Rickenbacker 330 Desert Gold 2001
Rickenbacker 330, desert gold, made in USA 2001. If you can find another one of these for sale anywhere in the world right now, you've done better than me. We've had a few Ric 330s through the shop, but this is the first 'color of the year' example we've had the good fortune to lay hold of. From 2000 to 2006, Rickenbacker offered a specific finish as a limited inclusion for the year, available across multiple models. In 2001, that finish was 'desert gold': a subtle, champagne-like gold not dissimilar from Fender's shoreline gold. It looks gorgeous: the classic 60s curves and chrome hardware accent the warm pearlescent glow beautifully. Being a 330, it has a distinctive sound: chime and snap aplenty on the top end, balanced by a breathy, wide midrange and piano-like fast bass response. It's great for abrupt Britpop or punk stuff, but cleans up for smooth, suave jazz tones surprisingly well. The neck is typical of Ric stuff too: slim at the nut, but with a generous curve in the back and an understated taper. Once you're used to it, it feels great, and the frets and finish work are all in very good order. I'm very pleased to offer this one up to the world: it's a stellar guitar that will surely make someone's life more enjoyable.
Model: Rickenbacker 330
Made: USA, 2001
Serial: 01 19634
Finish: desert gold, gloss nitro
Body: laminate maple, semi hollow, thinline depth
Neck: 3-ply maple/walnut/maple, 24.75" scale, 10" radius, slim D shape
Weight: 3.470kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Rickenbacker Hi-Gain single coil x2
Accessories: Rickenbacker ABS case, bridge cover, basic docs
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has dimples on the end and back near the join and scuffs on the top edge near the nut. The is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and rub wear on the back only. The back has dimples around the bottom and back edges and the elbow area, as well as a bunch of light surface scratches and some checking lines in the middle of the body. The sides have dimples in the elbow area and near the jack. The front has light scuffs in the elbow area and near the knobs and some play wear on the guard and horns.
Overall: very good condition (8/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 11/49 Moonshiners strings.
Fret life: 9/10, minor wear only