Forgot to share that I ended up getting a new 2020 360 like I had mentioned before! Have had it for about three months now and it's unlike any guitar I own. At first I was kinda turned off by how light it was, almost feeling like a toy, but I've grown to enjoy that for my back since I'm used to 8+ lbs guitars. The feel is also something to get used to with everything being so glossy, and the lacquer fingerboard is strange at first but I got used to it and appreciate how it kinda makes you play differently (the string spacing also being a factor).
The QC is a bit lacking though, but I kinda expected that given how modern-day Rickenbacker's reputation seems to be. The binding is a bit messy in certain parts, and the cat eye sound hole was
really messy to the point I had to take some sandpaper and a Xacto knife/razor blade to remove the specks of finish bleed. Not to mention that the original R tailpiece had imprinted itself into the finish underneath. I got this buffed out though, and switched to a more traditional tailpiece. I did not like the hi-gains, so I swapped in some Creamery replacements (both underwound, alnico neck, ceramic bridge). Lastly, changed the knob to a metal chrome one and shielded the PG and PU cavities.
I think if anyone is on the fence on buying a Rick, getting a used one is probably your best bet. That being said... I pre-orded a 2021 Autumnglo 4003, so I guess I didn't learn my lesson at all. All in all, these guitars are fucking awesome and have a unique feel. I won't be letting this one go.