600-Series Shape Changes

[milo]

Having just purchased a '64, I'd have to vote for the earlier version. I do like how they made the line of the horns continue in an even sweep from one side of the neck to the other, but I prefer the shape of the upper horn on the older models even though I'm not sure I would have immediately noticed it without seeing the pictures side by side. The new upper horn just seems a touch awkward and weaker looking than the older version.

[Kingbreaker]

I voted New Style.

Just to prove that not all RIC fans are old-fashioned fuddy-duddies!

[jps]

I voted New Style.

Just to prove that not all RIC fans are old-fashioned fuddy-duddies!

But, is that how you really feel?

[Kingbreaker]

I voted New Style.

Just to prove that not all RIC fans are old-fashioned fuddy-duddies!

But, is that how you really feel?

I like 'em both.

[manta]

[/quote]I like 'em both.[/quote]

This also proves RIC lovers are excellent diplomats.

(I still like the old style - P. Fuddy)

[raygunpyle]

I have a 2011 620, and wish I had an older one to compare it to. All I Know is I've never had a guitar fit my style so well! I wish the crushed pearl inlays were still available. IIRC, the supplier for the inlays went out of business or just quit making them.

[aceonbass]

I wish the crushed pearl inlays were still available. IIRC, the supplier for the inlays went out of business or just quit making them.

Actually, the source of the original material is now an endangered species. The inlays were actually made in house from this material.

[David Watts]

I have a 92 620/12 and i confirm the line between the horns is "broken" on mine, and the neck also tends to dive a bit.
I voted earlier because i prefer the shape of the "old" upper horn.
For the treble side it's quite difficult to tell from the picture if it's really smaller.
I'd need to see two models side by side to make my opinion.

[LenMinNJ]

Here's another variation from around 1990.

It looks a lot like your first photo, except the bass horn is more rounded on top, instead of being a flat edge. And the line is smooth across the neck.

(This is not a production instrument, but rather one of the one-off prototypes for the Jackson Browne Limited Edition.)

1990 JBLE prototype

[andee]

Hello,

here's what I've found out:

I bought a 660/6fg from 2005 and a 660/12fg from 2009 the last weeks. It seems like that the horn is also different from the 2005 to the 2009 guitar. I didn't know that before.

There has been also a few other changes between 2005 and 2009.

Look at my pictures. The green one is a 650a from 1993.

[deaconblues]

hanks for that great comparison, Andreas. It does seem to me that the treble horn has shrunk even more in recent years.

[andee]

hanks for that great comparison, Andreas. It does seem to me that the treble horn has shrunk even more in recent years.

Thanks a lot.

Well, I've compared a little more in the gallery.

1995 was the last year they built the "old horn", after 1995 they built the "new horn".
Then there was a change again in to the "newer new horn" (picture 2009) in 2009, one year after they used the full triangle inlays again.

till 1995 = "old horn"
1996 till 2008 = "new horn"
2009 till today = "newer new horn"

I'm annoying a little, cos' I thought I bought with the 2005 620 a rick with an old horn...
I guess I have to try to get a pre-2005 rick 620fg. But it so hard to get one in europe...

[Ric5150]

My 600s are all Blueburst. Since that wasn't available in the old style and the differences are pretty subtle, I stick with my newer ones in blue....

[Royce]

Hey guys,

I've spent hours tonight looking at 600 series guitars and noting all the differences. WOW. I had to start taking notes I was getting so confused! My favorite 620/625 models are the 1962 to 1983 models. I have a 1995 660-6 string so it has all the features I like. Here it is:

1995 660-6

In my humble opinion, Rickenbacker used the wrong 620/625 to program the CNC machine with. (meaning they didn't use one I like ) Those somewhat newer horn shapes just don't look right to me. They remind me of a snail. Correct me if I'm mistaken, but doesn't this mean there are no modern 620 models with the older style horns and full width inlays? Now, just to throw a wrench in the works, what the heck is the story on this 2006 model? I would buy one like this in an instant if it had the smaller headstock.

2006 620

[sfuentes]

Now, just to throw a wrench in the works, what the heck is the story on this 2006 model? I would buy one like this in an instant if it had the smaller headstock.

That looks a lot like one shown on Paul Wilcynski's site here: https://www.studio-california.com/restomod-620-vs-625