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Red 330
Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2011 5:14 pm
by The Mod Lang
I found this used Red 330 online for a pretty good price and bought it. I will arrive next week so I have some time to think it over. From what I can figure it looks like a 1980's model. Are these good? Do they sound/play any different than the recent 330's? Does anyone own a Ric like this?
Re: Red 330
Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2011 5:29 pm
by libratune
There are a number of these 330 Red BH BT on the Register; most are from the early '90s:
http://www.rickresource.com/register/in ... celebrity=
Re: Red 330
Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2011 6:00 pm
by indianation65
A 70s, 80s, 90s or newer, you can't go wrong with the greatness of the 330, headstock size large or small, (another topic), you scored big time with your new purchase. I have an '88 and it kills!
...wisdom
Re: Red 330
Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2011 6:31 pm
by The Mod Lang
indianation65 wrote:A 70s, 80s, 90s or newer, you can't go wrong with the greatness of the 330, headstock size large or small, (another topic), you scored big time with your new purchase. I have an '88 and it kills!
...wisdom
Good to hear. I hope this one is in good condition so I can keep it!

I guess Rickenbacker has been making the same guitars for a very long time, so quality and consistency are not so much of a problem. I'm hoping I should have nothing to worry about when ordering an older Ric except, of course, for age and wear.
Never really came across this color before on a 330. Looks like most of them on the register were in europe and GB?
Re: Red 330
Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2011 9:35 pm
by Folkie
Jacob,
I have the exact same guitar, but with six extra strings! Mine was made in 1991, and I love it to death.
Robert
Re: Red 330
Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2011 9:55 pm
by manta
I had a new Midnight Blue like that in the 1990s. Played and sounded great. Enjoy.
Re: Red 330
Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2011 8:28 am
by captsandwich
Both my 330s are early 90's.
My six string has black hardware.
I have found that the necks on my guitars feel a lot slimmer than early 2000s.
Not a scientific study by any means, but I love my big headed babyies.
Re: Red 330
Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2011 9:40 am
by The Mod Lang
captsandwich wrote:I love my big headed babyies.
I know there is a pretty lengthy debate over "big" v. "small" headstocks and, from what I could tell, it looked like mostly a matter of personal opinion. Is a big headstock top-heavy at all?
Re: Red 330
Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2011 1:22 pm
by David Watts
I know there is a pretty lengthy debate over "big" v. "small" headstocks and, from what I could tell, it looked like mostly a matter of personal opinion. Is a big headstock top-heavy at all?
I think it's just a difference of look, a matter of taste.
My "big head" 1990 330 is well balanced, the headstock doesn't dive.
I've played one of those red 330 with black hardware. A friend of mine owns one like that, and she is as nice as mine.
Re: Red 330
Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2011 6:50 pm
by Hotzenplotz
The Mod Lang wrote:I found this used Red 330 online for a pretty good price and bought it. I will arrive next week so I have some time to think it over. From what I can figure it looks like a 1980's model. Are these good? Do they sound/play any different than the recent 330's? Does anyone own a Ric like this?
Did You use already the serial decoder?
http://www.rickenbacker.com/service_serials.asp
Then You know the exactly dates of manufacturing.
PS: Congratulations! A 330 is a very good guitar, simple, nice and perfect. And versatile.
Re: Red 330
Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2011 7:20 pm
by The Mod Lang
Hotzenplotz wrote:
Did You use already the serial decoder?
http://www.rickenbacker.com/service_serials.asp
Then You know the exactly dates of manufacturing.
PS: Congratulations! A 330 is a very good guitar, simple, nice and perfect. And versatile.
Nope, but thanks for letting me know about this! I'll check out the serial # when it comes in next week.
Re: Red 330
Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2011 7:45 pm
by Hotzenplotz
O.K., waiting for more details after arrival. And pics, please!
Re: Red 330
Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2011 8:10 pm
by egosheep
Love that red, congrats!

Re: Red 330
Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2011 11:16 am
by captsandwich
I've never noticed any top heaviness on my 6 string.
The 12 is dives slightly due to the extra tuners, but it's no big deal.
PS: Congrats. Once you go black trim, you never go back, Jim.

Re: Red 330
Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2011 12:16 pm
by The Mod Lang
captsandwich wrote:I've never noticed any top heaviness on my 6 string.
The 12 is dives slightly due to the extra tuners, but it's no big deal.
PS: Congrats. Once you go black trim, you never go back, Jim.

Great, I just didn't want to get something that would dive every time I let go of it like an SG or something.
And I already love the black trim! It reminds me of my old guitar that I played for years and sold over the summer