Good Evening:
I'm new to the forum but have been reading the posts for several months. I currently own a 360-6 and I am very happy with it however I find myself wanting to make another RIC investment. I want something with more punch and I believe the 650 Dakota may be the way to go. Can someone explain the sound one gets from the humbuckers on the Dakota. Is it similar to a Les Paul? SG?
Also can you address the neck width and how it effects playability? There are no dealers in my area that carry the 650D so I haven't had the opportunity to try one.
I quess the reason I am asking is that I read on Ed Roman's web site that he offers the 650D but replaces the pickups, shaves down the neck and removes the neck heel, then charges a few hundred more for the modifications. He highly recommends the 650 Dakota but explains with these mods it becomes a better guitar. I'm still a fairly inexperienced player. I would like some feedback if all this is necessary and an overall opinion on the 650 Dakota. Thank You
Opinions on 650 Dakota
Moderators: rickenbrother, ajish4
Opinions on 650 Dakota
Nothing is as easy as it looks!
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ricnvolved
Richard-- Listen to Philip. DO NOT buy anything from Ed Roman, ESPECIALLY a modded Ric 650 Dakota. You would be equally well off to take the cash money you would pay for Ed Roman's modded 650 and flush it down the toilet. At least that way you'll avoid the misery of seeing a perfectly nice Ric guitar ruined for no good reason.
I've never heard a 650 Dakota for myself, but I don't think it's going to sound like any of the Gibson models you refer to. My guess is that, although it's a solid body and has humbuckers, it's still going to sound like a Ric-- just with a different vibe from a 300 series model.
I've never heard a 650 Dakota for myself, but I don't think it's going to sound like any of the Gibson models you refer to. My guess is that, although it's a solid body and has humbuckers, it's still going to sound like a Ric-- just with a different vibe from a 300 series model.
Rich,
I forgot the details of how a stock Dakota sounds since I modded the **** out of mine, but I'm getting another one in a couple of weeks. If you can wait that long, I'll try to do a thorough sonic evaluation, and possibly record it. The neck is wide and fat, if that is what you like. You can always get it shaved by a luthier if you don't like it, and it shouldn't cost much. Don't worry about the heel, it does not get in the way of your playing at all. For now, if you haven't done so already, go to Harmony Central to look at some Dakota reviews.
I forgot the details of how a stock Dakota sounds since I modded the **** out of mine, but I'm getting another one in a couple of weeks. If you can wait that long, I'll try to do a thorough sonic evaluation, and possibly record it. The neck is wide and fat, if that is what you like. You can always get it shaved by a luthier if you don't like it, and it shouldn't cost much. Don't worry about the heel, it does not get in the way of your playing at all. For now, if you haven't done so already, go to Harmony Central to look at some Dakota reviews.
Richard,
I have one of those Roman horrors. Do yourself a favor and dont support his busisness.
The price extra on his website is for the neck mod only, not the pups.
I wish I had left mine stock, or at least I wish I had known enough then to ask to have the heel left on...
My guitar is going through further alterations to correct what he did to it. (by a competent luthier)
JP
If you do decide to have the neck thinned a little, then I would only do so after having it acclimate to your surroundings for a couple months.. I read that someone had theirs thinned for about $100. find out who is capabe in your area, and get any warrantys they offer in writing...
I have one of those Roman horrors. Do yourself a favor and dont support his busisness.
The price extra on his website is for the neck mod only, not the pups.
I wish I had left mine stock, or at least I wish I had known enough then to ask to have the heel left on...
My guitar is going through further alterations to correct what he did to it. (by a competent luthier)
JP
If you do decide to have the neck thinned a little, then I would only do so after having it acclimate to your surroundings for a couple months.. I read that someone had theirs thinned for about $100. find out who is capabe in your area, and get any warrantys they offer in writing...
oh yeah
the sound is all its own, atleast I think. when I was triyin out amps I got a lot of attention, from people trying to figure out what it was.
Its got an interesting unique tone, and i have not had anybody tell me they didnt like it...
Also if your not in a big hurry, John Hall has mentioned that GC is supposed to be stocking many Rics in the coming months. (maybe already)
the sound is all its own, atleast I think. when I was triyin out amps I got a lot of attention, from people trying to figure out what it was.
Its got an interesting unique tone, and i have not had anybody tell me they didnt like it...
Also if your not in a big hurry, John Hall has mentioned that GC is supposed to be stocking many Rics in the coming months. (maybe already)
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profjeff
Hi Richard:
I have a 650. It doesn't sound like anything else that I own, and I own a bunch of premium guitars (Gibsons, Fenders, and, of course, Ricks). That said, it still has a Rickish sound--chimey with some ring to it. It has a really quick attack, lots of upper mid range, and a tight bottom.
Mine sounds best overdriven through a Marshall valve amp. I like the wide neck and the overall balance of this guitar. You can hear my 650 on one of the songs on my website. It is the crunchy rhythm guitar in the left channel.
http://home.attbi.com/~drjeffreyb
I have a 650. It doesn't sound like anything else that I own, and I own a bunch of premium guitars (Gibsons, Fenders, and, of course, Ricks). That said, it still has a Rickish sound--chimey with some ring to it. It has a really quick attack, lots of upper mid range, and a tight bottom.
Mine sounds best overdriven through a Marshall valve amp. I like the wide neck and the overall balance of this guitar. You can hear my 650 on one of the songs on my website. It is the crunchy rhythm guitar in the left channel.
http://home.attbi.com/~drjeffreyb