Why don't I like Rickenbackers? -
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- čas přidán 24. 08. 2024
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Sorry mate that you had a bad experience with those two "Rickys", but part of it is that you were offered a couple of 'Loser' instruments in the first place! As a guitar builder (Luthier) that has now "CLONED" 4 'RIC's" and working on two more, allow me to point out a few things that caused me, as a BeaTle Byrds tribute player to go ahead and MAKE MY OWN. Firstly, the 6 saddle bridge on the 6 string is passable, but NOT for a 12 string. Intonation "can" be made to come "CLOSE", but I'm afraid 'no cigar'! Another thing is that you may be having trouble with the Std. RIC fingerboard radius of Ten Inches!!! I go no lower than 12" on my Replicas. One of the MAJOR things that I found totally unsatisfactory is their NARROW string spacing---12 string= Bridge 2", with a Nut width of 1.600!! All mine are 1.750 nut width, which allows for a MUCH better string separation layout. I'm presently finishing up on a 360 (pointed Horns) '63 Harrison clone, and embarking on a Roger McGuinn 370 12ver.The 370 will be my first 10" Radius board. OK, with all of that said-the main reason I called them both LOSERS, is that they both have what RIC calls "HIGH GAIN" Pups, and NOT "TOASTERS". There is a reason that the Toasters are TWICE the price of the 'High Gainers", "Scatter-wound" S O U N D!! Anywho, I'm just being honest here. If i didn't LOVE RICS, I sure wouldn't endure the cloning process! Incidently, all my 'knock-offs' have BOLT on necks, except for my very first 12ver. No, there is no NECK PLATE Mount on the back. My necks attatch via 10-24 C/S flat head machine screws beneath the pickups, threading into 10-24 "T"-Nuts in the Neck Tangs. That's about it mates, cheers! Gb BeaTlegeo.
so you're saying not to buy Rickenbackers?
I'm a Rickenbacker owner (6 string 330) and I think this was an honest review by someone who hadn't played one before and wasn't approaching it with the attitude of someone who's already decided they like them. Taste in guitars is personal and individual. My Ric was my first guitar, so the neck width wasn't something that put me off. It's what I learned on. Plusses: besides the Ric sound (mine has toasters), I find that among my guitars, the Ric is the one that I'll noodle around with most, even unplugged, and create new riffs or songs.
Wow, someone sensible Great comment, not as entertaining as the dummies that are crying, but smart. :)
It is great to play unplugged. Before I got my Taylor, it was my go-to guitar in a power outage. I would change the strings when I heard a big storm was coming.
for me that is my Epiphone Casino...it's never leaving my side and is also great unplugged
doguecreek, you said in few words what I just commented and took many words to say! I'll copy and paste......
"This video was honest, straightforward, and "organic." You did EXACTLY what EVERY guitarist does when walking into ANY guitar store: pick up a guitar that you've never played before [and even if you've played or owned Les Pauls or Stratocasters or whatever brand/model that you're already familiar with, you've never played "THAT Les Paul" or "THAT Strat"], play it for about 10 minutes, play a riff and turn some knobs and play the riff again rinse and repeat, and overall just see IF you like it OR NOT.
"In this case you didn't like it. You didn't "dog on" them or talk trash (like your commenters did about you just for making the video). You clearly explained the "Why (not)" of the video title -- 10:25 "There's nothing I could say about them that would point them out as being bad or wrong or anything like that, I just don't think I bond with them. I don't think my hands like them." And it didn't feel right in the "country chord" area of the neck for you.
"It's not the right guitar FOR YOU, and that's totally fine! Slash doesn't bond with Stratocasters, Stevie Ray Vaughan never bonded with Les Pauls, and you don't bond with Rickenbackers. To each their own! At my local, small town guitar store, I've played every Tele/copy and Les Paul/copy on the rack, and some I bonded with while others I didn't. I TRIED to bond with the Silvertones and Danelectros, and it just didn't happen. You TRIED to bond with the Rickenbackers, and it just didn't happen......GOOD!.....It's GOOD to find out that you don't like the feel of a particular guitar, because it helps you realize what guitar you DO like instead. The last thing you want to do is shell out money for a guitar based solely on looks, reputation, and "so-and-so famous guitarists really love this brand", only to find out AFTER buying it that you don't like it! You began the video with curiosity and non-bias, you gave it the ol' college try, and found out that it's just not the right guitar brand for you. You even said that you liked the tone but just not the feel.
"Kudos to you for an honest and REAL video."
He really didn't talk bad about them. Said the 330 wasn't for him and he doesn't get them. He did ask Ric lovers to defend them so he gets why they're so beloved.
As a Rickenbacker owner, it's my favorite guitar ever; but yeah, Rickenbackers aren't for everyone. They feel completely different than every other guitar. However, if you love them there's no going back to any other guitar. When I pick up a strat or a les paul I feel like the specific sounds of those instruments make me want to play a certain way (hendrix-y double stops and pentatonic blues riffs respectively for example) but when I pick up a Rickenbacker I feel inspired to create something new. They don't box me into one sound like other guitars do, they make me want to play music, rather than just a specific style of playing. Hope that makes sense!
Is that any different than picking up an acoustic guitar?
I agree 100%
When i picked up a rickenbacker i was playing ccr or the Beatles
Yessirrrr, ricknation
This can be a psychological effect of the popularity the other guitar designs you mentioned have. But if Rickenbackers make you want to experiment, that's a good thing and your choice is absolutely right.
They are for guitarists
So are these videos..dick
Ryan, the 5th knob is sort of a volume equalizer knob. It allows you to balance the neck pickup, which is typically louder, to match the output of the bridge pickup.
@WannaBeatle it balances the volume in the middle position I thought, because the neck pickup is typically louder.
On my 330 it’s a sort of volume/tone knob in the neck position, a blend knob in the middle position, and does nothing in the bridge position
It's a blend knob
@@benjaminvelleman it's a pre volume/volume knob. The regular volume knob cuts treble when rolled off. The fifth knob only lowers output. Neck pickups used to be louder so it was meant to help balance them out with the bridge. Nowadays it doesn't matter, they fixed the issue but customers complained so they just kept it. Rickenbacker said it themselves
@@maxpeck4154 Yup. As a Rickenbacker owner, can confirm .
Not everybody likes a Telecaster either, or a Les Paul, its why they make chocolate and vanilla ice cream.
There are two types of people. People who like either or one those guitars, and people who haven’t played the right one. I hated Gibson for years after a rich fried of mine loaned me his to play for a show, and I was shocked that a 4k guitar played and sounded worse than a squier. But then I found one that I liked and could no longer say they sucked.
Would that make a Rickenbacker frozen yogurt? More expensive but not necessarily better for you?
It’s actually illegal to not play a Beatles tune on that guitar.
I have no idea how he could resist the urge to break out with Byrds' style Mr. Tambourine Man with that 12-sting 360.
Yeah, or the Byrds
@@Unlitedsoul YES! And Turn Turn Turn :D
It seems like he only knows bar chords and noodling. ;)
😂
Rickenbackers have extra narrow fingerboards. The neck profile, while of reasonable thinness, is unique and takes getting used to. Once you get your fingers into the generally smaller scale of things, they get extra easy to play. Very slippery and smooth when set up properly to taste. I had a tendency to overplay mine, until I just relaxed and let it play itself. They're practically a different species of guitar, in terms of feel.
This is it exactly.
I have a 64 360 12string reissue the George Harrison guitar on the album help.
She is a classy finicky girl. But once you set her up with a nice low action and learn to minimize your fingering and grip all the sweetness comes out.
She's also good for some 80's classics from the Romantics and the Plimsoules.
They also can't be refretted without ruining them, due to the lacquered fingerboard. Pull the frets out and it's wrecked.
@@Billkwando if I ever owned another one I'd sand that lacquer right off. I have sweaty hands that like to stick to lacquered or maple necks. All rosewood or similar for me. It's like they practically lacquer over the frets
@@Billkwando nah that's not true. You're a moron lol.
650s are the big exception to this. I have a 650c which is the opposite of this; a fretboard as wide as a baseball bat. The 650c is incredibly playable.
Honestly, the only reason I want a Ricky is because I wanna play Johnny Marr riffs on it
**sigh** don't we all... :(
I agree with you, but I would get a jag instead. He gone on record saying that a jag does all his sounds. But that’s probably cuz it Johnny Marr playing Johnny Marr riffs.
@@ebanizalex yup, I'm actually planning on getting a Squier CV jag soon because of him! But that Fender JM sig really does look beautiful :(
@@lovroknezevic8555 that should be exciting! Come to think about it, I think I got my cv tele because I thought I read Marr used a tele. I don’t know if it’s true, but the cv line is great.
@@ebanizalex well maybe now, but he didn't have a jag in 80s I don't think
It's nice to see someone auditioning guitars who doesn't play any better than I do. Guessing that's part of the appeal here.
He is noodling, not playing. When I try guitars, I noodle around and if I don't like the feel, I put it back. Unfortunately, thats what happened here.
@@joellebrodeur1015 I've seen him do the exact same thing in 3 different videos, including on his own guitar and amp, so going by your theory he should just put the guitar back in general.
@@Billkwando That was funny
@@Billkwando be nice. Not everyone wants to be Steve vai
@@notapplicable328 Steve Vai could make any guitar sound good. That's not helpful when you want to know what it would sound like when _you_ play it.
They’re honestly great guitars. They’re not everyone’s thing, but through and through they’re such a unique guitar!
Rics have their own unique vibe; they’re not for everyone, but for those of us who love them they are truly special.
The ultimate songwriter's guitar. The guitar is a revolt against the blues in my mind. If you want to make alternative/psychedelic/shoegaze then you can't go wrong. If you want to make bluesy rock music steer clear.
This actually helps a lot. I've been using it a lot for alt/pop punk. It shines for that usage. :)
tell that to Tom Petty!
Must be why I like King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard so much
Cookie Craig uses 1 of these during the microtonal albums. Can see a 330 being used in the live in Melbourne 21 album
@@joelbest2134 but isn't that just it. He is a singer songwriter type guy. Sort of a folk element there like Dylan or even REM. Not blues based like Zep or SRV
tell that to a young Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown...
czcams.com/video/ylzksv6N_x0/video.html
A lot of Ric players will just remove the bridge cover. I have 3 Rics, and sometimes wish the frets were larger, but then again it makes me play better. Worth it because I love how only a Ric sounds.
"I always like to throw fuzz on a 12-string."
Congratulations, you have unlocked level: The Black Angels
I had a 660/12 rick for a bit and often ran it through moderate overdrive. The sound was fucking E N O R M O U S. I am surprised it isn't more common.
Most people including myself love the Rickenbacker 12 string guitars for the jangly full sounding characteristic of the Beatles, the Byrds, REM, the Smiths, and Tom Petty. I agree the Rickenbacker is not like other guitars and takes use to playing them. But when you love that Rickenbacker guitar sound so much, you tend to overlook the headaches that go along with playing them and just enjoy the guitar.
Rickenbacker guitars were iconic during the British Invasion of the 60's, then the Mod revival of the 80's. Many other artists in the 80's revered them as well: Johnny Marr of The Smiths, Tom Petty, Peter Buck of R.E.M., Dave Gregory of XTC, and loads more. Rickenbackers made a statement. They had a look, an image, and a sound. That's why they're special and unique.
Add Susanna Hoffs of the Bangles. Man, when I was in my 20’s, I remember her.
Yup. Some ass above claims that the company is surviving on the basis of Beatles/Byrds nostalgia, when in reality there's a ton of great music since then composed and played on Ricks.
@@JohnMcKLV Even if it were true, so what? If a company can boast about being heavily associated with the most successful band in history, it would be stupid for them not to.
@@elvisleeboy No argument. Not sure why you're looking for a fight. It's possible for both "nostalgia contributes to the demand for Ricks" and "They are great guitars used by many interesting modern artists" to both be true statements.
@@JohnMcKLV You would have to go to some effort in order to interpret my comment as 'looking for a fight'. I was merely highlighting the stupidity of the 'ass' you were referring to in your original remark.
They were so secretive,I was shocked to find out last year they were made in California,I thought they were made in England!
yeah they are i live about 3 hours away from the factory.
Gotta see them in person. Made in the U.S.A. is embossed on the headstock.
Yeah and there are no lower level wannabe versions (Fender Squire, for example) made in Korea, China…pick your fave Asian country. With a Ric, you get a solid American purebred. I’ll concede, they are def not for everyone.
@@savoy99 ain’t supposed to be
Don’t like them, feel free to buy something else
Rickenbackers are fabulous guitars if you understand them and appreciate their unique sound qualities. For me a Rickenbacker is an essential tool. It is a specialty instrument. I think a Rickenbacker compliments my personal Fender and Gretsch guitars beautifully. In the 80s and early 90s, I owned a Rickenbacker Model 481. It was a solid body with Humbuckers! I really dug the vibe of that guitar. I now have a Model 381V69 . I love it even more.
Rickie, Fender, Gretsch guy here, with a Godin to boot.
Ironically, back when I bought my 330, an American Stratocaster was a bit out of reach, price-wise. I picked mine up for about six-hundred bucks. I also found it much easier to transition from an acoustic guitar to than a smaller-bodied electric. A couple of notes - the bridge cover is removable, and the "mystery knob" is a blender because the neck pick-up is a bit hotter than the bridge. I also find that I play my Rickenbacker differently than my other electrics, and that's a good thing.
Johnny Marr said he specifically bought a Ric in his early days with the Smiths to force himself to compose differently from how he would on a "normal" guitar.
@@DylanPank71 ive seen that exact johnny marr interview in which he says that
Fellow smiths fan? Check my uploaded videos!
I'd buy a 6-string Rick because Peter Buck!!!
Everyone should watch his Rickenbacker video. It was excellent.
@@SirSneakerPimp Got a link?
@@samlelowitch
Type in Chris Buck Rickenbacker into CZcams. It was a slight typo on my part. Praising Peter Buck and thinking of the Chris Buck video...and they are not related.
@@SirSneakerPimp I believe I have seen the video you are thinking of.
Tom Petty used one for the Byrd's jangle sound.
As a small handed, jangle-addict I love Rickenbackers. Middle position with the blend knob just right into a cleanish Vox is the sound I like best. But I totally get it, it's not everybody's jam, that's what makes the gear go round!
Agreed they are for smaller hands. Played quite a few Ricks, but never pulled the trigger because I feel Gretsch does "their" thing better. Cleans, it has it for days. My other big complaint is for the expense, these guitars suck distorted. They get unusable really quick when trying to approach high gain, but you wouldn't go for one of these for that anyways. Great strummed, a bit of an experience to try to be a lead guy on.
I have big hands and I'm 6'1 and learned on small necks, so it's what I prefer. I don't like most gibsons or wide or thick neck at all
The 660 series (6 and 12 string) has a wider neck. I had a 360-12 and 620-6. I didn't like the width for the 12 string but it was fine for the 6 string. I sold those and ended up getting a maple-glo 660-12, and was very satisfied with that. (I sold that one when I moved overseas, but bought a midnight blue 660-12 when I moved back to the states.)
"that's what makes the gear go round" I love that, and if you have a CZcams gear channel you should close with it.
I play the even smaller Rics: 325 and 320. I have tiny hands and that guitar allows me to reach notes that I couldn't on a 25.5" scale guitar.
Theyre not for everyone, but if you find one with the wider neck (600 series and 1993+), you'll be apt to at least try it out. The larger issue is that many larger music shops don't carry them (lost their rights to sell Rics), so when you lack that type of in-person exposure, it tends to turn off prospective buyers new to the brand.
I completely understand the “meh” reaction to the Ricks. Some people love them and others wonder what the fuss is about. They are certainly quirky instruments and the quality control can be hit-or-miss at times. With all that said, I certainly wouldn’t mind having a 360 and also a 4001 or 4003.
It's basically John Hall riding on the fame of the Beatles and Byrds, with marketing gimmicks and boutiquey cachet, but it's just a hunk of wood made on a cnc router, just like the cheapy chinese guitars.
@@Billkwando I don’t think that’s entirely fair. CNC machines carve the wood into shapes, that’s all, and so the quality of the initial carve is more uniform. But after carving there is sanding, filling, priming, painting, and clearcoating, none of which are accomplished by the CNC machine. Fretwork isn’t done by CNC machine either, nor is pickup winding or casting tuners, etc. CNC has not replaced every area of guitar craftsmanship by a longshot. You can’t shape and cut a nut on a CNC machine either. As I pointed out, though, Rickenbacker should have better quality control given what they charge and the fact that they are a US-based company run by a single family in large part.
@@samlelowitch I'll take partially fair. ;)
i don’t think quality control on ricks are an issue, they’re made in california and are really well built, especially the 4001, very impressive instruments for sure.
@@reymhd7655 The folks with first hand experience with their QC issues don't need to *think* because they *know* . Google it.
Dude, I agree about "not bonding" with some Rickenbackers. I just consigned my 620/12 because it was so hard to play. Yes, it looks and sounds amazing, but I wasn't reaching for it because of the discomfort in trying to squish my fingers to form chords. It was too frustrating. But not all Ricks are the same. I have played some that fit me like a glove. Rock on!
That’s not uncommon however if you get the string spacing mod by replacing the nut, most people are satisfied with just that. If they need more than that, then you have the 660/12 and 1993 Plus obviously with the 1-3/4 necks.
@@Jeffcatbuckeye Thanks, Jeff. I didn't now about a mod for the nut spacing. Yes, 660s look appealing. They are harder to find and cost much more. I'll look into the 1993 Plus as well.
@@briancoyne6700 the 1993 plus is even harder to find and more expensive than the 660. Sweetwater carries them as pre-orders though. Rickysounds in the UK is one company that sells the modified nut. Basically it takes the pairs of strings and moves them closer to each other, then spreads each individual pair slightly farther apart. It’s small, but makes a dramatic change in regards to fretting the strings.
I have a red 360 bought in the late 80s and played a lot - I mean a lot - it is by far the best made instrument I have - it knocks Fender and Gibson into a cocked hat. Rickies are superb things - I would never part with mine and play it nearly every day. The action is and always has been excellent - it plays like a dream, and they look fabulous.
Post a photo please!
I have a Rickenbacker 360 and it’s my favorite guitar in my collection - BUT - I completely understand what you’re feeling. They aren’t really “all purpose” guitars. They have their own unique sound, but it’s not for everyone. I also understand if it just doesn’t feel right in your hands. I had the same experience with Martin acoustics. They just didn’t fit my fingers, and I wound up with a Taylor. Glad you posted this review!
I had a Rickenbacker player in my band for a short while and we recorded three songs with his guitar on it. Totally different sound altogether, very hollow but chimey. Definitely added a unique texture to the tracks but sooo different to every other guitar I've ever recorded. Certainly cool though. And if I could afford one, I'd buy a Ric 12-string in a heartbeat.
I've loved the Rickenbacker 12 string sound from the moment I heard that first chord in "A Hard Day's Night". I never got one though until recently, and it wasn't just because of the cost. As several people have mentioned here, the neck width at the nut is exceptionally small (especially for a 12 string). Anytime I would try to play one, my huge sausage fingers would not be able to work those narrow necks. I finally got the Pete Townsend Model 1993plus. It has a wider nut and is much more comfortable to play on. It's a totally different animal from a Fender or Gibson. It's got a sound that is obviously very distinct and recognizable, but the controls are also something to get used to. But once I got used to all those things, I can tell you that it became (and remains) a real workhorse. It surprised even me with how versatile it can be. You just have to take the time to sit down with it. I write a lot of songs on it and have done many recordings with it. I don't play guitar at a lot of shows (I mostly play out as a bassist or drummer), but when I do, the Rick is usually there with me.
Concur, agree,...YUP! Pick up and play a 1993Plus OR the 660/12 with their wider necks and you'll NEVER use other 12-strings again. I cannot keep my hands off it. The FG 1993Plus is functional art.
I love Ric's but can't play them since my hands are too big.. So I am a Tele guy..
Anyway.. As I said, I love Rickenbacker. Love the looks.. Love the sound.
Thirty years ago my band at the time went to London to record. On one song I felt I wanted a twelve string Ric.. But since I can't play them, we called my friend Sid Griffin from The Long Ryder's who lives in London. He came over with his twelve, and we ran it through a Fender Twin Rev, and a compressor.
I actually had to leave the room during sound check.
The sound from that combo was/is probably one of the most beautiful guitar sounds there is. I simply died when Sid played from the sound alone...
So.. My love for Ric's was always there and remains forever. Only wish I could play them.. *sigh*..
@@pahogberg9347 the 1993 Plus and 660/12 have wider necks than the regular Rick/12s. Winfield even makes a 12 saddle bridge that can widen the string spacing even more on the already wider necks of those guitars.
@@Jeffcatbuckeye Interesting. Will have to look into that. Thanks for the info. Cheers 👍
Huh, that’s odd. That Rick has 2 more strings than usual.
This is a fun comment, thank you.
I have a Jetglo Rickenbacker 360/6. Spend some time with it and you can play everything you can on any other guitar. They feel a bit different at first, but they are so inspiring. The 5th knob is another volume pot for the neck pickup. It comes in handy for balancing the pickups as you have no height adjustment for the pickups. You can set the bridge pickup and amp super bright, roll off the tone all the way on the neck and use the 5th knob to sweep and blend between high and low tones. They are just really cool.
My main guitar was a Telecaster. I have always loved the sound of Rics, but they were more expensive and always out of stock. I couldn’t even find one to try out.
During my mid-life crisis, I decided to give it a shot. Rics may be expensive, but they are still cheaper than Corvettes. I joined the wait list at Sweetwater. My Jetglo 360 came just before xmas. I figured after the novelty wore off, it would become my number two, behind the Tele.
Well, here it is April and the only times I have touched the Tele is to run the vacuum cleaner. I was instantly impressed with the sounds I was getting out of the Ric. I was expecting the jangly stuff (duh) but so much other stuff sounded good as well. Don’t Fear the Reaper, She Sells Sanctuary, 867-5309. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, Hawaii 5-O (Wait, surf tunes?). No wiggle stick but starting to wonder if I really need a Jazzmaster. (BTW, if my wife asks, the answer is yes, I still need a Jazzmaster.)
Do the strings feel too close together? Sometimes. Does the neck feel too thick? Sometimes. Do I wish the company had a less “unique” business model? Yes. Is the guitar perfect? No. Are Rics for everybody? No. Do I regret my purchase? No. Will I ever play my Tele again? Eventually.
I also own a PRS. It feels fantastic. However, I have yet to get any sounds out of it that I bond with. Now if someone can make a guitar that feels like my PRS and sounds like my Ric….
@Jew Tube At the time, the 330 was priced in the American Professional range and the 360 was priced in the Ultra range. I tried a Janglebox with my Tele. It didn't get me much closer to the sound I was looking for. Maybe if I had an American Professional or Ultra Tele, adding a Janglebox would have done the trick.
@@AB-ib8dm I have a Jazzmaster Ultra. It's a phenomenal playing and sounding guitar. It is one of the few guitars that sounds good with either or both pickups. It's got quite the jangle to it. I did replace the stock noisless pickups with Vintage 65s.
My 360 will be here in a few days.
Try the squier classic vibe jazzmaster. It gets you classic jm tones without breaking the bank. Replace the bridge though because the one that comes with it are crap.
I hear people who admit "this is the first time I've picked one up" start going down the trail of "I'm not sold on the feel", "palm muting feels weird". That's because you're not a Ric player. The first time with one it will feel different to you, I get it. They are not standard issue instruments. But if you take the time to really get to know them they will become a joy. The problem is, because of cost, most will never do more than pick one up for 5 or 10 minutes and form an opinion. If you are going to do a Ric, make up your mind to take the plunge. If you are worth your salt as a player (and I can tell you are) you will bond with it. And then you'll have a guitar in your arsenal that is it's own thing, and you'll be glad you have it. You asked what you are missing? Simply time spent with it. It's not a Gibson, it's not a Fender and everything else out there mostly is - except Rickenbacker.
$1,400 for a RIC 330!!! Jesus what I would give to be able to buy one of them at that price. These are around $5,000 here in Australia and good luck finding one. Never seen one in a matte finish though.
I got a 620 after playing for 35 years and ended up loving it.
Maybe I just love my Rickenbacker because It was the first high end guitar that I got when I was 15 and I dumped all of my savings into getting one. They are for sure not for everyone, but I boy do I love playing my 360. Plus they cut through a mix well so they can be good guitars to track solos on when you're recording.
To all the haters on here, this video solidified that I really want a Rickenbacker.
for me, the thing that keeps a Rickenbacker from being an all-around guitar is the bridge. The Rickenbacker bridge is not anchored well, it just sits on four screws, which inhibits you from going into any kind of heavy-handed playing and bending. I tried various bridges and tailpieces and arrived at a combination that is suitable for me.
My first guitar was a Harmony. Their new US made line give me serious G.A.S. Lots of folks that have been playing more common guitar models seem to have trouble bonding with Ricks. I own two Ricks (a 620 and a 330) and have went through that mental process myself as I played on dozens of Fenders before ever picking up a Rick. So the problem is confirmation bias and the anchoring effect which explain the host of most of the cognitive dissonance that guitarists have with Rickenbacker guitars. Find just about anyone who's first guitar was a Rick and they won't have the same critique. The way to overcome that of course is to own a Rick yourself and put some honest playing time into it before making your final decision. In other words if you want a Rick to be a Strat/Tele/Paul/SG than you will never get that out of it. I like to think of them as my Goldilocks guitars because I can coax exactly the right balanced tones I want out of them. That's what Ricks excel at doing compared to other guitars. They aren't my favorite for certain playing styles and that's why I own more than one guitar. Judge them by their own merits and there is much to like. If every guitar was a Strat then the guitar scene would get kind of boring.
Wouldn't it make more sense to call the 6 string the 360, and the 12 string the Three Twelvey?
I love this
One of the few honest guitar reviewers.
I don't trust a guitar company that won't tell you the price upfront
I owned one years ago... a 330 fireglo. It had that gorgeous tone like the ones you played, but the finished fretboard felt sticky, and it had this skinny neck and tiny frets. Sounded great, impeccable build, but just something I bonded with either. Great honest content, man. Really appreciate it.
i'm lucky in that a friend of mine has two that i can borrow at any time, but i would never buy one myself. when you need that particular sound though, they're awesome.
I've tried to loan mine to a friend but he wasn't interested.
Ric bass owner and it is my favorite bass to play. To put it in a non biased way for Rics in general, you either love them or your hate them, no in between. I love what mine does. They are a feel, sound, and look all their own. It’s good to have in the arsenal if you ever need one. Hope this helps
You’re not missing much.
They look cool, sound decent, are a bit wonky to play. I had one, sold it, bought a Tele which covers similar ground in a more forgiving manner.
A Rickenbacker does not sound like a Tele.
Shoutout to the Jurassic park riff in the middle of the video ahahahha
I own a rickenbacker 360 and love it! The sound, feel and look is amazing and when i walk into a studio heads turn. Why? Because they see a 1000 strats and les pauls, but hardly ever a rick and when they do its usually a 330, not the 360, mine always attracts a crowd. Maybe they dont bend great, but, for what i use it for, it works perfect and i love the tone, to me, the guitar speaks to me. I will never ever ever sell mine, why do i love it? Sound, looks, and one of the very best rhythm guitars of all time, that is why. Cheers mate!
The Rickenbacker 1993 Plus is the ultimate electric 12-string; wide neck, 3 toaster pickups, double bound body. Sounds great, plays great, looks amazing. The 330 and 360 models have thinner necks, which can actually be remedied with a better-spaced nut, but Ricks aren't for everyone. Those of us who love them, REALLY love them. If you have big hands and want a 12-string, the 1993 Plus can't be matched (the 660 model 12-string has a nice wide neck, but a small, thin body, and feels off-balance, IMO).
I own a 2020 325-C64. In fact, Trogly reviewed my guitar on his CZcams page about a year ago. Brand new was about $3,000, so I have seen more expensive guitars. If you like the Rick sound, you're gonna love this guitar!
$1400?
Wow, so cheap. In the UK they're like £2000 used.
Yup;
pick it up
have a hard time
put it back.
That's pretty much my Rickenbacker experience too. I agree with the ill defined "this feels wrong" thing.
They just exist for someone else to enjoy.
I didn't enjoy acoustic guitar either, those are hard work too, maybe if you come straight from acoustic to one of these they make a lot more sense?
Have loved the *sound* of Rickenbackers for nearly 40 years - and persevered with them when I got the chance. *Hated* the narrow nut width, especially on the 12 strings, or the varnished boards, and the often suspect build quality.
Ended up with a very playable alternative that works for me. It's *almost* a copy of a Rickenbacker, but much cheaper, and much more playable, and much better built. Loose lips sink ships, John Hall will find me and send me a C&D instruction, so I'm saying no more...
The comments here from the Rickenwaffen are comedy gold, as ever. Thanks guys, you never fail to amuse.
I own 4 Rickenbackers and need to be honest, I love them more than anything but I don't play them as well as I do my gretsch archtops or my Gibson's. I get exactly what you are saying in this video but I am such a huge Beatles and Petty fan that I just can't get enough of them. I have one that does sound and feel perfect. I am afraid to change the strings cause I don't want anything on it to change. You can get them to growl a bit with the right amp and clean they just sing
Move over RIck. I want to buy a drink for that shell pink offset in the background.
That's one of those High Spirit guitars Ryan checked out a while ago! Really cool guitars.
The pickguard on it is actually pretty neato imo. Offsets are also my jam so I'll have a natural affinity to them anyways
The Ric is a pretty distinct instrument in the world of fretted string instruments, no one really copies them, they need love and care for regular use, some of the neck shapes can feel chunky, but when you love them its hard to beat because you won't find another instrument like them.
“No one really copies them” if only they could
Because John Hall will sue.
I hate to burst you bubble. I love Rickenbacker's and own Rickenbacker's.
How does that burst my bubble?
@@60CycleHumcast When you play a Rickenbacker you are playing a guitar that out of this world. The 5 knob is a balance knob. I know Rickenbacker's. Great guitars and a glossy fingerboard. You have to get to know Rickenbacker's. Just saying.
@@seattleday9690 still waiting for my bubble to be burst
I've owned a Rickenbacker 360 for a long time. I have a mid 2000s one which (apparently) were manufactured with a notoriously sticky neck which has frustrated me every time I play it. That said though, what made me buy it in the first place which I think is almost always overlooked is it is the best guitar I have played ergonomically whilst standing up. The large body, rounded front edges, and lightness of a hollow body offer a standing playing feel that is not available in any other guitar I know. Sitting down is not as good due to how sharp the bend is on the bottom cutaway, but for almost everyone I've handed my 360 to standing with a strap they've liked it before they even played it.
I could not believe how NICE the feel of a 360 12c63 that I owned felt, it was like playing a Cadillac, it had such a good feel to it. OF Course the sound was unbelievable good. Loved that guitar, was sorry I sold it, they are like 4000.00 to buy now. It stayed in tune really well.
It was due to Radiohead but also the Dutch Surfband the Treble Spankers I bought my 320.
I honestly thought I was the only one who didn't like the feel of those guitars. A friend of mine had one and I played on it quite a few times. Glad I'm not alone!
I always lusted after a Rickenbacker and my cousin had a 360 12 string and after he passed away suddenly I had a chance to buy it. His son asked me to do a string change and setup on it (which is a total pain), I was all set to make an offer on it until I played it for a few weeks and I hated the neck on it, especially the string spacing, I was totally bummed out, kind of like meeting your favorite celebrity and they turn out to be a complete jerk. I’ve heard the Roger McGuinn and Tom Petty signature models have a wider neck but Rickenbacker famously thinks the skinny neck is a main selling point. I ended up getting a used Danelectro 12 string, which I love, for way less money. I think you’re right about that’s why Rickenbacker doesn’t let anybody play them at NAMM, LOL!!!
I always thought they were cool because of that kitch 50s diner vibe they’ve got going, and thought they were naff for the same reason
You can get injured by the Bridge. At least on mine. It had a lot of bolt heads and edges, as I remember. Primitive, but nicely Chromed.
How similar do they sound to lipsticks/danelectros? I love the way these sound, but they're awfully expensive and they don't sound super comfortable.
I love Rickenbacker guitars. My first electric guitar was a 1990 320. I get what the reviewer was talking about when he said he was not bonding with guitars. If all you have played are fender and Les Paul style guitars then the feel of a Rick will be alien to you. I switch my playing between my Gretcsh and my Rick frequently and everytime it takes a decent amount of time to adjust because the two instruments play so different. My advice to this guy is to buy a Rick and adjust to it, so you can see what it has to offer. If you don't like the bridge cover, then remove it. It is two small screws and then you can go back to palm mutes. The sound of the pickups are fantastic and once you learn the 5th knob you can get sounds no other guitar has. E d of the day it is all about sound preferences and familiarity.
I heard George Harrison in an interview say that he didn't really enjoy his 360 Rick 12 all that much. He said other guitars played better in his opinion. But the sound was a new element for Beatles music which he took advantage of.
They stay in tune pretty well. Maybe that's why you don't like them?
Lol, I felt that burn.
@@60CycleHumcast I promise i’m just messing with you, bud, haha. Ric’s definitely have a unique feel.
I have never felt at home on one, either. LOVE the sound in the right context, but I don't think I can execute some more advanced things on them just due to the feel.
I agree, never felt that magic feeling I get from a fender neck
I just don't get his logic..."I like the way it sounds, but, hate the way it feels" So, in other words, I like the way the Porsche drives, just don't like the feel of the seat when driving it. Last I checked the sound of a guitar is what sets it apart from other guitars. I cringe when I hear someone attempt a Petty Ric song with a Les Paul. Every hear the intro of "What I Like About You" on a Strat? God forbid a Jam song is played on anything but a Ric. A Ric is not really an everyday, every song type of guitar, but none really are. Rics are great for Ric songs, and there is NOTHING else like the sound of the 12 String.
8:22 DEVO riff 🔥🔥
Gut Feeling, great song great album.
Those Harmony guitars look lit!
To me these always sound like they have a super SUPER subtle compressor going on in the pickups.
What I've also learned here is that Rickenbacker owners must be fun at parties!!! Major booty wounded comments down there lololol!
Interesting, because my experience with Rics - six, twelve, and bass - is that they are a complete joy to play and channel sounds out of. And I’m a big-handed classical guitar guy. Trouble is, I’m too casual a hobbyist to want to commit the amount of money it requires. Once I hit the lottery, though, it’s Ric city!
Tom Petty be like,...”Hold my beer!”
I use a Harley Benton 6 string Ricky clone for our Tom Petty set. Same quality if not better sound and it costs about 1 sixth the price.
And Peter Buck. A lot of the tones in this video reminded me a lot of earlyish R.E.M.
@@davewalsh3885 Price-wise you are semi correct except more like 10 times price difference. Quality wise I couldn't disagree more unless you were comparing a Chickenbacker copy.
holy geez, all the yes to the jurassic park theme. GAWBLESS RYANS
I bought a fire glow six string 330 in 1980, at Mannys in NYC, when they were “only” $550, still way more expensive than most guitars at the time. I don’t know about now, I haven’t played one since I sold that one in 1981. They’re almost impossible to play, they have a really thick coat of some kind of slightly sticky lacquer on the neck. They just feel weird. I think I traded it for a tele, which I loved. Anyway, they look a lot cooler than they play& sound. I guess they’re ok for strumming open chords, but that’s about it. Plus, THEY ARE RIDICULOUSLY EXPENSIVE. John Lennon got his in Hamburg because it was one of the cheapest guitars in the shop. (Reminds me of Johnny Ramone& the now ridiculously over priced Mosrites…or, Hofner Beatle basses, at least they make a bargain line, which are really great…) also, they GAVE George his 12-string. Worth the price in both instances. They’re great for Beatles cover bands, I suppose. Thanks for your honest appraisal!
I had kind of a similar experience with a Duesenberg Caribou in a local guitar shop. It was a special offer, it looked absolutely beautiful and so well made and it sounded great. I really wanted it to be the right guitar for, me but it just didn't feel right in my hands. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't bond with it. I felt even a bit heartbroken, when I left the store.
If they had an import line, they’d make a fortune. Ric’s are so expensive! Most people can’t afford to spend that much on such a specific sounding instrument.
They won't do an import line. They wish to keep all manufacturing stateside.
@@joellebrodeur1015 I know, which is noble of them. I just want a Ric cheap. :(
@@keithfaust8925 - If you know where to shop, they are not bad. Got a brand new 620/12 last week for $1599.99. My 4003 was 1900.00, new. I got it for $1300. A new Thunderbird will set you back $2400 and an American made P-Bass $1650, so Rics are NOT crazy expensive compared to their counterparts.
Dude, it's RickenBACKer, not RickenBOCHer.
They are great guitars. Not for everything and not for everyone, but you said it yourself - middle position strumming tone. FANTASTIC.
ribenblacker?
The comments are worse than a political debate…
As a proud Rickenbacker owner I can fully say these are super niche guitars, and I respect all opinions on it; praise or criticism. They’re really peculiar little instruments that only a very small percent of guitarists can really get behind. Plus if you watch 60 Cycle Hums content you would know he actually is a fan of one Rickenbacker model (the 3/4 scale Lennon 325) and was surprised by it. So before you attack the dude for not singing praise for a Rickenbacker, just remember; there’s probably a guitar brand you’re not a fan of that others absolutely adore.
If you've never played a Rickenbacker it's like a new pair of shoes that you have to get used to. Ryan, if you 'circle back' to this video, these Rics sound marvelous without the veneer of $20 pedals. I wouldn't expect a Ric to play and sound like a Strat anymore than I'd try and get a Strat to sound like a Ric. And that bridge cover is easily removable and remember Strats and Teles had covers too. And the cover can be seen as an advantage in that you can rest your hand down WITHOUT muting if that works for you.
i don't remember expecting it to sound like a strat.
Well, they sure do sound awesome... that's kind of a selling point. The 12 string especially.
The small knob is a second volume for the neck pickup, which does not go all the way to zero and is wired backwards. This is so you can balance the level of neck and bridge pickups in the middle position, especially useful when playing in stereo. Not necessary, but a relic of the early Rick guitars that the fans protest if they try to remove.
The dual truss Rod means you can flatten out the neck and drop that action LOW.
Take off the bridge cover.
The pickups are low output; crank the amp a little and let those tubes work. A compressor and/or boost can be handy.
Don’t try to make it do Strat and LP stuff. Think rhythm guitar. Chug some power chords, strum some open chiming chords, jangle some arpeggios, fingerpick if you can (it’s cramped). Think Beatles, CCR, REM, Byrds. It’s not the versatile Swiss Army knife guitar that’s gonna solve all your gig problems. It’s a highly specialized tool that does unique sounds you won’t get from a Fender or Gibson.
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Makes sense... they’re very much like Mosrites in that they’re not for everybody. Major bonding issues for a lot of players. There are some exceptions though, like a good 620. I have one that everyone seems to instantly love. Yep
Mosrite is a good comparison, on paper I should love mosrites, but I just can’t get into those speed frets.
@@60CycleHumcast I feel ya. I have 2 vintage Mosrites that I totally love, but they definitely took some getting used to. But now that I have, I prefer them to pretty much everything else. Mine are both original era though, so they’re a bit different from the 90’s reissue at Moze. The weirdest thing about Mosrites is that they were designed for super light strings, like 9’s(which I don’t dig so much most the time). Like if you put 9’s on em the tremolo arm sits right at the perfect height, because the tension on the spring is less... etc. So yeah, I have a few tricks to set them up with 10’s and it works out great.
If you’d like to try them out sometime, I have a 1966 Mark V Ventures(it’s beautiful and blue) and a 1971 Mark I(sunburst). I work as a studio musician a few days a week at a place that’s just down the road from Moze, so it wouldn’t be much of a hassle for me to bring em over there, or if you wanted to stop by. I enjoy your channel, so it’d be an honor to see one of my guitars on road case(love that intro) Or I’m happy just to let you check em out to see if you like the old ones any better than the reissue
Play some arpeggios clean that’s what they’re for!!! 😊
Pete Townshend and Paul Weller say "hi"
@@ryanmaxwelll2730 Peter Buck and Johnny Marr say yo!
@@adamtick Marty Willson-Piper and Ian McNabb say “Yep!”
Those guitars need extra practice. Why do I love mine? Simple: it sounds and looks great. The neck is comfortable for chording with weird shapes, and whatever notes you play the guitar will sound crystal clear and mellow. Try a Rickenbacker if you play:
Psych rock (they were used by Tame Impala)
Shoegaze (Slowdive, Ride, Chapterhouse)
Pop rock (early Radiohead, The Romantics)
Jangle pop (early Primal Scream, REM, The Smiths)
Jazz (yes, in youtube you can find many examples. Toots Thielemans used Rickenbackers inspiring John Lennon)
Not the best guitar for hard rock, you will need more sustain and low frequencies. But pretty ok for punk rock (Fugazi used them).
Rics are guitars that have very specific specs you either love or hate and aren't the most versatile guitars (IMHO), but if you want that particular sound, there's really nothing else that makes it.
TBH I've even heard several pro players known for playing these guitars admit they're not the biggest fan of some of the specs.
Nobody likes the neck width on the 12 - not Pete Townshend, not McQuinn, not Tom Petty. John Hall apparently thinks of the narrow necks as some sort of hazing/initiation thing.
I love the guitars. Some of the business practices are really douchey.
@@JohnMcKLV Exactly. Rics may be the only guitars where I've heard multiple people famous for playing them saying they really don't like some things about them, which the neck being the most common point of critisism.
They seem like a really oddly run company too like they haven't really progressed past the 60's/70's, but darn if the guitars themselves aren't an iconic part of the last 60 years of popular music.
Just say no to matte black guitars. They end up looking shiny in the places you touch and there's no getting the matte back. Ugh.
All maple, ⅝ neck size, not distortion friendly pickups, fussy to tune. Sound great clean or overdriven.
Like you've said, they're not for everyone, and that's okay.
Thanks for the John Williams (Jurassic Park) music. Thanks Ryan.
I have a '65 guild 12 string hollowbody and a 12 string strat copy that I built and have massaged extensively to get it to play well. During the peak of this phase I was an absolute Mcguinn/Byrds freak. I was so ecstatic to find a used 360/12 at guitar center once, for the reasons named here: this big mystery about the price in the catalogs, never being seen in a music shop ... and I knew all about who used them and why. I was truly ready to fall in love. But this review perfectly encapsulates my own Rickenbacker experience. I still can't figure out why I truly preferred the Danelectro 12 that day! And I hate those things lol!
The thing about a Ric is the sound. THAT sound. No other guitar has THAT sound. If you love THAT sound then your hands will quickly learn to love the guitar. Then you can get much more out of it beyond THAT sound. As far as the bridge cover....I've never seen a used Rickenbacker that still has one. Most players take them off because it makes changing strings a pain in the ass. And if you have the "R" tailpiece, with it's "string slots" instead of "string holes", then changing strings is really a pain in the ass. And once you learn how to use the "5th knob" effectively, you can really multiply the tonal possibilities.
I love Rickenbackers. Not so keen on Rickenbarkers though! 😄
Around 6:20 I got the desire to go watch some Jurassic Park movies.
I must say that that's probably the first time I've seen anybody take a Rickenbacker and do anything
surfy. I did enjoy the sound of that. One last note I believe I'm about 4.3 miles away from that shop where they make Rickenbacker's. If there's any way I can go for a little factory tour I will. I might give them a call and see what they say. I really love the look of those guitars.
I have a tele, a strat, an LP custom, an LP standard, a 59 LP special, and a 94 Rick 360 6 string in fireglo; the Rick is mint and is absolutely gorgeous, and sounds amazing. The only issue is that I struggle to fit my fat fingertips into the narrow neck width at the nut; I don't that issue with any of my other electrics. The gripe I have with Rickenbacker is that they are too hidebound to tradition to offer at wider nut width that would be more playable for me. I'll never sell it because it's too iconic, beautiful, and fun to look at. I see the Beatles and Tom Petty in it, and that's good enough for me. Hand me my strat.
I had one for a week. Frets are just tiny and make it very hard to play. I hated it. Not one of my friends liked it to play all thought the same as me. I also made the same mistake and bought the bass, they were both stunning and sounded great. The Bass neck was just stupid fat. I went right back to my jazz and sold the Ric bass as well.
Whenever I pick up a 12 string I immediately play either Wish you were here, or Closer to the heart by Rush
Moulin Rouge by Greg Kihn.
What about the Byrds song? 😁
@@carvinblack"the" Byrds song? Try "any" Byrds song :)
Is there a learning curve to playing 12 string? I just discovered these even existed and my brain just can't handle it
Damn I've never been to Moze despite it being literally 20 minutes from my house. I've only been to Allen's Music in La Mesa
If you ever make it there I'd love to hear about those offset looking fender-ish/teisco-ish guitars in the back behind Ryan.
You’re missing out my friend. They have the best selection of vintage guitars and amps in San Diego, and the staff is all super friendly and helpful. I’ve been going there for most of my instrument needs for over 20 years. Totally different vibe from Allen’s... that’s more like school band and orchestra supplies.
@@brandonfairchild5340 they’re made by a local builder... check em out on IG @highspiritguitars
Hi Ryan - I last played a Rickenbacker in the late '70s and, like you, I simply didn't "connect" with it at all. All these years later, I'd really like to give Rickenbacker another chance, but that first impression is still vivid in my mind, so I'd say it's definitely a brand that anyone should try for real in a shop, not buy on spec online without playing one. Here in the UK many players would probably use the Marmite analogy - you either love it or hate it.