480/481/483?

phlemmy · Post by **phlemmy** » Mon Oct 03, 2005 11:33 am

How long were these made and where do I get one?

Man! Those are sweet.

phlemmy · Post by **phlemmy** » Mon Oct 03, 2005 11:39 am

ok, just saw a 480 and a 481 on eBay. i like the 480 better. what's the difference in the 483?

dswp · Post by **dswp** » Mon Oct 03, 2005 12:36 pm

Same as the 480, but the 483 has three pick ups...

tony_carey · Post by **tony_carey** » Mon Oct 03, 2005 1:57 pm

Try & play one first Sean. I always played a 4001 so when I wanted a gtr, the 480 was the obvious choice. It nearly put me off Rics for life! Dreadful gtr....thin, whammy bar neck, weedy sound...not at all like the chunkier 230's & 620's. Thankfully, I found the thinlines.

OK, I know I'll get some flack for this, as the 480 has lots of fans...but I'm not one of them! Maybe I'll be hauled over the coles less if I add 'IMHO'?

admin · Post by **admin** » Mon Oct 03, 2005 2:02 pm

Tony: As you know not all models play exactly the same. There are individual differences, of course, and this applies to the 480 model as well. There are ways to make the neck less "whammy" as you say. The tonality of this instrument with high gains is very different than the thinlines of which you speak. I would say, if you get the chance to play one again, give it another try.

dswp · Post by **dswp** » Mon Oct 03, 2005 2:41 pm

I love my 73 480. The high gain p.u.'s really mellowed nicely. It sounds real warm..

Here's one for sale on the Bay

http://cgi.ebay.com/Rickenbacker-Model-480-guitar_W0QQitemZ7355030556QQcategoryZ41439QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

admin · Post by **admin** » Mon Oct 03, 2005 2:44 pm

Perhaps you could comment on this too Dave. I find that the angle than the neck leaves the body of the instrument makes it a very comfortable player.

Tony: I just wanted to add here, that one of the more valuable aspects of this Forum is that we can compare notes with regard to different models. Not all instruments suit the playing style or tonality sought after by the performer. I consider that evaluating instruments from in many aspects is a benefit to all.

dswp · Post by **dswp** » Mon Oct 03, 2005 2:58 pm

No question Peter.

The neck and body configuration also gives access to the 24th fret. I also like the "flatness" of the neck. It fits my hand just right.

admin · Post by **admin** » Tue Oct 04, 2005 12:48 am

Dave: An excellent point about the neck profile.

tony_carey · Post by **tony_carey** » Tue Oct 04, 2005 10:52 am

When I reviewed my post, I nearly wiped it & didn't bother, but it was because of opinion that I posted it. I have never been let down by a gtr as much as I was that 480. I loved Rickenbacker & even now I remember the dissapointment. If I were to own a 480 now, then I could put it in the context of Rickenbacker history & enjoy it, knowing that I can go back to one of my trusty regulars, but as a very young man pinning my dreams on a 480.....

Would any of you 480 owners keep it as your only gigging Ric I wonder? If you had to sell all your Rics bar one...would your 480 really be your desert island gtr?

I'm going to shut up now, as I am going to take Peters advice & try one (if I can find one)....please don't make me eat my words!!

dswp · Post by **dswp** » Tue Oct 04, 2005 11:34 am

Anthony, Good point, however in reply I must say..

480's RULE

tony_carey · Post by **tony_carey** » Tue Oct 04, 2005 11:40 am

I must admit Dave...they do look good, especially in FG!

nick_st_hilaire · Post by **nick_st_hilaire** » Tue Oct 04, 2005 4:27 pm

I really enjoyed owning a 481 for 10 years or so. The flat neck allowed for great string bending, and the humbuckers were darker, but oh sooo nice, clean with a bit of chorus. I always thought the neck was ridiculously solid and it never seemed to go out of tune. The action could be set anywhere. Alas, I had always wanted a 360, but I wouldn't hesitate to own another.

ric480 · Post by **ric480** » Wed Oct 05, 2005 3:43 am

480's were my ONLY electric guitar for 30 years. 'Nuff said.

atomic_punk · Post by **atomic_punk** » Thu Oct 06, 2005 6:20 pm

Anthony, I know where you're coming from with your post. I always wanted a Les Paul, from the day I first started playing. That to me was the ultimate. So, I am playing this copy, **** guitar, get my cash together (as a teen) and get the Les Paul. And it SUCKED. I tried everything I knew at the time to make it sound good, no go. So I sold it.
I think now, the wiring was shot and only the neck PU worked. But, at the time, it just sounded bad. I found another one, later, that did not suck. LOVED it.