Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

what is the real difference between the modern 360 and the modern 330 in terms of sound, craftsmanship, and value? i know the aesthetic differences between the two and that the 360 has the ric-o-sound stereo feature, but is there really an added advantage here? thanks

I've been battling a broken foot and the flu ,sorry it has taken me so long to get back to your question .
I'm surprised that John Hall did not volunteer the answer,so I will give you an objective ,un-official version.

The routings of the inside are indeed slightly different ,but I don't think that it is a sonic difference.

The two key factors for me that are the real differences are the playing surface of the fretboard (and this is the stock -from the factory version ,not the re fretted version ).

The nut width on both is the same .The difference is the 360 is physically narrower due to the binding.The fret are at the first fret is less than the 330 .The frets run all the way to the side on the 330 ,giving you maximum area for vibrato.On a neck that is narrow already ...I need the most are I can get.
On a 12 string ...the look is definately the 360 ,thanks to the BYRDS...but Rogers fingers look like they were put into a pencil sharpener and are tappered !!!!I tip my hat to him for playing stock guitars.

I have brought this up numerous times and it is an ancient 'complaint' .BUT... when you are making and selling as much as Rickenbacker does...hey ,what do I know about it .All I know is ,my 12 string is as wide as I can get the playing surface.

Value...thats for someone else to tell you .Me,I'm in it for the tool,the sound then the value.With over 25 guitars in my 'collection' and I play 3 nights per week ...I want my gear to work.

The second factor is the 'window dressing '

the 330 is the plain Jan and the 360 is the dressed to the nines guitar

I think of them as the ES-335 and the ES-345 of Rickenbacker.

Hope this is what you are looking for .If not ,email the Rick sales dept and ask any of the people there.That will be official and you won't need to say ...."But Arnquist said..."