Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I'm looking to purchase either a 370/12RM or a 360/12. I have a few questions. Is one a better instrument than the other? Is one more collectable? If the answer is 360/12 which year would you recommend?
Thanks,

bj

Not better, but different.

The 370/12 McGuinn model is more collectable; limited edition, built in compressor, 3 pick-ups and probably more $$$.

360/12's come in old style (OS) which is double bound, more aggressive treble horn or new style. The 370/12 RM was made in the new style.

OS 360/12's probably are more expensive than new style.

The 360/12C63 is a new manufacture with the OS body, double bound, toaster pick-ups and 21 fret versus 24 fret. New 360's come with hi gains.

A 370/12 RM is a highly sought collectable. However, I would not overlook a 360/12 Carl Wilson.

bjdeluxe wrote:I'm looking to purchase either a 370/12RM or a 360/12. I have a few questions. Is one a better instrument than the other? Is one more collectable? If the answer is 360/12 which year would you recommend?
Thanks,

bj

Welcome to the forum!

The 370-12RM is a better instrument than a standard 360-12, for the reasons mentioned above plus the neck is built like a '60s neck, thinner but not narrower.

Minimum cost on 370-12 RM (if you can find one) with onboard compression would be $3500 based on recent ebay sales. Those with Mapleglo finish generally go for more.

Collectible 360-12s would be any of the Color of the Year series issued from 2000 to 2006 (some moreso than others). 360-12s from the '70s through the mid-'80s are often good values, are collectible and can be found in cool finishes (e.g., Autumnglo) and also in nicely-shaded Fireglo or other finishes and sometimes with vintage-style "toaster-top" PUs. (I personally would avoid those with black hardware/trim -- they don't seem to be as collectible.)

Finally, as mentioned, other things being equal, double-bound 360-12s are generally more desirable than the "new style" rounded-top 360-12s.

This is actually a great time to be buying a new 360/12C63, RIC's reissue of the double-bound G Harrison model. Dealer discount prices can be found in the $2500 area, plus or minus.

Good luck in your search!

Does it have to be a Roger Mcguinn model? I can highly recommend a standard 370/12. A Janglebox would do the job of the built in compressor and would also work out cheaper and certainly easier to find than an RM model.

If you had the letters CW at the end of "360/12" I would recommend that model. But as I've seen in another thread, you have the chance to get the McGuinn...if funds aren't an option, GO FOR IT!

Pick of the Ricks has a mint 360/12 CW, if you're interested....

For collectors purposes get a 370/12RM but they get expensive and once someone gets one, they usually don't want to let go. There are some on ebay though. Assuming you are talking about a new style 360/12 I would simply get one of those, install a 3rd toaster in the middle, and run it through a jangle box.

Well as I suspected, you guys have been a tremendous help. Thanks. I just pulled the trigger on a Jetglo 370/12RM! I should have it by the end of next week. I'll let you know when it gets here and after I've played it a bit. I'm pretty excited about it.

Good for you, Joe! Be sure to post some pictures, as we all want to see it.

You'll be amazed at it's awesomeness and versatility, especially if you're a Byrds fan. The compressor has a certain something about it that makes it possibly the best way to nail the Byrds tone. Also, I think a certain Mr. George Harrison was also with a jetglo McGuinn in 1988. I can clearly hear it throughout Traveling Wilburys, Vol. 3, particularly "Seven Deadly Sins".

So I got the guitar today. As strange as this may sound (maybe not to you guys though) it's wired backwards. The volume control for the bridge pickup adjusts the neck pickup and the volume control for the neck pickup adjusts the bridge pickup. Also the toggle switch is backwards. Any of you guys come across this?

Thanks.

bj

370 for sure!