Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

The 1981 330 FG is here................

I took a very fast peek just to make sure she is not damaged and closed the lid again. It's 5C outside and the van it came in was heated so maybe in a couple of hours I can take a good look at it. Pics to follow assuming I can put it down and all is OK.

Congrats Brian!!

Glad it came in safely.

Thanks guys,

I have just finished a playing it through my amp. What a tone monster. The HB-1's just soar. Beautiful tone and sustain into next week, if I want it. All it needs is a new set of strings a top guard and a few other personal touches (gold guards and vintage knobs are in the works) and it is a keeper pretty much as is.

Btw the guitar is an 8 out of ten for wear and tear. Not too many marks on it at all for its vintage. No buckle rash and just a few lttle nicks that are barely noticeable close up. From a distance of ten feet it looks perfect. Pics tomorrow.

Congrats Brian!!!
We want pics!

Congrats! And yes, pics are a must!

Congrats Brian!!
If you sent it to me, you wouldn't have to worry about it slowly coming up to room temperature.

Congrats Brian --- for that year 330, were the Humbuckers standard or did someone special order them or perform a modification ?

Hey, Brian, congrats and good for you. Like everyone else, be nice when you can post photos.

Thanks again everyone.

Rich this guitar originally came from the hotbed of musical activity called Nashville. The previous owner now lives in Collierville, TN and according to him he had his luthier make the changes so he could get a hotter, crisper sound.

I was dubious about the change particularly since some guitar players are really down on the HB-1's. I have an HB-1 on my 350 in the bridge position which I covered with a toaster cover and I love the sound of that guitar as well, but as difficult as it is for me to acknowledge, this 330 beats the 350 hands down for tone and sustain.

This guitar will get a similar treatment as it will soon be sporting toaster covers. Anyway I am surprised at just how much tonal range there is from this guitar and just how down and dirty it can get just like a Les Paul.

With it's 60's spec thin neck, small headstock and vintage tuners it's a players dream.

Pic's tomorrow when I can get some natural light to capture the beauty of the vintage looking FG.

Wow! Sounds great Brian... Congrats again!


Can't wait to see the images... Clearly 1981 was a good year...

Congrats, mate..... glad you're happy with it.

Congrats Brian on the 330.