Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

They look so similar. The only difference I can tell is the 360 has rounded edges where the 330 is a little more
flat and straight. Is there more than this?

I am looking at getting one or the other...which is better in your opinion? I am looking at 6 strings.

Thanks!
Jeremy

360 has "deluxe' features like inlays and binding, and the body shape is rounded. The two models will sound pretty much identical if they have the same pickups/strings/etc.

30.

captsandwich wrote:30.

I have both versions. The 330 is a little more open sounding, perhaps fuller, with a little higher output. The 360 is a little smoother, perhaps prettier sounding when played clean. Both are great sounding and great looking. I would give a slight edge in sound to the 330, but a slight edge in looks to the 360. You can base your decision entirely on looks, and you'd be happy with either.

steverok wrote:I have both versions. The 330 is a little more open sounding, perhaps fuller, with a little higher output. The 360 is a little smoother, perhaps prettier sounding when played clean. Both are great sounding and great looking. I would give a slight edge in sound to the 330, but a slight edge in looks to the 360. You can base your decision entirely on looks, and you'd be happy with either.

Are they from different years, Steve? Different strings on each? I think the nuances you may be hearing can be attributed more to differences in these areas than something like body shape.

thanks for all your input, guys. you've been a tremendous help!

jeremy

sloop_john_b wrote:

steverok wrote:I have both versions. The 330 is a little more open sounding, perhaps fuller, with a little higher output. The 360 is a little smoother, perhaps prettier sounding when played clean. Both are great sounding and great looking. I would give a slight edge in sound to the 330, but a slight edge in looks to the 360. You can base your decision entirely on looks, and you'd be happy with either.

Are they from different years, Steve? Different strings on each? I think the nuances you may be hearing can be attributed more to differences in these areas than something like body shape.

I remember JH posting something similar to what Steve posted, about slight differences in tone because of the different body shapes.

That said, I can't tell the difference, and I don't care anyways...

I own a '64/'65 330 reissue (Rose Morris 1997 reissue), and it's the best guitar I own. I use it for basically everything I play (except the heavily distorted stuff, which I have to turn to a Tele or a Strat for).

It's all a matter of opinion, if you can A/B them at a local store, go for it and let us know what you get!

monoBEAR wrote:thanks for all your input, guys. you've been a tremendous help!

jeremy

You sure it wasn't output, Jack?

My gripe with the 330 model is that the body edges are not bound and the (relatively) sharp edges tend to get dinged up rather easily. The 360 body, on the other hand, has a rounded top and a bound back, so it is more "ding resistant," meaning less likely to get dinged and less likely to show the dings.

Ding-o!

Nobody does more stupid things on stage than me, and I have yet to ding either of my 330s.
May I suggest using a strap?

Don't be a ding-bat.

libratune wrote:My gripe with the 330 model is that the body edges are not bound and the (relatively) sharp edges tend to get dinged up rather easily. The 360 body, on the other hand, has a rounded top and a bound back, so it is more "ding resistant," meaning less likely to get dinged and less likely to show the dings.

Ding-o!

Well, you could always buy one of these WB models used and have the best of both worlds, or have a 330 upgraded by one of our fine forum luthiers!

Wow, you really went ALL OUT on that 330 upgrade -- even adding a Ric-o-sound dual input jack. Looks just like a 360 WB to me!

Ding-a-ling!