Why Rickenbacker Guitars Fell Out of Favor

In today's video, Paul Drew from The Studio Rats is looking at Rickenbacker Guitars, specifically the Rickenbacker 360.
Rickenbacker started producing instruments in 1931 and soon followed producing electric instruments in 1932 due to them inventing the guitar pickup.
In today's video, I'm using an IK Multimedia TONEX pedal with one of our Matchless captures.
Here is what Rickenbacker say about the Rickenbacker 360
This guitar broke all the rules of traditional styling when it appeared amid the 'British' sound of the 1960's. Subtly updated through the years, this Deluxe hollow body with its special contour around the entire body perimeter, is still perhaps the most comfortable guitar of all. The bound body and Rosewood fingerboard, inlayed with triangular pearloid markers, provide an exceptionally attractive appearance. Stereo output is standard. Also available with an additional pickup (Model 370).
The Studio Rats are core band members Paul Drew on guitar/production/mixing, drummer James Ivey.

[@theyearsshallrun6641]

For me, it’s simply price that stops me playing one. Love the look, love the sound (clean and driven), love the heritage, love that most of my heroes played one. But I’ve never been able to justify the £2.5k+ price point.

[@WhoTheFxCkAreYou]

And then the fear to take it to a gig where you might have it stolen...

[@TheBalloonHoax]

Yep. This. I honestly think the day they create a more affordable, even like 1,000$ guitar, they're gonna invigorate a new generation of players to pick em' up.

[@phayzyre1052]

For me, it’s price that stops me from owning a lot of guitars! One thousand US dollars is about as high as I will go when buying a guitar. Anything over that they can stick it where the sun don’t shine.

[@KennedyIvy]

Its also pretty ugly guitar and doesn't have steller reputation

[@theyearsshallrun6641]

@@KennedyIvy Agree to differ I’m afraid :) Think it’s a thing of retro beauty!

[@ACOUSTITRON-mp6tc]

I don’t care if they are hard to play or unpopular. They sound incredible.

[@houseofsolomon2440]

Fred Sonic Smith thought so - his 450 sounded Amazing!

[@Happyboymargarine]

In my opinion. No pickup is as nice as a ric. No pickup of any kind

[@iamroberty]

I think it's because they're expensive, don't make import models, feel weird compared to Gibsons and fenders, and were never that popular outside of a handful of big artists so there aren't many used ones out there. I think Gretsch was in a similar boat but they started making more accessible models and now they're all over the place.

[@fargeeks]

I heard they do not even give you a price when you browse them

[@mr_bassman6685]

@@fargeeks Apparently Rickenbacker doesn’t have set retail prices for their guitars (only suggested list prices) so dealers can set their own prices as long as they’re not advertised, so that they can be sold based on availability. Honestly, if that means you could potentially get a good deal on a Rick, I can sorta see the benefit in that.

[@adamprice3466]

Ovation needs to use that strategy, they're still making that same Glenn Campbell guitar

[@ds97853]

You want to get laughed out of the room, show up with an ovation.

[@6catalina0]

If you want to play Rockabilly - you need a Gretch - No other electric guitar has that “Wall of Sound” needed to create the true sound of Rockabilly. And no other guitar benefits from the Bigsby like a Gretch. The most versatile guitars are the Gibson ES 335, Chuck Berry, BB King, Steve Howe of Yes, Eric Clapton in his Cream days - and the Les Paul, Slash of Guns N’ Roses, Ace Farley of KISS, and Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin. The Rickenbacker 360 12 string semi hollow body has that chimmy sound that that made The Beatles and the Byrds pick it up and later, Tom Petty and his Lead guitarist. There are many guitarist that play Stratocasters. But for me, the Strat doesn’t come into its own unless Jimi Hendrix is playing. He’s the only guitarist that needs a Strat.

[@martindavies4155]

Must be missing something as it all sounded absolutely fabulous! Love the sound of Rics

[@TomClarkSouthLondon]

All you’re doing is making it sound beautiful, it is an awesome guitar and the unique sound is making me ecstatic😅

[@TheStudioRats]

Glad you enjoy it

[@jimnagel5611]

ME TOO -- LOVE THE SOUND OF IT

[@socallars3748]

I must admit, while you're grimacing and demonstrating the issues you have with the guitar, all I can think about is how wonderful it sounds! @@TheStudioRats

[@scottlewis4387]

The best use of the blend knob is to blend the tone of the neck pickup with the bridge pickup when you have it in the middle position. It's like a resonance control like that, blending in your perfect amount of low end. On another point, I've had my Ric nearly 30 years and it's never been unstable in it's tuning, quite the opposite. And lastly, if you don't think it does well with gain, just give The Smithereens a listen. 🤷‍♂️

[@tombeckner404]

Yes ! Rick through a Marshall!

[@samburkes7552]

..That is exactly correct! Owned 3, 360/12s, one a Harrison model, a 1988 doublebound Fireglo..didnt exactly do it for me like my 2 older 1967 360/12s..I too bad to sell one. a Mapleglo, for a house payment or two..Wish I had it back..Still have my orig Fireglo, sounded front Deluxe 360/12; we met Me F.C. Hall, he helped us get a dealer in Orange CA, then back to Santa Ana. to pick out my 360/12..We got 10% off, Dad paid with ctedic card, was a present to me..Yes, I've still got it. Lots of gigs on it!

[@hfjjor3681]

The sound of that thing just gives me gooseflesh. It’s so lovely. Of course, half the credit for that goes to the player.

[@professorweedington4962]

Gooseflesh?

[@hfjjor3681]

It means goosebumps. I think the Brits and Aussies use that term. ​@@professorweedington4962

[@j0zart]

ive never heard anyone call it gooseflesh 😭 we say goosebumps where im from

[@AbbieHoffmansGhost]

I've been playing for 55 years and never once have I heard a bad sound come out of any Ricky. My good friend had a brand new 360 12 that I used to play with a 50 watt amp with the master at 10 through a Tube Screamer while my slide was a light bulb. Heavenly sounds.

[@drewnorth3816]

When you were saying it doesn’t handle gain well, I thought that overdrive sound was pretty killer.

[@user-qe4rs4gy9i]

Johnny Ramone was known to play a rickenbacker from time to time

[@fossilmatic]

Lol. I thought the same.

[@fossilmatic]

This guitar sounds great. Partly it’s because of all the reverb and delay you have going on, but also because the tone is rich with overtones, uncompressed and dynamic. This is especially an advantage when you play rhythm guitar, a lost art these days where most guitarists think two notes a chord will make 😊.

[@timothyvanburen3431]

I own two Rickenbacker guitars and they handle overdrive/distortion/fuzz better than every other guitar I have.

[@roughcutguitars]

"Doesn’t handle gain well" said Paul Weller NEVER :-D

[@fontcrimes2022]

I have a 2023 360, has zero tuning stability issues and love the lacquered neck haha

[@notreallydavid]

Am not a musician, but that's a _gorgeous_ sound - despite the drawbacks.

[@bigtimehikingguy4976]

he's completely overstating any "drawbacks" that might exist. This is just content creation - nothing more.

[@notreallydavid]

@@bigtimehikingguy4976 I don't know enough to have a worthwhile opinion on this, b. Even if it's nothing but a 'must post something + must overstate to get comments'' exercise, I'm grateful to have heard that tone. I'm easily entertained. Best regards from Nottingham

[@RaysDad]

It sounds great to me. I've played the same '69 Tellie all my life, but if I were ever to consider a second guitar I'd consider a Rick.

[@axesandelbows414]

I love both my Ricks. Hands down the best rhythm guitars I've ever owned, and when I solo on a Rick I keep it short and sweet. Moreover, I find audiences love the vibe and gravitate to the sound of an old friend. All I see is grins and smiles, transcending generations as people enjoy themselves. It's why you play. 🎈

[@TheStudioRats]

Well said

[@tululublue]

Ditto. I have a 360 and 330 and wouldn’t trade them for anything. When I track rhythm I try to vary in choice of guitars but so frequently end up with one of the Ricky’s in my hands. Clean to filthy they just sound so good.

[@Hiwatt100W1]

I love mine too. My comments above are similar to yours, Rickenbackers (especially with toasters) just fill out a nice space in a band, and they can absolutely be used to play leads- they just are not fat, but kind of a lean trebly timbre that cuts through the mix. Good example of this the late great Peter Banks when he was in Yes.

[@BluegillGreg]

Sounds like effects mostly. I'd like to hear it straight into a known clean amp like a Deluxe or AC30, with no tone rolled off on guitar or amp. Good educational narrative. Great overdrive sound, I enjoy how the drive retreats as the loudness dissipates, and the clear clean reasserts itself. Thank you.

[@TheFlowNetwork]

The 5th knob (blend) deserves a lot more praise! It can also blend between the two pickups when both are selected..which comes in very handy when using the stereo feature. Spending some time exploring the 5th knob can unlock a whole new world of tonal possibilities in a Ric.

[@melvynobrien6193]

We used to call a Rickenbacker guitar a Ricky; where did this Rick and Ric bullshit come from?

[@Minnevan]

@@melvynobrien6193it can have more than one nickname

[@dougferrell7047]

​@@CapraObscuraPlenty of Americans call them Ricky. Settle down.

[@montag4516]

The blend knob has always been my favorite knob on a Rick guitar. I would leave all other controls wide open and use the blend as an overall tone/contour shaper.

[@DeadKoby]

I have 3 Ric guitars. I absolutely love them. Production of them is modest, so even in dealer's shops, there's maybe one or two on the rack. The guitars are stigmatized with the "jangle pop" genre... but I've played everything from Punk to Country on mine.

[@docsspot1953]

I love the 360 12.

[@RandomNonsense1985]

Stigmatized? Jangle pop is fucking awesome!!!

[@DeadKoby]

@@RandomNonsense1985 I like it too.... but a Ric can do more than that... that's all I meant by that.

[@karmicselling4252]

For sure, RICs are versatile instruments. You can play a lot of different styles with them. But they excel at the jangle and chime, particularly the 12 string models. Nothing can produce a sonic landscape like a RIC 12 can.

[@gamer6550]

Fantastic review. I don't care what flaws this guitar has I WANT one

[@TR4Ajim]

I’ve played the same Ric 350 for 40 years. It’s never let me down. It always stays in tune. It takes pedals very well (I especially like a RAT with the Ric). I’ve had no playability issues at all, and doing bends is no problem. It’s like a thoroughbred, once you know how to ride it, you’ll have no other. The light weight (the 350 has a very small body) and a full dual scale neck, so when you’re up by the 12th fret you still have half the neck to go! Mine came with three of those “high gain” pickups. However I removed 2 of them, and replaced them with a Ric humbucker and a Ric “toaster” pickup (toaster/bridge, high gain/middle, humbucker/neck). I also added a Bigsby and a roller bridge. So I had access to a wide range of tones. In fact, during many gigs, people would comment to me how the Ric cut through the mix so well. That’s playing everything from heavy distortion, blues, and even slide. Rics rule!👍

[@pgroove163]

I love em'.. just honestly can't afford them..

[@FigidiniHillStudios]

I agree, once I got the 24 fret 350 I stopped playing any other guitar. I agree, set it and it stays set. Such a fun little race car.

[@hw2508]

Partly proves the point that the Rick stuck in the past and with modification the guitar becomes even better.

[@TR4Ajim]

@@hw2508 well the humbuckers are Rickenbacker, and Lennon had a Bigsby on his second 325, so if theyre stuck in the past, I’m all for it!

[@hw2508]

@@TR4Ajim No offence. No problem with adjusting stuff to your needs.

[@johnhulse4124]

A friend of mine, when I was still a kid, had a Rick 12 string, similar to his idol, George Harrison. He let me noodle on it occasionally through his Fender Twin Reverb, and I was dead envious of his available cash to own such great equipment, but I was also really knocked out by how rich the tone was with that setup.

[@worldlycashmoneyenterprises]

i have a twin reverb 76 and just use a danelectro 12 string works fine for me. dont have thousands to blow on a 330/12

[@Reidak12]

They’re definitely not for everyone and they’re not easy to play but to me absolutely no other guitar has such a singular unique sound.

[@michaelmoon8856]

Gretsch is equally distinctive. In a different way .

[@marjeziorny924]

@@michaelmoon8856 and Guild..

[@BlindingSun_]

Fender Jaguar has a unique sound so.. wrongggggg

[@karmicselling4252]

I agree. The Rickenbacker sound, particularly the 12 string, is unique. It's quite easy to distinguish between a Rickenbacker 12 and any other guitar, including any other 12 string electric guitar. Gretsch guitars do not produce distinctive sounds in the way Rickenbackers do. You would be hard pressed to tell the difference between a Gretsch and a Guild electric. The Fender Jaguar sounds like many other guitars too. Fender's distinctive sound is the Stratocaster Bridge and middle Pickup "Out of Phase" sound and the Telecaster Bridge pickup sound. Lots of guitars out there but none sound like a Rickenbacker 12. Greco made some decent clones but even those sounded a little different because they weren't strung the same way as the RICs are.

[@terrybuckwalter2340]

Thank you Paul for the video. The Rickenbacker in it's own element is a gorgeous sound! Your style of playing ,such as those lovely chord changes and your lead work, are so soothing to listen to. Reminds me how in the Bible when King Saul was troubled by an evil spirit he would call for David to play on his harp for relief. Quite a while ago Eric Johnson stole our hearts with "Cliffs of Dover," I think the world needs you to step up to the plate with a song that is peaceful and so full of beauty that it would motivate people to seek to be a loving to each other as possible!

[@marcbolan1818]

Expensive; narrow frets, etc. i loved my McGuinn signature 370RM 12 and owned a few 330’s which were great. The Jam, XTC, Tom Petty and REM reinvigorated them in the late 70’s & early 80’s.

[@stuartpowell255]

Johnny Marr too

[@Scott__C]

It's funny because of all the "problems" talked about, it's not like Gibson has fixed tuning problems in all their years of making electric guitars. And if they try, everyone says they want the old version.

[@moushunter]

As a 45 year owner of a 1974 maple 360 model I can't attest to them being terribly well built. The bridge is weak and will start buzzing as the screw ends lose their knurl and fall out of the hole. The neck needs to be set up differently than other guitars. It has 2 weak truss rods in the neck. To adjust the neck you can't just tighten or loosen the tension. You have to bend the neck with your hand and tighten or loosen each truss rod. If you don't do this you can unseat each truss rod and then have to replace them. I have the tremolo tailpiece on my guitar. It isn't the best for maintaining tuning, using the tremolo or not. The guitar is too pretty and feels fragile so it never gets gigged. It does record well though. I have never cared for the stereo feature.

[@jackhargreaves1911]

Important points. Especially the neck problem.

[@nuthinbutlove]

All of the above!

[@nolantaylor656]

Rickenbacker has switched to a new single truss rod system. Only the older models forced you pull the neck down and set the rod where it was needed.

[@ifarted2hard]

A 38. Revolver caused it

[@DeadKoby]

The Truss rod design was changed from 1984 onward. There's still 2, but they can move the neck on their own now.

[@MrZipdang]

I have a ric 340 with the extra pickup, and I find it hugely adaptable to all kinds of styles. It just has a sound that really cuts through, especially when you get your head around working the knobs out! My only real quibble is the narrowness of the low end of the neck. I love it though, use it all the time live, and in the studio, and would never part with it! Long live the Ric! Sounds particularly cool through a crowther hotcake.

[@Pchristensen20]

I have a 1968 Rick 370 with the toaster pickups. It’s fantastic. It does take gain really well. Sounds awesome through an AC30 - all your REM tones are right there. Also handles fuzz pedals great. Smithereens, Fugazi - Rics with gain

[@chrispodesta8105]

"all your REM tones right there." Hnnnnnngh 🥴

[@attentiondeficitsquirrel7660]

@@chrispodesta8105what’s with the REM hate? They were a great band.

[@chrispodesta8105]

@@attentiondeficitsquirrel7660 lol I think you misunderstood the intended meaning of the onomatopoeia there.... To say I like REM is an understatement. No hate from me. Trust me.

[@attentiondeficitsquirrel7660]

@@chrispodesta8105 sorry brother. I was just having a conversation with some friends about if you could have any band play in your backyard whether they’re alive or dead who would it be and a friend of mine chose REM. Everyone thought he was crazy for even mentioning them. This was followed by tons of criticism of both his taste in music and of REM themselves so I guess I’m still in defending REM mode.

[@chrispodesta8105]

@@attentiondeficitsquirrel7660 I've been in that mode frequently since about 1999 myself so I get it, hehe.

[@shredgd5]

Adding to the difficult bends topic is the long portion of strings behind the bridge. That’s a problem common to other guitar models, of course. The longer is the string behind the nut and the bridge, the more you’ll have to travel to reach the target pitch during bends, because some of the energy from your fingers is lost in those two portions of string (which increase tension together with the playing part of the string, during bends)

[@thebreakfastmenu]

Every Ric I've played was just lovely. Really fell in love with a vintage 330 that I got to try earlier this year, but alas. I didn't have several thousand on hand. Ric very much has its own thing going, and the price and the fact that it's "different" than a Fender or Gibson puts people off.

[@bravowhiskey3239]

For me, the Rickenbacker is what the best of the 60s sounds like❤

[@ngronlund]

I agree that they are not like all the other brands. But last I checked, there is a pretty long waiting list for a particular Ric you want. I still see indie bands play these all the time. Kevin Parker does wonders with one.

[@georgespencer3973]

I have a black 360 but that blue looks awesome. So many bands that I like from the 60’s to today use them.

[@user-do2ev2hr7h]

To me, they're a guitar that does one thing really well. That's great if you want that one thing, not so much if you don't or if you want/need something more versatile. When you couple that with the fact that they have some ergonomics that are generally considered quite cumbersome, I can see why they're niche instruments.

[@mikek8553]

Well said. They are clunky looking.

[@sonsauvage]

exactly the point. Anyone whose played a rick or a rick bass knows that, you really gotta love that sound to put up with that instrument lol

[@user-do2ev2hr7h]

IMHO the basses are better in those regards than the guitars.

[@user-do2ev2hr7h]

TBH I was thinking more about the fact that many players aren't fond of the necks.

[@fargeeks]

So what is that one thing they do well?

[@gcharouhas]

What a gorgeous sounding instrument. Well played!

[@poesybeat]

The Rick 330 I owned had the most amazing pickups I've ever heard (same ones as in your 360). So much better than Strat single coils.

[@poesybeat]

I should add that the neck/fretboard design made it nearly unusable, which is why I reluctantly sold it after about a year.

[@Lalairu]

​@@poesybeatwas it too thick or too thin or something like that? I have always wondered why some people didn't end liking Ric necks

[@poesybeat]

Yeah, narrow neck all the way up with low frets and lacquered board. Just its own thing that I suppose might or might not appeal, depending on what you’re used to. Didn’t suit me. But like I said, I loved the sound of it so getting rid of it wasn’t an easy decision.

[@Lalairu]

@@poesybeat I see. Thanks a lot for your reply :) sorry you had to sell it in the end :/

[@Vermonster23]

I have a Rickenbacker 330. I do agree that the vintage style frets take the most getting used to. In the end, it took me about a month of regular playing to adapt. Other than that I have no issue with how the guitar player is whatsoever. I also find that I really like how mine sounds over driven. I have fenders, and Gilson’s and a couple of Grestch’s and I’m used to switching between them with no issues. Perhaps that has helped me with the Rickenbacker, but it is a really great guitar.

[@smitlag]

Man, that is a lovely clean sound. I never have liked their body styles on their guitars although I love their basses. But it does sound pretty damn good

[@user-nq6sg3vd8c]

Check out the 480 model that came out in 73....its got the bass style body

[@stringmantony]

Very nice job explaining the blend knob. Great playing, too.

[@bluemoonie7650]

Sometime in the 1960s Rickenbacker sold guitars under the name Electro. I believe they were sold in department stores as a starter set with a small amplifier also branded electro. A dear friend gifted me with the set his father bought him (he never played it). It was the model 425 cresting wave solid body. The headstock has a square piece of metal with the “Electro” logo.

[@chickberth]

Those are great guitars, absolutely a true Ric.

[@guitarman3968]

I love my Rick 330. They truly sound unique.

[@paultroalic6676]

What an excellent presentation. I have a Rickenbacker and I don't use it much but o do love the sound because it is quite different to anything else. Thanks for the explanation and your playing is exquisite.

[@brendencarlson5220]

Had a 1982 Ricky 330 24 fret neck. I played mostly rhythm at the time. Had that guitar 30 years and had to sell it for a house payment. Regretted it ever since. Had great intonation all around and I have a very picky ear. Sure, it’s not great for leads, unless you’re John Fogerty, but it was a gem. I miss it.

[@lawrencerasmus]

I had to sell my Guild D50 and Guild Starfire for a house payment too😢

[@brendencarlson5220]

@@lawrencerasmus Sucks, don’t it?

[@417DrumBob]

Rickenbacker is small company that sells every single guitar they make in any given year. For me, it's always been their 12 strings. I have two 330--12s, and love them both. Ricks are quirky guitars. You have to adjust to them. They will not adjust to you. but if you make the effort, the sonic rewards are many. They've stuck with their traditional business model, and it works for them.

[@liamgillespie3407]

Nothing like a beautifully set up Rickenbacker! Some of the most beautiful sounding and aesthetically pleasing guitars ever made. New bands like Blossoms, Fontaines DC, The Molotovs, Alvvays, Tame Impala, all use RIC’s extensively.

[@Scott__C]

REM's early stuff was a lot of Rick as well.

[@melvynobrien6193]

NONSENSE

[@jimaronson2323]

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers used Rick's a lot

[@darkhorse21xx]

Tom Petty approves this post!

[@RandomNonsense1985]

I love how Alvvays marries the Ric REM/Byrds jangle with noisy shoegaze.

[@TedToob]

Regardless of the gripes you seem to sense about the difficulty of playing the example guitar - you make it sound gorgeous to my ears.

[@dorepage7076]

Man, you make that guitar sound so fluid and wonderful.

[@jimclarke567]

This almost made me yearn for my 330. 92 Mapleglo with a black guard and hardware. Great sound - just like in the vid here. Mostly played clean into a Fender Deville amp (that felt like it was bolted to the floor at the end of a gig). It was my main guitar for 15 years but then slowly I found that other guitars were getting all the airplay. Eventually it was sold to help funding a Martin. Like I said it almost made me yearn for it, then I remembered that for the last years I had it it basically stayed in its case and even when out on the rack my hands drifted past it to other toys. No - it’s better off with someone who will play it like it deserves and I got something fantastic to replace it.

[@GaryArmstrongmacgh]

I bought my model 330 when I was totally ignorant about Rickenbackers. I like it. But if I could go back...I'd hold out for a 360. Sadly, the musicians I've played with over the years haven't facilitated the 12 string sound it has to offer. It does sound gorgeous.

[@smc8144]

Every example sounds outstanding!!

[@StewartScissor]

Thanks for demystifying the Blend knob! Informative vid that'll help me get a little bit more out of my 330-12 (which does indeed only really come out a couple of times a year for studio stuff!)

[@karmicselling4252]

I think you are wrong in your assertion that Rickenbacker guitars have fallen out of favour. Just look at the average cost of a decent second hand Rickenbacker guitar on places like Reverb etc. Their resale values would suggest they are still very popular. If you mean they aren't used by many prominent musicians anymore. Well that's an easy one. It takes a certain level of patience and skill to master playing a Rickenbacker guitar, especially the 12 string models. Many modern musicians simply don't have the skill to get the most out of such instruments. Playing the usual LPs, Teles, Strats or clones thereof requires a lot less skill to get a decent sound out of them. Hence their popularity at all levels of the spectrum. Anyways, RICs have been around for many decades with little change. They are works of art. They will appreciate in value over time so the idea that they are expensive is a subjective one. Buy a RIC, look after it properly, and you most likely will sell it for more than you bought it several years down the track. And anyone who doesn't appreciate the RIC sound should listen to this ... kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKWrfZ1or7N3iNk Pretty much sums up why RICs really have no peer. Cheers from the Land Down Under.

[@FSAPOJake]

It's a shame they fell out of favor, cause I absolutely love the way they play and sound. They're just too expensive compared to the competition.

[@glenkepic3208]

Nice demo. Yes, saw The Beatles on TV in '64 and knew of The Byrds later. After trying to play guitar since '72 when i was 15 (gigged some) i only played one Ric, a wave crest solid in fire glow after about a year. Bought a book and that was it,,,the Susana Hoffs model looked good,,,,so did she ;) Thanks for the memories.

[@petesawchuk]

Love, love, love, love, love them! Such distinct tone.

[@THEScottCampbell]

Rickenbacker 360's fell out of favor when The Byrds fell out of favor with commercial radio. I bought my used 366-12 in 1975 when everyone in Detroit played Les Pauls unless they played Stratocasters. I recorded with mine for over 45 years. Roger McGuinn and I both had no trouble bending strings and they were both 12 string electrics. Maybe the demonstrator here has sticky fingers. The creep who stole mine in 2021 had sticky fingers. I'm still looking for him. ☠☠☠

[@BSPNode]

This is one of those guitars that is just one of a kind. I remember when I was learning guitar, and I saw Peter Buck from R.E.M. using one, and I've wanted one ever since. My biggest gripe with this guitar (and the brand, technically), is that they are so expensive (~$2000).

[@duranfriendlystudiosassoci1351]

I love Peter Buck's use of the Rickenbacker especially on the first Chronic Town EP and Life's Rich Pageant

[@moosey62]

Me too! I saw REM in about 1984 in a small club. Man, he played the shit out of that Ricky.

[@gnlout7403]

​@@duranfriendlystudiosassoci1351yes! I can listen to chronic town on repeat for hours. That sound had me hooked. Still love it

[@shelpais814]

I love my 2021 330JG. I held off getting one for many years and I'm sorry I waited so long. A perfect addition to my other guitars.

[@lastofthe4horsemen279]

Looks amazing Strikingly beautiful in person sounds tight glad you pronounce it right

[@Darrylizer1]

I've been in two all or mostly Rickenbacker bands, currently in one now: the guitarist plays a Rick as does the bassist. They do sound amazing and with Rickosound the guitar can sound as if two guitars are playing as the amps and effects can be set quite differently from one another. They're amazing instruments. Btw I'm not a guitarist, I hit things with sticks in rhythmic fashion.

[@anfrankogezamartincic1161]

You are the spine of the band. Without your drumming...they don't exist. I love Rickenbacker sound, sounds like sunshine. Not when LEMMY plays, but i love the guy,he played only Rickenbacker basses,saw few photos before MOTÖRHEAD, he had some other bass, HAWKWIND era?

[@Darrylizer1]

@@anfrankogezamartincic1161 Yeah I wouldn't accuse Lemmy of sounding like sunshine either, haha. I'm not sure what he played in Hawkwind though I have seen a picture of him playing a Gibson Explorer back then.

[@hw2508]

@@anfrankogezamartincic1161 Lemmy played sometimes a Thunderbird, and there are pictures from the studio when he played other basses. But his go to was the Rick. Although, they changed the pickups I think.

[@ffm_house]

Price might be high, but personally, I think that they sound incredibly good. I own the John Lennon model and a 330 semi hollow and also quite a few Fender guitars (Mustang and Strata). But the Rickenbackers are my absolute favourite. If you've never played one, you really have to check them out once. Fantastic instruments. Reall really special.

[@donaldholman9070]

they all sound great to me. Thank you for this.

[@jnicholson460]

I always use mine, as I also found the amp that achieves the sound I like. It’s a perfect match. I find my 🎸 easy to play btw. And it stays in tune really well, too.

[@montag4516]

So what amp is it?

[@rodgre]

I'm one of those weird guitar players who love low-gain pickups and the tones you got in this video are kind of everything I love. There is a giant, warm, resonant sound with the chambered Ric bodies that this video exemplifies beautifully (Especially around 5:30. You're also making me want a Tonex now because that Matchless model sounds superb!). The one complaint that I have is that the tuning/intonation often seems dodgy. I hear it on this video on -some- chords you play, but not all. I have a 330/12 which comes with a 6-sadde bridge and never seems in tune to me. I purchased an aftermarket 12-saddle bridge which I haven't put on yet, so I hope that helps. There's nothing like the tone, though. If you like it, you love it. If not, it's just not for you. It's a very specific guitar, both tonally and feel-wise (not to mention visually). It's not going to be a Swiss Army knife like a Strat or a Tele, which I could probably use for any guitar gig. It's always going to impart that Rickenbacker sound and because of their feel, you will always play it like a Rickenbacker.

[@alholdway2003]

Great sounding tone and natural sustain.

[@gazb2069]

Horses for courses, Rick does the Rick thing perfectly.

[@sidensvans67]

Lovely guitar . Excellent sound .

[@Marc-js8rx]

I love my 2 Rics- FireGlo 360-6 as well as a Cresting Wave 420-12 in FireGlo. Of all the ones in my Gibson/Fender collection, those two Rics garner the most favorable reaction from acquaintances & relatives when I show a pic of my collection. Sound-wise, there's nothing better for capturing some of those iconic Tom Petty & THB songs! When the time comes to sell them, I have no doubt there will always be a loyal market.

[@techguyMD]

One of the main reasons why they aren't as popular is because the cost of admission is higher. Not just the cost of the guitar, but there is no alternative. Unlike fender and Gibson and many other brands, there is no Indonesian version. And so if you want the guitar you have to know in advance that you really wanted. You can't just get the cheaper Indonesian version and then upgrade to the US version.

[@stevenlochner4619]

I knew someone who had a Rick 2001 bass. It had an awesome sound like no other bass. It had "twangy" overtones that made stand out instead of just filling the bottom end like a Fender..

[@347Jimmy]

My dad always described it as a "snarling" quality, very noticeable in some of Chris Squire's tones It happens because Rick basses have a cap removing a lot of bottom end from the bridge pickup You can mod a Jazz bass to do the same thing, which becomes its own take on the sound, but doesn't match the Rick

[@samburkes7552]

..I think You meant the Rick 4001..I have one, bought used in1978, Fireglo, studded pickups..sounds wonderful..punchy as he'll. Decent hinrnd when both pickups are on!

[@BOBXFILES2374a]

Beautiful tone!

[@bluemanfansam]

I’ve loved Ricks since I started listening to the Beatles years ago and now seeing modern bands/musicians use them, I’m considering purchasing one myself

[@j.jester7821]

Cool looking guitars for sure. We can all thank Leo Fender (I mean sure Stradivarius knew this) for realizing that the strings needed to go straight as possible to the tuner.

[@douglasthompson8927]

it`s never too late to get your GED

[@impalaman9707]

As to the subject of why Rickenbacker guitars fell out of favor, I couldn't help but notice over the years that hardly any heavy metal guitarists play Ricks. I vaguely remember seeing Glenn Buxton from Alice Cooper playing one once, but that was as close to high amplification as I ever saw one get. Having said that---they do have a very dreamy quality to their tone, and would be appropriate on rock ballads

[@paulluongo2756]

Good review... I play a Rickenbacker bass.... I never really heard anyone play a Rick guitar in person... Sounds really good... Good job...

[@tman6495]

Awesome clean tones!

[@weedywet]

They're "high gain" in comparison to Rickenbacker's original "toaster" pickups. To most of us who love Rickenbacker, the lower output (7k ish) toasters are THE Rickenbacker sound.

[@sixbladeknife44]

The toasters are the Ric sound if you’re into the 60’s Ric tones. If you’re into Buck, Marr and Weller etc., the high gains are the Ric sound. Different eras of iconic Ric players w/ different tones.

[@jameshocking1188]

Also note that the toaster pickups have 2 versions. The earlier years had 7.5k ohm resistance and the newer versions are around 12.1 to 12.5 respectively , also there was a .oo47 uf capacitor wired in series from the bridge pickup on the pre mid 80s models which cut some midrange,, increasing the Jangle This was an attempt presumably to increase the versatility of the sound for a more modern application. Higher gain less treble which in my humble opinion was a mistake but if you listen to the tones of the earlier vintage Rick's you can definitely tell the difference. I own a 64'360V12 reissue and rewired the electronics and replaced the toaster pickups to vintage specs. Of course I saved all the old parts to hold the original value but it's the tone that makes this guitar so special to me. I'm never planning to sell this beauty but one never knows...

[@JAMStudiosIE]

I own this exact guitar. I’ve spent a lot of money on its setup. Intonation wise it’s a total plank and nightmare. I can bend it a 1/2 semitones out of tune by putting pressure on the neck. Love to know how intonation is on this even when you are just playing simple chords on the first 3-4 frets

[@jeffbriggs4268]

You're making me want one! Thanks!

[@matthewf1979]

I've played a re-fretted Rick a couple times. The lacquer was removed and the frets were a lot taller/wider. It made for a fantastic experience. Still sounded like a Rickenbacker. I understand why Rickenbacker still builds their guitars with a lacquered fingerboard and low frets. It's how they were built and that's what people want.

[@socallars3748]

Yeah, people would freak out if they changed the fretboard. My understanding is that they briefly removed the blend knob (which I personally have no use for) and the reaction was not good. I love my 360 and it's unique sound and look, but it's far from the first guitar I reach for.

[@jaycee_nl]

Sounds very good, clean. But also with the overdrive I like the sound.

[@kevinbolick2349]

I’ve never heard anyone complain about a maple lacquered fretboard being sticky. A Ric shouldn’t be any different.

[@jeffrey.a.hanson]

New guitar shop has both Rick 6 and 12 strings. The 6 looks SO tiny in person. Excited to play them…I’m 6’4 so this will be great.

[@derekthatch5226]

The "blend" knob is for the stereo Rick O Sound connection. Blending between two amps, or with the mono output blending between the pickups in the middle position.

[@jonsdavis]

The playing at 5:30 with the ringing open B and E strings -- what I always called "the R.E.M. chord shapes" because of how prevalent they are on Chronic Town and Murmur -- is the sound that made me HAVE to have a Rickenbacker. This was THE sound of a certain niche of 80's "college rock" (which would later be rechristened as "alternative") bands like R.E.M., The Smiths (first album at least), Let's Active and many others. No, they are not good for fast lead guitar playing. If you are a PRS player, you will think that anyone who chooses a Ric must be out of their mind. But if you are a fan of other quirky, "difficult" guitars like the Jazzmaster or Jaguar, the Ric will reward you with tones that you can't even come close to reproducing on any other make of guitar. Also, for what it's worth, Mastery also makes a bridge for Rickenbackers and yes, I installed one on mine as well as my Jazzmaster and Jaguar. Concerns about price are totally fair, even if they can be explained by Rickenbacker never having modernized their manufacturing process. As much as I love the look of the 360, I absolutely couldn't justify the $1000 price difference (this was five years ago) over a 330 model for literally only cosmetic differences and the ric-o-sound dual output jacks.

[@aluminati9918]

Some really nice tones you got there. On a side note, I think Ric have started to make their standard series with non lacquer fretboards the last couple of years. I refretted my own and put medium jumbos on. Made it a completely different guitar. The notion I’ve always found strange is the price issue. Yes, they are a big chop into your Mastercard. But so are any other American built guitars with a bit of hand finish into them. A good Gibson LP Std. f ex. Keep up the great vids!

[@SuperReverbious]

I have a 360 with an unlacquered fretboard, but I think they only did that for about 9 months then went right back to lacquer on the fretboard.

[@CDNBOBify]

thanks for the xl review-I've always loved the guitars and would go to these first to find the new sound................

[@mikegreenguitar]

Back in the 70's, a local music store had one of the hanging on the wall, used to go there just to look at it. Still think they're beautiful.

[@dingalarm]

Thanks for the review! All of the tones sounded fine to me, including the overdriven ones. I feel that Rickenbackers look great, are generally well made, and have a unique finish & tone, but have inexcusable design quirks on some of their guitars & basses. In the case of the 360, the "R" tailpiece often fails from metal fatigue, the strings scrape against the truss rod cover, and the "horizontal" machine heads (on the 360/12) are only held in place by a single screw, and no post nut, meaning that they can easily fall off if the screw fails. If Rickenbacker actually listened to their customers, and made small improvements to their guitars, I'm sure they would be more popular.

[@melvynobrien6193]

they're SHITE.

[@kcd2120]

The fretboard also does not get much wider as you towards the bridge, as ‘normal’ guitars so. I recently got a solid body 620 and it is great - the neck is a very comfortable profile to me and at least for what I play on it, the lacquered fretboard is not the issue I thought it would be.

[@j.d.kniepkamp8197]

Just something to add: MOD Devices (among others) have some pretty neat pedals. Specifically, the MOD Dwarf has 2 iputs & 2 outputs. The magic in the middle is software that can blend both ins and outs. I put my neck pickup through input one, build a software chain including pedals, amp models, cab models, gain specific settings, etc..., and output to a clean output one channel. Same drill for the bridge pickup - but I send output 2 through my effects path - effectively I have layers significant to each pickup sound. Modern tech really lights up what you can do with the Ric.

[@jinjxmusic]

Great video and great question. I get it - for YEARS I struggled with the appeal of these instruments. Expensive, kind of "weird" feeling, and typically are to actually play - on the occasions I'd get my hands on one I didn't like it. Then, like literally six months ago, I "got it". A guy I know at a music store saw me come in and literally threw one in my hand. I think it was a late 70s, 22 fret, and while the neck is narrow, I liked the sounds of the pickups. It felt like a "jazz" guitar, though others played it and I could hear it doing the rock thing wonderfully. Then literally a day after that I went into another music store and a young friend of mine had dropped everything to buy a more modern one. This was 24 fret (which I typically avoid) though it had a lot of the charm and versatility of the OG. Honestly I get it - they're cool instruments with a lot to offer.

[@StratsRUs]

Peter Buck played his 6's and 12's on every REM album. That's a ton of great songs and sounds/arpeggios. He had his JetGlo 360 stolen and though the thief asked for a million dollars, Peter offered him 10,000 or 30 years in Jail for extortion..

[@void0094]

He always had very thick strings on his 360. Even flatwounds in the early days.

[@Scott__C]

I think Peter Buck is vastly underrated.

[@patrickhopkinson1851]

And a lot was on a Telecaster to begin with and then on a Les Paul from Document onwards.

[@paultown6572]

@@Scott__C The only people that under rate him are metal heads

[@ShiningHourPop]

I disagree about the tuning issue. I could get my 330-6 out of it’s case after a month or two and it would still be in tune. Nice video and great playing though.

[@mathematicalpoetry4066]

I hardly ever have to retune my 350 and it has the same peg board.

[@bllewellyn42]

My 2016 330 and 2019 360 stay in tune quite well. A lot better than my Les Pauls. Maybe I don’t bend as much either on the Rics, to be fair.

[@bluemoonie7650]

You beat me to it. I was about to say if you don’t bend the strings, you won’t have tuning problems with the Rickenbacker.

[@portsmouthonscreen]

Yes, the break angle on Ricks is far shallower than on Gibsons, it's why Ricks aren't as notorious for headstock cracks in the way Gibsons (especially SGs) are. If Ricks have tuning stability issues it's far more likely to be the long stretch between the bridge and the tailpiece. I adore my rics (a 6 and a 12,) and play them every day, but I agree with the vid that there are some things they're better for than others, and some styles they suit more than others.

[@Scott__C]

Seems like Gibson is just bad at it. I always say Gibson should hire Paul Reed Smith or someone from there to improve their QC. Likewise, they should hire someone from Rickenbacker to consult about how to have the guitar stay in tune.

[@troytempest290]

I always loved the jingle jangle of the 360 12 but every time I went to buy one I couldn’t gel with the narrow neck. I managed to acquire a 1969 335 12 string which sounds beautiful & lush especially with a chorus. I did eventually find a 360 12 which for some reason has a fretboard 2mm wider than a standard Ric, I wasn’t aware of this difference until I had my luthier put the 12 string saddles on it. Great video fella.

[@derekstocker6661]

All I can say on this issue is, great sounds from these guitars by Roger McGuinn of the Byrds. Thanks for this, wonderful sound you certainly got from this Rickebacker guitar and thank you for your valued opinion and very well demonstrated example of what to many is still a superb quality and sounding guitar!

[@J0ttem]

A friend of mine has a 12 string 360. We often jam in psychedelic/shoegaze style and it sounds fantastic in that context.

[@jonsdavis]

The defining sound of Ride's "Nowhere" album!

[@Funkybassuk]

I’ve never wanted a Rickenbacker guitar before hearing this. That tone sounds wonderful! I’d always associated Rickenbackers with jangly guitar tones.

[@cafeface]

Roger McGuinn with 12-string Ric!

[@billydelacruz1500]

People tend to forget early Pete Townsend and Paul Weller ROCKED their Rickenbackers! I’ve used with Marshall JMP/ AC-30 and Deluxe Reverb cranked ( also with a vintage Gretsch) and it rocks!!!

[@tonydalton459]

You say jangly guitar tones like it’s a bad thing 😁

[@arthurrodriguez6878]

Sounds great!

[@lsimmo78]

John Scott from the Australian band The Mark of Cain has played one for the majority of his career. The sound is majestic and enormous.

[@r0bophonic]

Great explanation on a topic I’ve always wondered about. I believe the skinny neck / nut width is another reason players prefer other brands. Too bad no small builder has made their own take on a modernized Rickenbacker.

[@globalnova]

Fano rb6

[@paulcartwright2810]

Probably because you buying a Rickenbacker for the name...if it was a Rickenbacker type guitar but ultimately Not a real USA Rickenbacker...most people wouldn't buy it...myself included..because rightly or wrongly...for better or worse...its a Rickenbacker...they look great...sound great..theyre quirky..and cool...and if I was better paid by my miserable tight fisted employer I'd buy one in a heartbeat...not really to play...ive got my strats...Telecaster ..Gibson les Paul junior...epiphone casino for that lol...no just to look cool next to my Vox. And roland jazz chorus amps..lol...

[@pistolgoo]

The duesenberg double cat is comparable to a modernized Rickenbacker in my opinion

[@r0bophonic]

@@pistolgoo Thanks!

[@r0bophonic]

@@pistolgoo Surprisingly, neither the Duesenberg or the Fano RB6 mentioned by @globalnova appear to come with the toaster style jangly single coils that Rickenbackers are famous for.

[@johnnyjohnny7204]

i don't know anything about guitars but that was a great video and helped me understand something.

[@pipeman124]

Good video. Agree with some points. I own a rickenbacker 330 fireglo. Mine does not have a sticky fret problem. Sounds great to this day. Yeah it may be a little hard on the fret side, but with flat wound strings it sounds beautiful.

[@brucelittle3958]

I absolutely love the sound you get from this Rick, but like most of the others that have commented I always wanted one but could never afford one! I have played them before and do find playing lead is much more difficult than I would have thought. The sideways frets were supposed to have been made to give better playability and tuning to the guitar, but they seem to be more difficult to play higher up the neck like you mentioned! Nice reverb you are using---what is it?

[@karllib]

I bought a chickenbacker for about 350. Naturally it has some issues. Nevertheless, I've got it setup reasonably well and I'd say it captures the real Ricky tones fairly well.