Which Ric should I get?

paulramon1962 · Post by **paulramon1962** » Sat Nov 26, 2011 2:39 am

Hi all, this is my first post, and if I'm putting it in the wrong place, i'm sorry!

I've been playing guitar for 10 years, since I was 9, and now I think I would like to buy a Rickenbacker. I've played a 330, a 360 and 360/12, and a '67 335. I liked all 3, but I also like the look of the 325C58MG and the 325C64. Any thoughts on which I should get?

Thanks!

jfine · Post by **jfine** » Sat Nov 26, 2011 5:47 am

First of all, what kind of music do you play? Twelve-strings are great for what they do well, but they don't sound good for everything. I'm assuming that you already have at least one guitar, if not several--what are they? You probably want to get something that sounds different from what you've already got--Rickenbackers are good for that, as they don't really sound like anything else, although a solidbody like a 660 can get pretty close to a Telecaster, and I used to have a 381 with Hi-Gain pickups that thought it wanted to be a Gibson...If you're thinking about a 325, I'd advise trying one first--the short scale puts the frets awfully close together, which can be problematic for some players (like me!). Although it does make Chuck Berry rhythms and "Honky Tonk" in F easier to play...If you find that you don't like the short scale, there's a full-scale version with the same body style called a 350.

jdawe · Post by **jdawe** » Sat Nov 26, 2011 9:32 am

Welcome! Luckily this is a multiple-choice test with no wrong answers, although if you hang around here long enough you may start to believe that the best answer is "all of the above".

Seriously, while the 325s are indeed great-looking guitars, I'd be hesitant to buy a short-scale if you haven't had a chance to play one before, as you may find it isn't your cup of tea. On the other hand you might love it.

I also think you'd be better off with a six-stringer as your first Rickenbacker - 12s are great, but a 6 is more versatile.

The bottom line is that you really can't go wrong with a 330 or a 360 - the quality is identical, and while the 330 doesn't have Rick-o-Sound, the odds are you won't use it much anyway. I'd also encourge you to try out a 620, which is just as good a guitar as the semi-hollows and might grab you. A 325 would also be great if you decide you're comfortable with the short scale neck, or you could consider a 350 with a regular scale neck.

electrofaro · Post by **electrofaro** » Sat Nov 26, 2011 11:53 am

Welcome Marc!

A 330 or 620 would make a great introduction to the world of Rickies. As Jon put it: soon you'll want them all!

I think you are McCartney fan?

paulramon1962 · Post by **paulramon1962** » Sat Nov 26, 2011 6:09 pm

Thanks for the replies. I play rock style, mostly blues, and until recently I haven't played much Beatles. I hold their music to the same respect as Bach or Beethoven: Don't play their music unless you can do it justice. Right now, I play an Ed Roman Baker..It's nice, but I've had a lot of customization done to it. I like short scale necks, I've just never tried a Ric one. I was thinking of a 6 string, even though the 12 string sounds so distinctive, just as an intro. I was looking at the 325 just because I'm a big Lennon fan. Yeah, I'm a McCartney fan, too, as obvious by my screen name. Place that reference.

The 330 I played was incredibly versatile, and I was thinking of that, and then maybe getting a 325. Tonally, what do you think the differences are?

JakeK · Post by **JakeK** » Sat Nov 26, 2011 11:00 pm

There's a man I know who knows all the ins and outs of blues. He played the 325 I owned briefly, and had lots of trouble playing it, it was not suited for blues.

The 330 seems more practical, and if money is no option, opt for the '67 330

Any Ric will blow that Roman Faker...Baker out the water.

paulramon1962 · Post by **paulramon1962** » Sun Nov 27, 2011 3:08 am

Yeah, I know my baker isn't great, but it gets the job done. I'm trying to build an arsenal. For a lead guitar, I'm thinking of an Ibanez Fireman Paul Gilbert model, then for lighter leads and rhythm a 330 and a 325 respectively. I really wanna 325...I just have that Beatle influence rooted deep inside me!

The Mod Lang · Post by **The Mod Lang** » Sun Nov 27, 2011 12:09 pm

I'm about your age and have been playing guitar for just as long. I play powerpop and garage rock, but still love to jam out to the blues every once in a while. When I sold my gibson I knew I wanted a Rick, but wasn't sure which one fit me best considering I did not have a ton of money to build a guitar collection. My Rickenbacker 620 is perfect for every type of music I play and very versatile/durable. The neck-thru design adds sustain and the neck pickup can get a real bluesy tone if so desired. I play alot of leads in the bands I'm in and nothing beats the lightening-fast fretboard and low action.
Anyway, good luck finding your Rickenbacker!

paulramon1962 · Post by **paulramon1962** » Sun Nov 27, 2011 5:40 pm

Thanks ModLang. I listened to some of your band's stuff. It sounds really good, and you can hear the Rick. It's so distinctive. There's a bit of a tone difference from the hollow ones, but eventually I'd like my collection to include both.

Hotzenplotz · Post by **Hotzenplotz** » Sun Nov 27, 2011 6:49 pm

At first: Welcome!!!

A few thoughts:

1. Every Rickenbacker offers a typical Rickenbacker sound. Which one(s) You like most is just up to You. What about music stores and try some there? Some vids in the net?

2. Rickenbackers are the money worth. Some old ones have some "habits" (e.g. truss rods until 1984, Kauffman Vibrato @325C58), but all are good (made) instruments. Normally the guitar necks are small ~41,4mm, some models offer wider ~44,5mm necks: 650 and 660 models.

3. An, not over priced bought, used instrument is sellable for the same (+/- a few bucks) price. Maybe a good way to look for the right one. Spend a lot of time with and keep the eyes and ears open. - Hmm, that reminds me of real life...

4. If You like 3/4 necks is not just a pure Rickenbacker question. 3/4 scale means less space and less sustain paired with higher gauges (bending is different). That is the character of every 3/4 shaped guitar. Some say additionally a 325C58 is "special" to play compared to the more common 325C64. - No idea, never played one...
BTW theC58 is made from alder (Rickenbacker's "favourite" wood is maple) and offers just one truss rod. - Most ever built Rickenbackers offer two truss rods: A perfect adjustable neck (right maintenance preconditioned) with extremely comfortable low action is really realisable, a feature that finally tacked me down to Rickenbacker as my preference.

5. Do not hurry, going into the Rickenbacker thing means to slow down! All the time there are good ones out there to grab, but checking the market over a longer period provides maybe from a wrong choice in different aspects. Take Your time and feel a while and read maybe in this forum.

A lot of threads show interesting aspects, give more and deeper information, and so on. And a very fine and gentle community here, BTW. - I could not talk about Rickenstuff so much out there like I do here. A good crowd to spend some time with.

Rickissippi · Post by **Rickissippi** » Mon Nov 28, 2011 12:23 am

A straight-up 330 will probably be more readily available and accessible. I agree with the statement that a 330 is probably the most practical of the options you mention (I note you didn't mention 620s). For me personally, though, I just had to have a 360. It was the guitar of choice of several of my early heros, and I wanted the deluxe appointments. I am absolutely loving my Rick - my favorite electric guitar I've ever owned among a Tele, Strat, Les Paul, and PRS. It is my go-to lead guitar; no clue why they don't have more of a lead guitar reputation. The great thing about Ricks, though, is that you can't go wrong - there are no cheap imports from a lesser factory with the same decal.

paulramon1962 · Post by **paulramon1962** » Mon Nov 28, 2011 1:58 am

Thanks for that. I like the look of the 600 series, and I like the sound. You can really tell when Tom Petty plays one on Full Moon Fever as opposed to the 330. I'm thinking of a 330 first, then getting a 325C58 or C64, then maybe a 620...I decided on the 330 for a few reasons: I've played one and absolutely loved it, they look gorgeous in any finish, and I'm thinking of getting a 330 to 331 conversion done..Gotta love that glitz.

8mileshigher · Post by **8mileshigher** » Mon Nov 28, 2011 2:27 am

Welcome to the RRF, Marc !
Sounds like you are already thinking like an RRFer with the plan for a 330, a 325C and a 620 !! Your Ric Acqusition Syndrone will be nurtured along quite well by the members of this Forum !

We share your excitement in taking these first steps.

paulramon1962 · Post by **paulramon1962** » Mon Nov 28, 2011 3:22 am

8mileshigher wrote:Welcome to the RRF, Marc !
Sounds like you are already thinking like an RRFer with the plan for a 330, a 325C and a 620 !! Your Ric Acqusition Syndrone will be nurtured along quite well by the members of this Forum ! We share your excitement in taking these first steps.

Thanks! Yeah, I just love guitars. They are amazing.

crstory · Post by **crstory** » Mon Nov 28, 2011 11:00 pm

Welcome to the forum young Marc. There is a wealth of knowledge here....... I hope that you enjoy it as much as I have. I had a friend in college that owned a tuxedo 330 and he would let me play it. Never forgot about that sweet guitar and now I own 6 different Rickenbackers. Believe it or not each one has its own distinct sound and feel. The craftsmanship is unmatched IMO.

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