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!