Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

My first post here at RRF was here. I was seeking out an 82 or 83 330JG, like Johnny Marr's '83. Shortly after that post, I managed to buy my first Ric, a 2009 330JG. I loved the sound, and I spent money changing the tuners to Klusons, but I never really bonded with it. I ended up selling it because I needed some money, and never really regretted it, but I have never stopped wanting a "Smiths Spec" 330 from the early 80's, 1983 preferably. One with a dull lower horn, X-brace, etc etc.

Late last year I was searching "1983 Rickenbacker 330" on google and an Ohio craigslist posting was the top result. I emailed the owner and explained that I couldn't afford the guitar at the time, but that it was "The One" that I wanted. He was a very nice guy and explained to me that although he had had many offers on the guitar, none were local. He said he would hold it for me if I could pick it up in person sometime in the next few months. I immediately started selling whatever I could part with, and I got the guitar paid off around christmas. I picked it up in person on Jan. 4th. Serial #WG1075, dating it to July of 1983. 1983 was the last year F.C. Hall owned Ric, and it may be the lowest production year of the modern era... really low numbers that year.

A previous owner had Rotomatics on it, which I immediately set to work taking off. I had already bought a set of Grover Slimlines to install on it, as it had originally(from the holes and imprints). One of the rotomatics had been superglued in place, so I had a local shop remove that one and install conversion bushings and the new tuners.

I have it back with me now, and I'm just over the moon. It's among the best sounding Rics I have played, and for sure the best guitar I've owned. The sound is just unreal, just so chimey and ahhhg wow!! The bridge higain is a lot quieter than the neck, but it works to great effect. I love the X-brace and I'm obsessed with looking at it through the sound hole. When I put my finger in the soundhole to feel the inner edge of the guitar, you can feel the rough-cut routed texture. It's just beyond cool. The ramp is totally dished out in my favorite way, and is parallel to the pickguard(the way nature intended). The neck is slim, as far as I can tell(I haven't played enough Ric's to really compare)... and the fretboard is thick and awesome.

Here's a few poor photos... I hope to take some better ones in a few days.

That is a really happy story. I am really pleased it all worked out and how lovely to find a seller who was willing to trust. A very happy ending.

Cool story...congrats!

Great story, the passion is overwhelming! Good luck with your dream guitar!

Kees

Very cool...

I know the feeling. well, we all probably know the feeling.

Congrats Thomas. The X-bracing adds a good weight to them compared to modern ones and the headstocks are a lovely shape too. I hadn't really noticed the parallel ramp/pickguard, but now that you mention it, it does look "right". I'd love a Jetglo or a White one from the same period.

Very cool purchase.

Congrats Thomas glad it all worked out for you.

Congratulations, Thomas!

Which was the last year - or even month - with x-bracing in 330's ?

Does the x brace impart any sonic difference?

Reynman wrote:Does the x brace impart any sonic difference?

From an older thread:

johnhall wrote: The X bracing, when combined with a thin top, certainly does have a nice acoustic sound quality but the later carved-in-place bracing guitars sure have a great electric guitar sound- volume, sustain, and presence- that you don't get with the earlier ones. I guess it just depends which sound you're looking for.

I think in the early 80's the tops were a little thicker than older ones but they still had the x brace, so maybe the sound was a little less acousticy. I can say that mine has an amazing sound, and a different sound than my '09 330; I did some recordings with my old one, so I can make a direct comparison. I also just like the idea of the brace and things being done old-school.

egosheep wrote:

Reynman wrote:Does the x brace impart any sonic difference?

From an older thread:

johnhall wrote: The X bracing, when combined with a thin top, certainly does have a nice acoustic sound quality but the later carved-in-place bracing guitars sure have a great electric guitar sound- volume, sustain, and presence- that you don't get with the earlier ones. I guess it just depends which sound you're looking for.

I think in the early 80's the tops were a little thicker than older ones but they still had the x brace, so maybe the sound was a little less acousticy. I can say that mine has an amazing sound, and a different sound than my '09 330; I did some recordings with my old one, so I can make a direct comparison. I also just like the idea of the brace and things being done old-school.

Could you share this comparison with us? I am very curious to hear the difference.

Best wishes,
Kees

Here's a few more photos... I still haven't had a chance to take good ones, it's been too sunny lately. Need plenty of cloud cover to get the mood right!

Like that and it's a fitted case too. Nice one.

Kees wrote: Could you share this comparison with us? I am very curious to hear the difference.

Best wishes,
Kees

Hi Kees, it's not really suitable for comparison because the old recordings are within a mix(not isolated), and I haven't recorded the new Ric... I've just played it though the same amp set up, playing the same parts, and I can hear a difference. But every guitar is different, so I'm sure there are varying sounds within the same year.