Heeeelp! 1997 330 FireGlo max you'd pay?

[JackAlan]

Hi Everyone,

I'm looking at a really good condition Ric 330 FireGlo 1997 made. In the current market approx what do you think is a good price for me to pay, (forget the seller, it's all about me right now )??? I don't want to over pay for this old a guitar. Also, do they vary much in price (increase with a newer guitar that is) as you get newer from about the late 90's to say 2009?

Thanks for the help. Have a 2001 JetGlo, but if I can get a FireGlo I may part with the JG.

Jack

[jwilli]

Personally, I would rather own a newer 330 with a smaller headstock. RIC made the headstocks smaller starting when? In '08?

[stringsncords]

Average price on the 'bay for a 330 in good to excellent condition is about $1,200. I'd start there. Good luck!

[larsongs]

Mid '90's were good years for Ric's. They are probably as desirable or more desirable than a new one. As of today on Ebay prices range from Buy for $1600.00($1450.00 Bid) to $1950.00. the only one that's Fire Glo is $1950.00.

You can buy a new one(in Stock) from North Coast Music for less. www.NorthCoastMusic.com

Glenn

[JackAlan]

Thanks for the advise guys. I was ready to bid on the 97 330 on Ebay last night (before it went over where I would have gone). It was down to the last 4 mins. and was still okay price wise. Our new dog started to get sick and I ran to the door (too late) and then had a mess to clean up. Missed the bidding. I'm going to take that as a message I didn't what that one.

I will keep looking for a great condition Fireglo 330 on Ebay. North Coast didn't have any 330's but I'll check on prices. MF has one for about $1799 new. Would rather be in the $1200-$1300 area.

Any advantage/disadvantage of a 360 vs a 330? I kind of like the binding & fret markers on the 360 best, but like the squared off sides flat sides of the 330 best. Did I read that in the 60's the 360 used to be flat sides (not the rounded over edges)?

Thanks again, back on the hunt I guess.

Jack

[trosse]

It's often said that there's no particularly good or bad Rickenbacker years - they are all top quality years.

That said I'll ad that I've got a 1997 360/6 FG - which is absolutely perfect.

The wood, the crafmanship down to the smallest details, the quality of the parts, the finish - very pretty... The weight, the design, the tone, the set up, the playability, there's simply nothing bad to say about this 14 year old fellow. So - I'll almost promiss that Rickenbackers made in the year 1997 are damned good.

I've been across many custom shop Fenders and Gibson - and non of these get even close in build quality to Rickenbackers (R have no custom shop). Not even my 1960 mainly hand build Gibson ES-330 match the Rickenbacker quality.

The world is far from fair btw.... my 1977 (!) Fender Stratocaster is the guitar in my collection, that come closest. The problem with Fenders is unfortunately, that the 100 before it and the 100 build after it on the production line - may be unplayable... That's not the case with Rickenbackers.

And how much to pay??? If a guitar is the one you really wan't and not just another guitar you wan't to sell again within three months because you now fancy a blue one - then pay what the seller asks. $300 over price doesn't mean anything if you get a guitar that you'll keep for 40 years + ... right?

[larsongs]

I assumed you were looking for a 12 String. You're correct NCM has 2 - 12 Strings no 6 Strings. There is a Jet Glo 6 on the Bay starting Bid $1350. Good luck in your quest!

Glenn

[indianation65]

Mr. Alan,
I seem to recall your initial desire was for a Fireglo...good luck in your search. It will find you. Here is a photos of a beat up 330 I snagged for about $800 or so, with a very beat up original case. I put some love into it, sanded the deep scarring on the back and made a truss cover. A non-original Rick truss cover, or anything non-Rickenbacker may not be for everyone, but I enjoyed the challenge. The axe sounds great, and is definitely a player guitar. Seabiscuit taught us that just because it's damaged, don't throw it out! Again, good luck friend...fire can be hypnotic!

...wisdom

[JackAlan]

You are so right on the FireGlo. That was my first pick but a JG came my way for a very good price and good shape. I'm looking at a 325V64 JG that's for sale for $2000 and didn't know if that's high or low or about right. That & a 330 FG would be the ticket for me.

Jack