The difference between 650 Excalibur & Frisco???

dannyboy · Post by **dannyboy** » Fri Mar 08, 2002 12:54 pm

Anyone to explain the difference between those two guitars??? And if they are the same, when did Ric change the name?
While I'm on the subject, I have seen a Frisco on Ebay, today, that was sporting a tremolo...was this installed at Ric or was it an after market job?

corey · Post by **corey** » Fri Mar 08, 2002 2:18 pm

I'm guessing that would be an after-market job, as that isn't a factory option that comes with the 650 series.

For example, I'm getting my 360/12's factory installed 6 saddle bridge replaced after market with a 12 saddle through my Ric dealer here in Canada.

dannyboy · Post by **dannyboy** » Sat Mar 09, 2002 4:11 am

It would make sense, Corey ! The reason I'm asking is that I'm waiting for the delivery of a wonderful 1992 650 Sierra sometime next week! I just couldn't resist! It's the one that was at Pick of the Ricks. And I was wondering if it was a Frisco or an Excalibur. The add said african vermillion and maple...and we find the same on both! So this is what got me wondering about the tremolo bridge! That brings me back to my questions: what's the difference???????
Peter? Mark? Mr.Hall? Anyone???
Is there anybody out there???!!!

corey · Post by **corey** » Sat Mar 09, 2002 8:06 am

After checking out Bjorn Eriksson's Rickenbacker Page I think I can safely say that the Vibrato tailpiece is a factory option. I guess what you'd be getting from Pick of The Ricks is called a Model 650S "Sierra" VH (VH being the vibrato option)

There's a pic of the Excalibur at Bjorn's site as well...and it looks to be just a deluxe "Atlantis" model.

The URL to that site is in the "Links" section of this site.

jwilli · Post by **jwilli** » Sat Mar 09, 2002 9:55 am

The Frisco model was indeed once named Excalibur. However, John Hall said that he found out later that a there was already a French guitar with the same name. So he changed it to Frisco.

eatswodo · Post by **eatswodo** » Sat Mar 09, 2002 2:16 pm

The vibrato is indeed a factory option for the 650 series - check out http://www.rickenbacker.com/us/options.htm, where it's listed.

The Excalibur was made by Vigier - still in business.

dannyboy · Post by **dannyboy** » Sat Mar 09, 2002 6:26 pm

Thanks very much for your help, guys!

dannyboy · Post by **dannyboy** » Mon Mar 18, 2002 4:36 pm

I have just received my 650 from Chris ( Pick of the Ricks) and I am impressed already! It's a 1992 Sierra vermillon and maple...I still don't know if I should call it Excalibur or Frisco...but right now it doesn't matter 'cos I'm going back to make some beautiful noise!!!

Asta la vista, baby!!!