it, you'll never be able to afford a new one. I would hold out for one in the $2800 range, but you'll have to be patient. They are definitely worth the wait.

The difference between 3250 and 2800 is so nominal; why wait?
If you like what you find, make a reasonable offer; you'll never know what
a person will say...
They do turn up from time to time, but since the list is now over
5K , most dealers are going to price used ones accordingly....
True, they aren't as rare as some, but being at the top of the line,
they aren't in abundant numbers either.....

As well, they are hard to find new.

chefothefuture wrote:The difference between 3250 and 2800 is so nominal; why wait?
If you like what you find, make a reasonable offer; you'll never know what
a person will say...
They do turn up from time to time, but since the list is now over
5K , most dealers are going to price used ones accordingly....
True, they aren't as rare as some, but being at the top of the line,
they aren't in abundant numbers either.....

True the leap from 3250 to 2800 is not much, but I had been looking at 2500 as my upper limit on a 360/12v64 or c63.

At then end of the day, other than cosmetics, are these guitars going to sounds much 'better' than a 330/12 with toasters? - which is at least 1k cheaper.

I haven't checked my math, but I believe they are 51 better than a 330.

51 eh?



come on, I know 'better' is subjective, would like to hear opinions from folks that have tried both though.

The difference is perceptible--mostly in the feel of the instrument. My V69 was the second of my new Ricks; it still gets trotted out only for special occasions...its feel is one of vintage style and solidity It is a heavier guitar than my 330, and it could be my mind playing tricks, but it sounds less woody than the 330. I've never done the math; could be that the 330 has more air inside; the V69 is definitely thicker around the edges, and with a smaller diaphragmatic area front and back, you'll get less hollowbody "vibe".

The 330 is a light Fall suit. The V69 is a full-tilt cutaway with tails. It's a class thing. The 330 has a name like "Smith". The V69 is more...hyphenated.

jingle_jangle wrote:The difference is perceptible--mostly in the feel of the instrument. My V69 was the second of my new Ricks; it still gets trotted out only for special occasions...its feel is one of vintage style and solidity It is a heavier guitar than my 330, and it could be my mind playing tricks, but it sounds less woody than the 330. I've never done the math; could be that the 330 has more air inside; the V69 is definitely thicker around the edges, and with a smaller diaphragmatic area front and back, you'll get less hollowbody "vibe".

Mine was a very early one (L0 XXXX - 12/87) and the top and sides were very thick. It was a very body-heavy instrument, but I don't think I'd call it unbalanced. Extremely "solid" feeling. I remember reading that the v69's have changed over time, but I'm not sure how exactly - maybe they're less bulky now?

Tone-wise, I always felt it sounded a bit "stiff" - glib, I know, but that's the best way I can describe it! I prefer a 330/360, tonally. There is certainly some difference there.

The 330 is a light Fall suit. The V69 is a full-tilt cutaway with tails. It's a class thing. The 330 has a name like "Smith". The V69 is more...hyphenated.

Well said!

If you are going to be logging some serious playing time with your Rick 12, I would go for the 360-12, in whatever version -- reissue V64 or C63 or newer with hi-gains. It is light and fits under your elbow pretty well for hours of playing while standing.

The 381/12V69, as noted, is more bulky and heavy. The neck width is the same on both models.

The real issue for me with the 381/12V69, however, is that it is such a work of craftmanship and art, you likely will not want to drag it around for gigs. So if you are looking for something that looks super (hold out for flame!) that you will play for your own enjoyment, holding out for the 381 is not a bad idea. If you are doing gigs, I'd go for a 360. My issue with the 330 is that, without the edge binding on the body, it tends to accumulate edge dents and wear. My ear is not good enough to distinguish the tonal difference between a 330/12 and a 360/12. But any way you go, you'll get that Fabulous Rick 12 Sound!

PS: Despite what I said about playing out with a 381, a gentleman with the handle of bobfoleywines has a thread on the "Ricks for Sale" topic on this forum where he sought help in locating a replacement for his damaged 381V69 6 string that he gigs with. You could contact him and get his take on why he prefers a 381. Plus that thread provides some info on where 381s may be available.

PPS: Here's one just up on ebay, beautiful flame maple, min bid $2800:
http://cgi.ebay.com/99-Rickenbacker-381 ... dZViewItem

Good luck and happy hunting.

I haven't seen any on ebay in a long time. It used to be the Rickenbacker guitar I saw most frequently up for auction

libratune wrote:
PPS: Here's one just up on ebay, beautiful flame maple, min bid $2800:
http://cgi.ebay.com/99-Rickenbacker-381 ... dZViewItem

Update: This one didn't last long, went for $3200 BIN.

Thanks guys.

yeah, I'm leaning towards a v64 or c63 again now I think. Just to save a few $$. Eventhough I wontn be gigging with the 381 - I dont think I can justify over 3k on a fiddle. hehe

If anyone spots a v64 or c63 in fireglo let me know!\

Jump on this one, looks pretty nice. Auction ends tomorrow.

http://cgi.ebay.com/RICKENBACKER-360-12 ... dZViewItem

Hey Wes, thanks for that man. Yeah I spotted that one on ebay too. They wont ship overseas though. (I'm in Austalia.)

Not to worry, I need to sell by 360/6 before I can fund this one, so I have a little time on my hands.