Rickenbacker 430

indytone · Post by **indytone** » Fri Apr 16, 2004 4:56 am

There is a shop about 45 minutes away that has a '75 Jetglo 430 for $550. I have never seen one of these in person and have never heard one. What do they sound like? How do they play? I'm in the market for a good solid body guitar that I can rock out with (something I don't want to do with my '57 Gretsch Clipper).

Do ya like the 430 as far as a solid-body Rick goes? I don't want to even compare the 430 to the 330/360 because it's a totally different looking (and I assume feeling) guitar. So, standing alone, what do you think about the 430? Are the pick ups jangly and crisp?

melibreits · Post by **melibreits** » Fri Apr 16, 2004 6:15 am

Hmmmm....the price sure doesn't sound bad. I don't know anything about the 430 model, but if I were you I would go to the shop and see if they will let you play it.... then you can decide for yourself whether or not it is what you are looking for.

indytone · Post by **indytone** » Fri Apr 16, 2004 6:47 am

I intend to do that, but I want to make sure it's even worth the trip before taking a road trip.

jwilli · Post by **jwilli** » Fri Apr 16, 2004 7:02 am

Anthony, I've got a '75 430 also. Cool guitar. Hi-Gains. No complaints from me on it. You can certainly rock out on it

. It's worth a 45 min. drive and the price is fine.

indytone · Post by **indytone** » Fri Apr 16, 2004 7:40 am

Great. Thanks John. I am wanting something I can beat around and the 430 looks pretty well constructed. I have enough "baby" guitars and want something I can rock and not really care about if it gets a chip or something.

indytone · Post by **indytone** » Mon Apr 19, 2004 8:04 am

Going to check out the guitar today. I asked the guy to describe it to me and it sounds like it looks exactly like this one: http://www.rickbeat.com/modelslibrary/430/430-fran-frontfull.jpg

Can't wait to hear it. I'll post pics if I bring it home.

beatlefan · Post by **beatlefan** » Wed Apr 21, 2004 7:41 am

You mean WHEN you bring it home!!

melibreits · Post by **melibreits** » Fri Apr 23, 2004 4:14 am

Hey Indytone, what did you think of the 430? Is it yours now? Just curious, as I have a model 220 which is the same body style, but with humbuckers and unfinished maple neck and fingerboard, and single tone and volume knobs.... it doesn't jangle at all, but it sure is cool, and can absolutely rock...!

indytone · Post by **indytone** » Fri Apr 23, 2004 6:52 am

I didn't get it. I think the pick ups were semi-shot to be honest. It sounded like a bunch of angry bees buzzing when I wasn't playing and for the price tag of $550 I didn't think it was a good deal. I would have paid ~$250 max for it. I'm not a cheapskate either, but it just wasn't for me.

One thing that I really didn't like was the neck hieght in relation to the body. I just looked messed up and I knew it would eternally bother me every time I went to play.

Another thing was the actual sound of the pick ups. Like I said, I think they were shot or close to it. It didn't sound any different than any other guitar I could get for less money. Needless to say I was dissappointed after driving an hour to experience this.

I'm sure there are some really awesome 430s out there, this was not one of them unfortunately.

However, I just picked up a De Armond M-75T for $250. The thing is exactly what I wanted: an inexpensive, solid built, neck-through body guitar with great pick ups and a Bigsby-style tremelo to boot!

Probably the best purchase I've made in a while other than my '62 Silvertone amp

melibreits · Post by **melibreits** » Fri Apr 23, 2004 8:34 am

What a bummer....how disappointing about the 430! But at least you got a guitar that you're happy with....