Product: Rickenbacker 325V63
Price Paid: 238000 (Yen)
Submitted
12/26/2000
at
05:58am
by
Steve Tracy
Email: getsmart at m-net<dot>ne<dot>jp
Features
:
9
As with all Ricks, it`s made in the States. My particular guitar was purchased in Japan, so the cost is somewhat higher than you`d expect to pay in the States.(around $2550) I grabbed mine a couple of months back after finding out that this particular model,and the 360V64 12-string will cease production at the end of December. Having oggled at this guitar for some 37 years, I felt it was about time to add it to the collection. I`m sure glad that I did! Previous reviewers have ably described the pick-up configurations,so I won`t go into that, but the Kluson tuners leave a lot to be desired ! On occasions, a complete revolution of the key has absolutely no effect on the tuning! Weird in this day of such sophisticated tuners. Contrary to one report, I find the neck exceptionally fast, and can appreciate why Lennon went for it. It allows for really fast rhythm chord changes. Tremolo is not much,but an attractive decoration that I won`t use.
Sound
:
10
As an old-Beatle nut from way-back,it suits me perfectly, and I have to say that it sounds even more authentic than my Epiphone Casino`65 JL Re-issue when played through my Fender Deluxe Reverb `65 (also a re-issue). What`s more,it actually makes you feel inclined to play in the original Beatles style due to it`s physical (and maybe psychological) presence. The whole setup is amazingly quiet when compared to my Strat in the same amp. The tone of the instrument is surprisingly flexible, but its forte is that Honking rhythm described by another reviewer. I love the sound. It`s like a time machine! Apart from the afore-mentioned tuners, there is nothing about it that I dislike. Just looking at it standing in the corner gives me goosebumps!
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
9
Beautifully made for a guitar from a fairly large company. Thr Jet-glo finish is very deep, but the finish on the fretboard is what I love about Ricks. Maybe not as fast as some, but certainly classier looking than most. A slight fret buzz on the A-string was a little annoying at first, but it seems to have settled down now. The remaining controls work perfectly,but the 5th control does take a little time and effort to get the most out of it. Perhaps one niggle is the lack of individual string-height control on the bridge.(even worse on the 12-string!)
Reliability/Durability
:
9
I haven`t had it long enough to fairly judge this category, but everything seems sturdy,and the chrome on the hardware seems to be first-rate. Finish is excellent, strap buttons look sturdy enough.
Can`t see any reason why it won`t see out my time. I don`t do gigs anymore,aside from the odd show at school festivals, so the dependability should hopefully be fine.
Customer Support
:
9
When trying to obtain a 12-saddle bridge for my 360/12, the company was extremely helpful, and it arrived in less than 2 weeks. Mde a big difference too, I can tell you!
Overall Rating
:
9
Well, I`ve been playing for 37 years, and have owned `em all at one time or another. Currently run an American standard Strat with Gold-Lace Sensor pickups, a Gibson ES335 (which I will NEVER part with!) an Epiphone Casino JL `65 Re-issue and a Larivee L-Lite acoustic.(I recently sold the 360/12)`Plus umpteen pedals and so on. If the 325 was stolen I would definitely hunt around for another,but that cessation date is a worry! It`s not fair to compare it to a full-scale guitar,because it fills a particular niche. It`s certainly not everyone`s cup of tea.
