Talk me into a 650

golfo · Post by **golfo** » Wed Jun 08, 2005 12:21 pm

heh folks.
well - i'm really enjoying my 2 new ricks (360/6 vp and 330/12). i've once again decided to sell the the only humbucker guitar i own (a wonderful tele deluxe reissue from fender mim). i just can't get used to the muddiness of humbuckers (i've bought and sold about 6 'buckier-equipped gits up to now - i like the bridge pup on the tele but i don't like the combo or neck pup). i've read that the rick humbuckers are clean and clear - more along the lines of a single-coil sound than a humbucker sound. this sounds like i might like it. however - is it TOO much like my single coil ricks to make it worth having? will it add a dimension that i might find useful? i play mostly blues, country, and some classic rock.
thanks
geoff

beefandbones · Post by **beefandbones** » Wed Jun 08, 2005 12:53 pm

Well, a 650 is going to be quite a bit different than either of the Ricks that you have currently, so I wouldn't worry about sonic overlap!

It's a funny proposition trying to talk someone who doesn't like humbuckers into a humbucker equipped guitar... So here goes: I can't think of a better axe for blues, country and classic rock than a 650.

I think it's important to approach a 650 without preconceived notions about what it's going to resemble. It's not going to sound like your 360 vp, or a Tele, or a Strat, or an SG, or a Les Paul. It can twang, it can bend, it can snarl, it can sing, but it's really it's own machine.

Although the pickups are 'single coil voiced' they are not single coils. There is still a little darkness that's just going to be inherent in any humbucker as compared to the sparkly, buzzy single coil sound. But it does give you a great basic tone that you can easily play around with. Clean, you can get a muscly twangy sound at the bridge, or a fat jazzy sound at the neck. But it also takes to pedals really well, and the humbuckers love a little dirt - fuzz, overdrive, whatever. On mine, the neck pickup sounds huge - and it's something about that position, too, because I've changed pickups on the guitar before (to toasters) and the neck pickup still sounded huge with toasters. But I'm back to the humbuckers with no regrets.

I've played mine through a Vox AC-15, a Marshall stack, a Fender Deluxe, and a Champ, and I think it mine sounds great on each of them - but the thing is, the amp really affects the way the guitar sounds. In a good way. I've found that if you boost the treble setting on your amp, the pickups will sound a little more like single coils.

Versatile, well made, a good value, and you don't see them on stage every day.

But that's just my opinion...

ken_j · Post by **ken_j** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 2:55 am

Pick of the Ricks has a 650C MB and a 650C FG in stock right now.

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 6:15 am

OK, buy one now, today, just do it, don't think, just go down right now and order one, there don't you feel better now?

ken_j · Post by **ken_j** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 10:31 am

I just talked with Chris at Pick of the Ricks. The Monty Brn one is $1179 shipped and the Fireglo one is $979. He will have both at the Colombus show this weekend. These won't last long. These are at old pricing since the were purchased/ordered prior to April.

Scastles · Post by **Scastles** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 10:41 am

A couple of rare 'C's' indeed. Take the plunge.

golfo · Post by **golfo** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 11:41 am

the fireglo looks very cool.
thanks for the advice, folks.
geoff

golfo · Post by **golfo** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 11:43 am

ethan
btw - that's quite a strong rec for the 650 considering my playing style. going to have to go for one, i think.

anyone like the straight walnut finish?

geoff

beefandbones · Post by **beefandbones** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 1:01 pm

Cool! I hope you like yours as much as I like mine!

Actually, my 650 is a "D" model, and I like the oil finish a lot. It needs some maintenance now and then, like sanding off the finger dirt, and reapplying the oil, but other than that it's good to go. I think it's a good looking guitar - the only aesthetic thing I have a problem with is the chrome guard, but it photographs well on the stage.

I don't think I mentioned before that the neck is much thicker and wider than the 330/360s that you're used to. More akin to a Les Paul crossed with a Strat.

eatswodo · Post by **eatswodo** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 2:55 pm

Mine's the Dakota also - oiled walnut. I love the way it looks and feels - it's almost soft to the touch.

There's really no good reason not to buy one, Geoff.

longhouse · Post by **longhouse** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 7:01 pm

You can hear my 650A *Atlantis* here:
http://www.myspace.com/noelchristianriddell

Used for the main electric track in 'Seaside' and the lead in 'Sand'.

Songs play automatically, no download necessary.

The 650s are striking instruments visually. The tonal sweep is WIDE. They make superb recording/studio guitars due to their versatility.

Best wishes, Noel

golfo · Post by **golfo** » Fri Jun 10, 2005 7:08 am

noel
that's a FINE looking example of a 650! where did you find it? never seen one with the painted body and the natural center like that. stunning - and quite unique, imho.
thanks for sharing that one.
geoff

ken_j · Post by **ken_j** » Fri Jun 10, 2005 8:22 am

650 Atlantis-now out of production.

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Fri Jun 10, 2005 10:43 am

You wouldn't have to twist my arm too hard for a 650 - C, D or S. Unlikely that I'll see one over here unless I place a specific order. The wider neck could make it interesting, too!

That is indeed beautiful, Noel - a jewel!!

ken_j · Post by **ken_j** » Fri Jun 10, 2005 2:02 pm

Here's a 650C with a BIN of $650.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=41439&item=7329255414&rd=1