RIC 6-string acoustics?

sowhat · Post by **sowhat** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 8:56 am

May i ask about the 6-string acoustics? Which models are around, which ones are the best? Where can i find the pictures and descriptions?
Eagerly waitin' for an answer,
Sheena.

BobKat · Post by **BobKat** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 9:07 am

Well, I have to tell you that I wish I had more experience with these. Sadly, they are frighteningly rare because the production totals have been so low.

They make, at least in theory, a few different models:

The 700S Shasta, a Jumbo with Rosewood sides
The 700C Comstock, a Jumbo with Maple sides
The 730S Shiloh, a Dreadnought with Rosewood sides
The 730L Laramie, a dreadnought with Maple sides
The 760J Jazzbo, an archtop with Maple sides

Rickenbacker is not currently accepting orders on these, as far as I know. They are still looking to get this department up and running on their terms- and if you see one of these in person, you will note immediately that they are fantastic looking guitars.

Again, I have very little experience playing them. I played a Laramie at the factory in 1998, and I strummed briefly on the 700C/12 Comstock once. I was very impressed both times, they are bright and chimey guitars, exactly what you would expect a Rickebacker acoustic to sound like.

John Williams and some others here have personal experience with them. Anyone who owns one, please enlighten the topic.

Of course, http://www.rickenbacker.com will satsify your desire to see pictures of these elusive beauties.

leftybass · Post by **leftybass** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 9:25 am

I had a chance to buy a 730L/12 once from Chris Clayton, but didn't do it...(beats head against wall..)

loverickbass · Post by **loverickbass** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 10:05 am

I am blessed to have one and all I can say is it's the best guitar I've ever played. It has thunderous bass response and jangly highs. Well balanced sound with unbelieviable presence. Very low action and with electric guitar like playablity. I've played a few of my friends Martins,Gibson,etc. and my RIC sounds better than all of them. Here are a few pics of mine. Enjoy!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v464/loverickbass/IM002690.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v464/loverickbass/IM002696.jpg

Cole

kennyhowes · Post by **kennyhowes** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 10:28 am

I have one as well, and agree with JC 100%.

The best part is showing up at a gig and/or a hootenanny with it. The cries of "Man! I've NEVER seen a Rick acoustic!" are inevitable.

I'm currently looking for a second one as a backup, as my acoustic gigs are picking up. All the ones coming out of here for the next while are totally spoken for.

86kubicki · Post by **86kubicki** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 10:35 am

Kenny - as someone who has an acoustic on order, I'm wondering if RIC has an idea when acoustic production might resume? Not that you've ever heard this question before...

tony_carey · Post by **tony_carey** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 12:16 pm

I've played a Ric acoustic a couple of times now & I can add my enthusiasm for them. It was a comstock & has a wonderful sound & very easy to play. It was a lot different than I expected it to be...I expected it to be very bright, but in fact it has a very round, even tone which compared very favourably with a Martin that I have been playing recently, only it was easier to play. Definately on my wants list...

oreca · Post by **oreca** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 5:21 pm

J.C., my dream Rickenbacker acoustic guitar is exactly like that!

Jumbo body, maple sides and back... I'm drooling...

We need some more soundclips! I remember hearing Meli play hers and it sounded so nice.

loverickbass · Post by **loverickbass** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 3:17 am

Sorry, no sound clips from me! lol

Cole

greg_mitchell · Post by **greg_mitchell** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 4:46 am

That's a great looking acoustic...it's even a fireglo with checkered binding. The perfect acoustic.

I remember hearing that the Lemmy bass production was holding up the acoustic orders. Apparently the same guy who does alot of the work on the acoustics also does the carving in the Lemmy basses. But now that they're all done (?), maybe we'll see some acoustic Rickenbackers coming out soon.

mrtidy · Post by **mrtidy** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 9:17 am

I ordered one from music123.com when they first announced them years ago...
I had forgotton all about the order, when it arrived almost two years later.
I love my 730L, very pretty to look at, sounds very bright and happy (!)
I also love the attention it brings when I play out.

loverickbass · Post by **loverickbass** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 10:03 am

Any of you guys experience any bridge lift on your RIC acoustics? That's the only issue I really have with it. It's nothing major but the action is just a tad higher than I like. I was thinking of installing the JDL bridge doctor on it. I'd like to hear some reviews of it before I proceed.

Cole

mrtidy · Post by **mrtidy** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 11:09 am

Yes, yes, yes! I had a major problem with bridge lift! Rickenbacker had neglected to install a bridge plate and that caused the problem, it was repaired under warranty.
Either way, get it checked out

sowhat · Post by **sowhat** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 12:46 pm

Thank you all for the info guys! Looked through the official website, loved both 700S & 730S but... 760J is a real dream!
(uh... feel like venturing a trip to States next summer...)

loverickbass · Post by **loverickbass** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 4:00 pm

Hum, no bridge plate? That's a big something to forget to install! Glad it worked out in the end.

Cole