Rickenbacker 380L Laguna PZ

1998-made, one of the first available in the UK, built in the US. 24-fret neck, solid-top (oiled walnut) and back semi-acoustic. Piezo-electric acoustic-sytle pickup system and two Rickenbacker humbuckers. Two volum, tone controls (gold-plated) and 'mix' control from acoustic to electric. Neck is maple, with a maple fingerboard. Finish is matt, oiled wood (looks great in walnut, particularly with gold-plated hardware). Classic Rickenbacker 360 body style with stop tailpiece and adjustable bridge. Tuners are non-locking, sealed units (gold-plated). Neck is 44.5mm wide at the nut and 52.4mm wide at the 12th fret, so it wi wider than is typical for a Ricky. Scale length is 24.75 inches (excuse mixture of units!). Comes complete with ABS-type hard case, Rickenbacker duster and instruction book. Given vast flexibility of piezo and humbuckers, this guitar is rated a 10.

I admit to being a Rickenbacker lover, but accept that they are normally rather limited in sound variations. The pickup combination makes this model rather different, with an effortless move from acoustic to humbucking electric or a mixture. It sounds less like a jangly 360, with a fuller sound. I use the stereo output capability through a Fender Blues Deluxe and a Torque acoustic amp. This gives a tremendous depth of sound. There is still less overall variety than a good Strat. No dislikes, this guitar is very special.

The guitar had just arrived at the dealer from the UK distributor. The set-up was fine, with a medium- to low action. The wood, with its natural oiled finish looks and feels very good with wonderful grain and no apparent flaws.

Too early to comment on durability. I guess the surfaces will mark relatively easily and the complex electronics may prove delicate. The gold hardware needs special care. Strap buttons are OK, given that this is a very light guitar. It theoretically enables you to use it both as an acoustic and an electric, so it could be gigged without a back-up - with the usual risks!

Rickenbacker have always answered questions with speed, but I have never had call to get a repair under warranty which is theoretically indefinite.

I have been playing on and off for more than 20 years. I have a couple of other Rickenbackers (including Pete Townshed and Tom Petty models), plus a gaggle of Gibsons, Guilds, Fenders etc. I see the new Ricky as a viable alternative to a Parker Fly but with a more traditional style. I had to have it as soon as I saw it and would replace it in an instant if stolen/lost. The best features are the combination of dark, matt walnut and gold hardware plus the ability to turn a knob and move from authentic sounding amplified acoustic to humbucker roar. I'd love a 12-string version as well.