Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Just an observation as I continue looking for "the" guitar... there's a stack of 360/6s and 360/12s around at really low prices, aren't there?

Anyone have some thoughts on why there's a glut of 360s at present... and why they are the same price (or even cheaper) than their 330 and 340 bretheren - even though they were initially more expensive at retail?

Because a lot of people like the look of the 330 better and are more inclined to keep them?

Well, obviously, but why would that be? Is there something about the 360 that people get tired of, or don't realise when they are purchasing one? It just seems to be such a marked difference, there must be a reason, to my mind.

I dunno. It's one of those subjective things, I guess. It's funny, in a way. I've heard a lot of folks say they prefer to play the 360 because the rounded edges are more comfortable.

Maybe those that buy a 330 want a "classic" Ric that looks like a Beatle guitar, so they keep it out of "nostalgia" or as a fashion statement. Perhaps those that have a 360 buy it as an instrument, and are more critical and objective in their assessment, and therefore more inclined to dump it if their tastes change or they find it somehow lacking.

In other words, it might be more of a commentary on the people who bought them rather than the guitar itself.

Or maybe there are just a lot more 360's around.

I think the Beatles thing is a huge factor.

Maybe it's just a personal preference thing.

I happen to like the 360 better because i'm a big neck binding fan, and the rounded edges on the body make it more comfortable for me to play

I prefer the 330 because it balances better when playing seated, and I like its nearly-symmetrical looks better than the 360. Not a big deal but given a choice I'll take an unbound dot-neck anytime.

Most interesting comments Dave. It would also seem that the physical characteristics that you favour, that is symmetry and neck construction, probably make for differences in sound between the 330 and the 360.

I got my 330 as opposed to a 360 because it was slightly cheaper, no other reason

Now that I will probably get a 12, I wish I had gone with a 360 for a 6. That way I could get a 330/12 (And have one of each.) 330 seems more logical for a 12 because ya get a little more playing real estate with an unbound neck.

Has anybody ever actually tested the sonic differences between a 330 and a 360 in a controlled setting? I can't tell the difference on a recording - usually the player's amp, style, string choice, and other factors make a larger difference to me.

I have to chime in too about the unbound dot neck. I'm with you Dave. I've been spoiled forever with the finish of my 4001C64S. I actually think it looks better than bound and sharktooth inlays. How about RIC make a 330 or 360 satin finish??? I would be interested in that in a heartbeat. Any thoughts?

I've had both, and to be honest I sold the 360. Here's why. (warning: contains opinions!)

I, personally, think the 360 is too 'soft' looking. Rock guitar tends to be about aggression, and the 360 ain't very aggressive looking. In my opinion, the only person that ever looked really cool behind a new style 360 was circa '67 Roger McGuinn. Don't know why. Maybe the natty suits. Anyway, the 'softer' look combined with the 'deluxe' options has always made the 360 seem, to me, to be the fancy pants rich man's Rick, even though the 360 is only like $100 more than the 330.

The 330 is more bad-*** because of it's sharper, more aggressive looks (yes, even in Mapleglo like mine), it's reputation as the lower-end of the 300 series line (therefore being a 'working man's' Rick), and it most resembles the guitars used by Harrison, Townshend and Weller. And of course, Radiohead uses 330s, too, which I'm sure helps the model's popularity. Also, it's a bit hollower and it gets a real great barky rhythm sound.

Anyway, it's my two cents. Take it or leave it.

I agree with almost everything Ethan said, of course I have the best of both worlds, a 360v64, nice sharp horns and the nice fancy pants options that I do like. I have had 5 different 360's throughout the years, but the only Electric Rick Geeeetar I still have is the 360v64

On the "Rock" look. . . yeah, a jetglo 330 is about as aggressive as you can get w/o getting into cheesy floyd rose metallic sparkle spandex territory.

Peter, you are probably correct. In any case, the overriding factor is the tone. The 330 with hi gains is plug and play for me.

Also wanted to add that the body edge is just not an issue with me.

Oh yeah, well I like the 360 just fine. I just wish that it came in pink!!