Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Im trying to decide if I would actually use one of these tiny gitters, Ive owned 4 320s but never got around to being in a band back when I had them ....
who actually plays one of these out live in a gigging situation? Im not talking about Beatle tribute bands, actually bands that write their own material

cool video thanks....

sloop_john_b wrote:

I believe that is our fellow forum member, David Kim, vintagemusicgear.

Nice video, Dave!

A non-RI solidtop 325... Zoinks.

I play my 325c64 at gigs from time to time. It holds its own against any other rhythm guitar, but I don't like to solo with those thick strings. The 325 has a very unique and vintage sound that I quite like.

I never, ever considered a Rick shorty but wow! I have no interest in the early Beatles' sound nor want to have Lennon memorabilia - but that guitar sure can make some sound! I especially like the upper switch position.

I'm used to soloing on 11's, and SRV used 12's, although his string tension would have differed, with the half-step drop and longer scale length.

Anyway, I really dig all of David Kim's videos (that I've seen so far) and his demo of the 325.

yeah I dont know if I would use it enough but I have a 360-12 and a 330 and I kinda want on again

That's what I always liked about The Romantics:

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I play my 325V59.

Cool video! I'll have to pick up a three pickup Rick one of these days.

Wow, that is a brilliant advert! What a great video and fantastic selection of sounds!

Another movement on my list.

(I am just revising the sequence. This goes right up to the top of my list now)

Over the years, in fact, over the decades, Rickenbacker has managed very successfully to retain a pedigree and aura that few other guitar makers have, perhaps only Fender and Gibson. In look and sound they are instantly recognizable and very unique. But this video shows that they are no one-trick pony but are very versatile, especially used in conjunction with good quality amps and good guitar effects, and that there is no sound they cannot produce and no music genre in which they do not excel. The opinion about Ricks being only good for vintage stuff, or only as a rhythm guitar, etc. does not hold water because these guitars, including the little 320/325, can hold their own in any company, be it jazz, rock, and even some "heavier" music, as this video shows very nicely. I also think that the JangleBox is a natural ally of Rickenbacker guitars and beautifully enhances their already spectacular tone, and that includes toasters as well as the newer high gains.

Unfortunately I am just too big to be using a small scale guitar like the 320/325 comfortably, but as far as the guitar itself is concerned, I think it is absolutely an iconl!!

Bojan

Classic guitars should be played, and David Kim demonstrates that fully in his videos. Really seems like he's having fun, too, which adds to the enjoyment of watching him play. Thanks, David!

eh......my experiences with the short scale Rics were mixed.

I think it is a very cool little guitar for the short time period I owned one. It was great to have lying around on the couch, to strum whilst watching TV etc. It's small size feels very comfortable to have around you.

On the other hand (literally), I felt cramped playing it. I am a pretty small guy, with smallish hands, and yet I still felt cramped on the 3/4 scale Rickenbacker neck. It was great for rhythm work, and after playing a 325 for awhile, it becomes quite apparent how Lennon pulled off those strange rhythm parts that seem impossible on full-scale necks.

My suggestion to you is that you really need to sit down for an hour or more with someone else's 325, or at a music store etc....and try for yourself.

Alternately, I'd suggest finding a moderately priced one for a "trial run." If it doesn't suit you after a few weeks, sell it again (you're not likely to lose money in the process).


I bought one because I figured my small hands would suit it well (after hearing that here etc..) and it just wasn't the case. I wouldn't mind owning another one when the time was right, but it would really be just to have one around, not to get a specific sound or use out of it.

+1 wrt cramped fretting issues, Collin. I have similar issues with playing the 325 model, as fun as it is to play. Even before the 12th fret, the space between frets feels cramped to my hands. The full scale 350 is a nice alternative for me.

+1 on your comments Bojan!

I do my best to achieve non-traditional "Rick" sounds/tones out of my Ricks all the time, even with the 12 string.