Rickenbacker 360 Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitar (with Case)
Designed in 1958, this semi-hollow guitar became a staple for '60s British Invasion guitarists. Two high-gain single-coil pickups recreate that iconic sound.
Overall User Ratings (based on 222 ratings)
Submitted January 18, 2011 by a customer from att.net
"Can't beat that Ric Jangle"
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If some disaster befalls this, I would get it repaired and I would also purchase a new one. I have every sound i need, from this. I am keeping an SG handy for lead/solos, and a Gretsch for thicker sounds, but this is easily tweakable to get those tones. This price is unbeatable by any comparably priced guitar, deffanatly not a beginner or budget instrument though. The thing i like the most is the feel of the fretboard, its unlike any other guitar. the thing I like least, if anything, is the R tailpeice being a seperate part. its an irreplaceable guitar, unless you just get another
Sound
the sound is Bright, clean, and responsive. This guitar has 2 sides, ranging from the bright jangle to a throaty growl. No doubt, beats my gibson and gretsch in most ways. I play through a vox 100 watt, and use the sterio output to a 50 watt fender bass amp, cuts the little hum to none.
Features
the bridge and tailpeice is attractive, the finish is perfect, and the varnished fretboard is something i love. I will never want to play on a bare fretboard again, i will simply tolerate it. the guitar is maple, and is so well built, its as one solid peice
Ease of Use
every sound is unique and good in some way. the opposite settings completly change the personality of the guitars tone. I havent tried to get a metal sound, but as far as heavy, it is capable of handling anything from the police to a black sabbath fuzz. the neck and fretboard is very fast, and the body is surprisingly light, but not flimsy. it is very sturdy and solid feeling to play with, sitting or standing. all the frets are pretty accessable for me, but im more used to large hollowbodies and acoustics, so some may disagree past fret 17
Quality
I believe this guitar will outlive me. I can fing no flaw, and factory set up was almost what i use. i lowered the strings a centimeter at most, the only issue I can think of is that the R tailpeice should be strung one string at a time. it is difficult to remove all the strings and re string it, as it is seperate from the other part of the tailpeice and held there, like an off center gibson stop-bar. its not a big deal, but the only thing that can be cited as any sort of flaw.
Value
I have played several 5,000+ gibson and fender guitars, and as far as I can tell from my impressions, few match a Rickenbacker in terms of how they play and were built.
Manufacturer Support
the company is friendly and informative with support, as well as user forums. not much contact has been made, but what i have discussed was clear, focused, direct, and correct information.
The Wow Factor
the shape is unique. the color is appealing. the chrome shines, and the headstock/nameplate and tailpeice is a very cool looking addition.
Musical Background:
band student, active musician
Musical Style:
Blues, Rock, Folk
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Submitted August 6, 2014 by Ray Z in Champaign, IL
"Great guitar - more versatile than you might think"
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I tried this guitar just for fun at a music shop because I love the Rick sound but had the idea that's all it did. As a non-pro who'd likely buy one really good guitar I didn't imagine it'd be a Rick. Boy was I wrong! Where to begin: the fit, finish, solid construction but reasonable weight were impressive, but for me the feel of the fret board closed the deal. The Rick's 10" radius felt just right to me (I have large-ish hands but short fingers and some chords on guitars with a 12' radius fret board are a little challenging); the lacquered finish adds a nice degree of playability, but with the caution that bending the first string takes a little getting used to. I'm guessing that, since the guitar has relatively small frets and a narrow neck you probably can't go crazy bending the strings. If that's your thing, you're probably looking for another guitar. My 360 has a Mapleglo finish - photos don't do it justice, it's a beautiful guitar. Overall, I'm very pleased with the 360 and wouldn't trade it for another guitar.
Sound
I play through a Vox AC15 and have also used several Fenders and the Rick jangle comes through loud and clear. If you like REM, the Byrds, Tom Petty this guitar will get you to that sound with no trouble. With the top boost channel on the AC15 you can get a much grittier sound - good for a lot of rock or blues; and not surprisingly with very clean settings the guitar does a good imitation of a plugged-in acoustic. The neck pickup was for the most part disappointing (too muddy sounding, surprisingly on a guitar known for its clean sound) until I bought a compressor (an Analog Man Bicomprossor) - with top dead center settings the neck pickup on the 360 delivers a way cleaner, punchier tone. It reminds me of the tone of a Strat set to the neck or neck+middle pickup (but without the quack :-) )...who knew?! Can't wait to see what it does with an overdrive pedal.
Features
The 360 is an exceedingly well made, but pretty basic, guitar except for the Rick-O-Sound feature, which I have not used. A very sturdy case is included.
Ease of Use
The 360 is easy to play and it can't help but jangle. If you want a bright sounding guitar look no further. On the other hand, I love a wide variety of guitar sounds and am not a very experienced player with electric guitars. So, I was happy but suffering from a little buyer's remorse until I experimented with pedals. I definitely think there's a bit of a learning curve if you want to get different sounds. But isn't that really true of all guitars?
Quality
Surprisingly sturdy for a hollow body guitar. Haven't had it long enough to judge how the components and finish will last, but my guess is that with minimal care it will out live me. To me all guitars are like pieces of art, and the Rick 360 is a masterpiece.
Value
Absolutely. I purchased mine from zZounds and got a great price.
Manufacturer Support
No issues so I haven't had to contact them, but manual and parts list are on line so even if you lose the one that comes with the guitar, parts should be a snap to replace. I ranked this as a "3 stars" only because I had to give a rating to submit a review.
The Wow Factor
I love guitars for their looks as well as their sound and the Rick 360 has it all. Friends who've seen it all comment on what a beautiful looking guitar it is.
Musical Background:
hobyist
Musical Style:
rock, blues
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Submitted February 13, 2006 by a customer from yahoo.com
"Rickenbacker: Like nothing else."
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I expected it to be a great guitar. Back then, I didn't know much about guitars aside from their looks and who played them.
Suffice it to say, she has exceeded every one of my expectations.
Sound
I've had my baby since 1996 (Jetglo black 360). Nothing, and I mean nothing, has ever gone wrong with this guitar, nor, I presume, will it ever. Hook her up to a Vox or Fender amplifier, crank the volume and gain, and strike a big open G.
If it doesn't give you goosebumps, check your pulse.
Phenomenal.
Features
Doesn't include active pickups or a tremolo, but it's not an E.V.H. or Dimebag style guitar. For what it's designed for, the features are superb. The fifth knob, which is mostly a "blend between neck and bridge pickups" is genious. It's actually more than that, if you check the manual. Every time I pick her up, it's like a totally new experience. I'm always finding new little quirks. Note: The 'R' tailpiece can produce some cool trem-like effects. ;)
Quality
American Made, by hand. Solid as a rock. Dual truss rod neck for fine adjustments. My bridghe has become tarnished over the years, but I can either order a new one from Ric (they're cheap) or hit it with some vigorous cleaner. The finish looks new to this day. The back of it is like a black mirror.
Value
I worked at a crappy job all summer long in 1996, when I was 15 to buy my Christine (that's her name). I paid $950, a great deal, even then.
Manufacturer Support
This category needs a "Not Applicable" rating. I've never had to call Rickenbacker, because, like I said, nothing has gone wrong. I will note, however: If you go to groups.google.com, you can search the archives of alt.guitar.rickenbacker, the Ric newsgroup. There's a wealth of great information there.
The Wow Factor
The so-called sex appeal of a Rickenbacker is like the sex appeal of a classic muscle car. Maybe a young kid driving around in a Honda Civic won't like it, as he tosses his Korean-made Epiphone in the trunk, but the rest of us know American Quality when we see it.
Musical Background:
Ex-Musician / Hobbyist
Musical Style:
Punk, Blues, Jazz, Alternative
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Submitted June 14, 2012 by peter penklis in brisbane, AP
"Rickenbacker 360"
I have a fender telecaster, stratocaster (USA + Japanses models, 3 Gretschs (5120, Billy Bo, Korean), Les Paul Standard and a Daphne Blue 2004 Rickenbacker. I've come to the conclusion that all the mass produced name brand guitars can vary significantly in playability between same models -even after pro setups. The USA Strat, Gibson Les Paul are very good guitars. However, the Rickenbacker is now the guitar I now go to. Why? It holds its tuning well, is easy to play ( thicker neck than others which suits players like me with BIG hands), the look of the instrument is stunning, the sounds are easy to dial up from the guitar itself without fiddlin with amp settings. U can buy a Rolls Royce - it can b a turkey or u can buy a Rickenbacker and if u were lucky like me - u got a Ferrari.
Musical Background:
40 years- professional
Musical Style:
Country rock/ blues
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Submitted July 6, 2004 by a customer from earthlink.net
"THE BEST GUITAR MADE TODAY!!!!!"
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If I ever buy another guitar, it will be a Ric.
Sound
I've played and owned them all in the last 30 years. You name the brand and I have owned them. This is the BEST axe I have ever played!
Features
Fit and finish are the best I have ever seen. The only thing I can say bad is that the case does not have a compartment in it for accessories.
Quality
Like I said, fit and finish are the best I have ever seen and it is built like a Mac truck.(even for a hollow body.)
Value
Dollar for dollar...the best value on the market and I have owned Fender, Gibson, Gretsch, and PRS...but this is the one!
Manufacturer Support
I have not had to use them.
The Wow Factor
Looks fantastic. I own the Mapleglo and the pictures in the catalog do not do it justice.
Musical Style:
Country and Jazz
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Submitted July 17, 2014 by Gerald K in DeLand, FL
"Absolutely Wonderful"
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I love this guitar. The set up was pro and the playability is great. Shipping was fast and packaging was excellent.
Musical Background:
Been playing professionally since 1965.
Musical Style:
Rock, Blues, Country, and Christian.
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Submitted April 18, 2004 by a customer from AOL.COM
"THE ULTIMATE STRINGED INSTRUMENT IN THE WORLD."
IT'S SIMPLY PERFECTION. I'VE PLAYED MANY DIFFERENT MODELS. ONCE YOU PLAY A "RICK", THERE IS NO TURNING BACK.
Sound
A PREVIOUS 10 YEAR OWNER, IT IS WITHOUT EXCEPTION, THE FINEST PLAYING MACHINE EVER MANUFACTURED. I'VE PLAYED MOST OF THE FENDER AND GIBSON LINES, BUT, NOTHING COMPARES TO THE ACTION, SOUND, AND VERSITILIY OF A "RICK". IT MAKES ALL THE OTHERS FEEL LIKE PLAYING A CARDBORD BOX WITH RUBBERBANDS TAPED ON IT.
Features
MINE WAS A STOCK ISSUE. IT WAS PERFECTION. NO CHANGE EVER NEEDED. (I HOPE THEY DON'T CHANGE. SIMPLY AWESOME !!!
Quality
THE PRODUCT IS ROCK-SOLID. IT IS THE ROLLS-ROYCE OF GUITARS IN MY OPINION. I'VE PLAYED RICKENBACKER GUITARS AND BASSES FOR THE PAST 25 YEARS, AND THEY ARE DURABLE, USER FRIENDLY, AND GREATEST SOUNDING MUSIC MACHINES EVER BUILT.
Value
EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY THROUGH AND THROUGH. IT'S NOT THE LEAST EXPENSIVE, BUT ONCE YOU PLAY A "RICK", YOU NEVER GO BACK.
Manufacturer Support
I NEVER, IN 20 YEARS OF EXPERINCE WITH THEIR PRODUCTS, HAD A MOMENT OF DIFFICUTY WITH THEIR PRODUCT. EVERYTHING WAS EXCEPTIONAL. I'VE EVEN HAD A 4003 BASS STOLEN FROM MY CAR...(HAPPY THIEF).
The Wow Factor
IN MY MIND IT IS NOT A SEX SYMBOL. JUST THE FINEST PLAYING GUITAR EVER CONCIEVED. YES JOHN LENNON PLAYED ONE. BUT, I WAS NEVER A BIG FAN OF HIM. BUT GIVEN ALL CREDIT DUE, HE KNEW A GREAT GUITAR.
Musical Style:
ROCCK 50'S - PRESENT. ORIGINALS
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Submitted April 20, 2007 by a customer from Home-Recording-Studio-Guide.com
"Pick the Rick....for your Home Recording Studio"
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This tone has lasted 40 years....I am sure it will be here in another 40...
Sound
The Tone is superb, ringing tones of velvet notes and chords. This is why the Beatles, etc used this type of guitar.
Features
The electronics are solid and the pickups clean and transparent.
Ease of Use
This has a nice range of high and low tones, very playable, the action is just right.
Quality
This will play for years,...treat it like a baby though, keep it in the case when not playing.
Value
If you want a Classic studio tone guitar...this is it, definatly worth it.
Manufacturer Support
Did not need any.
The Wow Factor
This a must have in any serious studio....its sooo cool.
Musical Background:
Active Engineer, Musician
Musical Style:
All Jazz, Rock, Country
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Submitted February 3, 2005 by a customer from aol.com
"Rickenbacker is The Best"
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Many Many years.. Great Value
Features
Well balanced so it is easy to handle. The neck is narrow for a 12 string guitar which I like. Great sound however, just like most 12 string guitars it is a little difficut to Tune. More experience with tuning it will help, I hope
Value
Always wanted one and it's worth every penny
Manufacturer Support
Don't know yet,and hope I don't ever have to know
The Wow Factor
Every one I have shown it to Loves it also.. Guys and Gals
Musical Background:
Hobbyist and alittle more (Dreamer)
Musical Style:
Rock .. Folk and Blues
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Submitted May 5, 2006 by a customer from yahoo.com
"Simply the best, the only guitar you'll ever need."
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
Sound
The sound of the Rickenbacker is simply amazing, and no matter what anyone tells you it can play all styles of music with ease. While it is a semi hollow body it is not going to get you far as an acoustic (though it sounds wonderful through an acoustic amp). I must admit however, I'm guilty of spending many hours strumming the guitar without its amp.
Ease of Use
You can't go wrong soundwise, it just isn't possible. The removeable tailpeice makes string setting extremely easy, and the double truss rod makes for great strength in the neck. The neck is very fast and easy to play.
Quality
This product is incredible, despite its semi hollow body it can take a lot of beating. Look, for instance, at the way Tom Gabel of Against Me! plays his on tour!
Value
I would pay upwards of 2000 dollars for this guitar, assuming I had the money. If I ever got rid of this, it'd be to get a new model.
The Wow Factor
The is an orgasm in a guitar.
Musical Background:
Active Musician, Guitar instructor.
Musical Style:
Rock, Punk, Jazz, Alternative
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Submitted February 11, 2006 by a customer from hotmail.com
"A fantastic guitar with a unique sound."
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
I cannot say enough that this is a very unique unit. I wouldn't recommend it if you were in a position to own only one guitar, but if you have the means and are seeking this sound, you won't find it anywhere else. I looked at a couple other semi-hollow instruments like the Epiphone Casino and ES-295, and a Gretsch (I can't remember the model). These were all great guitars for their own reasons, but this was the sound I wanted and it's what I got
Sound
A Rickenbacker has a very unique, very identifiable sound. If it's the sound you're seeking, there's no substitute, but if you're looking for a guitar that can fit many styles of playing or has a broad range of sounds, consider something else. This is probably not the guitar I would chose to own if I only could own one guitar. But I love it!
Features
The only "accessory" was the hardshell case, which you will want to have if you're doing gigs. As far as features, it has a fixed bridge and both stereo and mono outputs, which is pretty cool.
Quality
It's not a solid-body instrument, so I've always been careful not to run it into any drum kits, but it's definitely a well-constructed instrument, and I expect it to last a long time with very little maintenance. When I play shows, I use more than one guitar -- but that's because not every song I play calls for the Rick's unique sound.
Value
I'm extremely satisfied with the instrument and don't feel like I over-paid for it. There are cheaper guitars and there are more expensive guitars, but if this is the sound you're looking for than don't let the price discourage you from owning one.
Manufacturer Support
I've only owned this guitar for about two years now, but I haven't encountered anything that I needed to contact customer support to address.
The Wow Factor
This guitar has a very classic look that you immediately identify with the great artists that have used Rickenbackers before: George Harrison, Sam Cooke, Tom Petty, and Buck Owens just to name a few. This might not be the guitar for people that dig "Pantera," but it is a beautiful instrument.
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
rock / jazz
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Submitted November 2, 2009 by a customer from 8thafhsoregon.com
"Ric 360-12: nothing like it!"
Till I die
Sound
Have owned 2 Ric 360 and one Ric 330 12 strings. There's no other way to get that sound. Intonation can be a real problem and the neck is a bit too narrow. 12 saddle bridge retrofit helps the former...but my newer 360-12 didn't need this. Helps to use a very thin wound third (e.g., 0.017.)Beautiful workmanship, gorgeous tone, instantly recognizable on recordings. Not a versatile instrument, but does what it does better than anything else.
Features
Comfortable contour, light weight, well-balanced. Wish the neck were a little wider at the nut.
Ease of Use
Getting a good sound...once intonation and tuning are done (this can be a job)means you plug it into a good amp, dial in a little delay and chorus, select the bridge pickup - and you're in 12 string paradise.
Quality
Beautiful workmanship. The fireglo finishes on the newer models are better than vintage. Solidly-made: neck is very stable. Holds tuning well - much better than either of my vintage models.
Value
I bought this one-owner 2006 model in absolutely new condition for $950.00 with case, which was a steal.
Manufacturer Support
Unknown - have not had to contact the factory.
The Wow Factor
Visually stunning - wood grain stands out beautifully.
Musical Background:
Active musician/recording engineer
Musical Style:
Rock & Country
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Submitted February 20, 2006 by a customer from don'tcare.com
"bad bad bad guitar."
i don't ever expect to satisfied at all, ever.
Sound
no, nothing can save this guitar from being terrible.
Features
i feel terrible about the entire guitar.
Ease of Use
it's not that good.
Quality
it's terribly terrible.
Value
no.
Manufacturer Support
the owner replace the humbuckers four times in 2 months.
The Wow Factor
none.
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
Rock Alternative Drum and Bass", "Techno",
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Submitted March 30, 2010
"A great guitar that made it many years and not many changes"
I wear them out in about 5 years. I looked at Les Paul and Fender. I would go with the Fender.
Sound
I have had 5 of them over the years, I won't step out with out it.
Features
It came nothing.
Ease of Use
I do not modify, if I had to I would not buy it. The way God made it is the top.
Quality
Great, I change the strings every 6 weeks, and a good cleaning after I play it. In 30 years of playing they have never let me down once.
Value
Prices on most good guitars aes out of hand. Gibson is nuts, Taylor over priced and othe junk has jumped the tracks. Fender is still a safe bet.
Manufacturer Support
I never needed help. I take good care of them.
The Wow Factor
It is a great looking guitar, I saw John Lennon playing a blue on on Tv back in the 60's. I knew then I would be playing one.
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Submitted September 27, 2006
"The one and only."
I'm putting every dime in my bank account to buy my own and when I do I'm not gonna feel the least bit guilty for it.
Sound
Amazing sound quality, though not entirely versatile. This may actually be my mistake as I was only borrowing one from a good friend for a couple tours. He uses his in his own band (Against Me!) and really uses as little distortion as possible, but I play in a crust band. However, I'm not saying it didn't do is duty. Overall, really, great sound, just not entirely versatile.
Features
A fitted hardshell case, Ric-O-Sound, what more can you ask for?
Ease of Use
This is the easiest-to-play guitar that's ever graced my calloused fingers. The neck is rosewood, so it's easy to slide up and down the neck with relative ease. Very, very easy to use.
Quality
Very well crafted. I'm not sure if they're still hand-crafted, but they feel perfect and are durable.
Value
If you have this guitar, you will never want to buy another one. Worth every dollar. I'd pay more.
Manufacturer Support
I did have to replace a tailpiece once, and Rickenbacker answered me swiftly. Shipping was a little slow, but that's okay.
The Wow Factor
I've been begging to use it for years. From the very first time I say it I knew I wanted one, even when I didn't play guitar.
Musical Background:
Active musician
Musical Style:
Crust, hardcore, punk, folk
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