Hi, I hear it often that a Rickenbacker 325 C58 would not be useful for most contemporary music. People say the pickup output is too low. Without modding it, can't it just be turned up on a PA or made louder by increasing volume on the amp?
I just don't buy that it would not be very useful.
Any opinions. Also, I am talking about the original wiring. I think it is had to keep a discussion focused if people start talking about modded guitars because mods are unique to the guitar they are performed on.

I used my old 325 for all manner of music- even blues. Those "toaster' pickups are no less powerful than those on, say, a Squier Stratocaster, or something. You might note that Rickenbacker "Hi-Gain", and H-1 Humbucking pickups have the same footprint as yours, and can be direct replacements, without further modifications to your guitar, allowing it to be returned to "stock" condition whenever you want.

I have played my 1981 320 in all sorts of settings since I got it new back then, from rock-n-roll bands, to jazz band in college, blues bands, jam sessions, retuned with ultra light strings to a "terz" guitar, to just about everywhere else. It's not the tool, it is the player. Have fun!

It's not the exact same, but I use my 325 V59 for blues and indie rock. Once I've got it running through my pedals (compressor, couple of different distortions and an overdrive) and amp (fender blues junior) it sounds better than everyone elses guitars. So they're as versatile as you can be as a player. You can hear my 325 V59 playing without any effects on this cover of Smokestack Lightening here:
https://soundcloud.com/conanb/smokestack-lightening

Man, that's about the best thing I've heard in a long time. Thanks for posting.

Thank you. I really appreciate that.