620 vs 650

David_Lopes · Post by **David_Lopes** » Fri Aug 11, 2000 10:30 am

I have a couple questions that I'd like to get feedback on if possible.

I own a 360 MG. I am looking to purchase either a 620 or a 650D. My questions concerns the sound from each one, i.e., is a 620 going to sound very much like a 360 ? It is my understanding that the 650 sounds a lot different given its humbuckers.

Also, would buying a 620 with "vintage" pickups change the dramatically the sound vis-à-vis standard high gain pickups ?

If anybody can share their thoughts on these two great guitars, I would be grateful.

Sincerely,
David Lopes
Paris, France

admin · Post by **admin** » Fri Aug 11, 2000 7:41 pm

My view is that, in the balance, the 620 and 360 will sound very similar. I have high gain pickups in my 350 and they sound very much like the vintage pickups in my 450 solid body. I think you will find more sustain with the 620 than the 360 but they will sound quite similar. The 650D, on the other hand, will be a hotter instrument as a result of the humbucking pickups. So if you want an instrument that sounds very much different from your 360 and you limit your choices to a 620 and a 650D, I think you would be happier with the 650D. Both the 620 and 650D will feel different from the 360 and to me the solid bodies have a more compact feeling. My two cents. I hope others will share their views on this subject. Good Luck!

David_Lopes · Post by **David_Lopes** » Wed Aug 16, 2000 1:33 am

Peter,

What if one were to expand the choices, to other Ric solid bodies like a 660/6 for example ? Is that guitar much different sounding than the 360/6?

Thanks for your input,

David Lopes
Paris, France

admin · Post by **admin** » Wed Aug 16, 2000 6:11 am

David: The Model 660 sounds like the other solid body models that have the vintage reissue pickups. Rickenbacker has been using the "Scatterwound Pickups" for the past while that capture the classic Rickenbacker sound of the 60's. The sustain of the 660 is better than the semi-hollow body models and you also have the benefit of a wider neck at the nut of one and three-quarter inches. Lastly their appearance, in my view, is most striking.
Model 660/12

ric325v63 · Post by **ric325v63** » Thu Aug 17, 2000 5:04 pm

This summer I decided to add a 600 series solid body to my Ricks (330, 325, 360/12). I was very torn on the 620 versus the 650. I had seen and played the 620 before but had never seen a 650. In June I happened to run into a 650D in a store and tried it out. It seems like a very nice guitar but I personally did not like the thicker "bat-like" neck. I prefer the thinner 620/330 type neck. So, I decided to order a brand new 620 FG with the Vintage Pickup (7.4K scatterwounds) option. I'm still waiting. I think it will be a nice complement to my 330 Hi-Gain which I use the most these days. I still think the 650 series is very attractive looking, though. I'll let you know about the 620 when it gets here.

Jon Roe
Virginia, USA

david_lopes · Post by **david_lopes** » Fri Aug 18, 2000 3:09 am

Jon,
Did you think about a 660/6 ? I am torn too between the 660 & the 620.

Tom_Klash · Post by **Tom_Klash** » Tue Nov 28, 2000 6:12 pm

Can anyone assist me regarding a solid through the body neck vs. one that is not? Is there a significant difference in the tone?
Tom Klash

admin · Post by **admin** » Tue Nov 28, 2000 7:17 pm

Tom: It is my perception that the sustain is greater in the through the body neck construction.

bob__thetomato · Post by **bob__thetomato** » Sat Jan 20, 2001 11:15 am

I think the 620 is a refreshing break from the ordinary. As far as looks go, it's sleeker, with more flowing lines. Plus the through - neck design gives it better sustain.

wmthor · Post by **wmthor** » Sun Feb 25, 2001 9:13 am

Has anyone else given any thought to putting the RIC humbucking pickups in a 620?

rick12dr · Post by **rick12dr** » Sun Feb 25, 2001 5:20 pm

Richard, I did this for a friend a few years back with his old '67 625, and it was Great after doing it.