Which Rickenbacker 6 string is best for Lead?

westtexasrickenbacker · Mon Aug 21, 2006 10:06 am

Getting closer to ordering and wanting to ask the experts.

sloop_john_b · Post by **sloop_john_b** » Mon Aug 21, 2006 10:11 am

It's a matter of preference. Some prefer the small frets of most Ricks. The 650 series is geared toward lead playing - tall frets and un-varnished fretboard. I have played one and thought it was fantastic for lead playing.

winston · Post by **winston** » Mon Aug 21, 2006 10:16 am

I am biased but I would look at a 350. You have the best of all worlds in that guitar. With the right amplification it can emulate a Strat or a LP. That little fifth knob is a wonderful thing. Plus it is the coolest looking guitar on the planet. I love mine.

tony_carey · Post by **tony_carey** » Mon Aug 21, 2006 10:28 am

The 650 is OK, but IMO, the pickups are caught in no mans land...neither humbucker or single coil tonality. I second Brians 350 candidate. The 350 is a great little gtr, really good to throw around & so easy to play. Strat type sounds, I totaly agree with, but a Les Paul? Undeniably a great gtr to solo with though & if it is a V series, try changing the bridge pick up to a hi-gain.

I would throw the humble 340 into the hat...all the classic Ric sounds, but with 3 hi-gain power!

winston · Post by **winston** » Mon Aug 21, 2006 10:37 am

Tony,

I can make mine sound like a LP because...drum roll...I have a Rickenbacker humbucker on mine.

Peter obviously has some experience in this regard also.

http://www.rickresource.com/rrp/350humbucker.html

tony_carey · Post by **tony_carey** » Mon Aug 21, 2006 10:51 am

Aahhh, I thought it had to be something like that. Interestingly enough though, I bought my Les Paul as a direct result of my disapointment with Ric humbuckers on my 650C.

I must confess though, that my needs are quite specific & perhaps I am being unfair to the Ric humbucker. Perhaps I should say that they didn't do what I particularly needed, as I did genuinely feel that they were very versatile....but versatility is not my thing...I only need to sound like me!

mark_revel · Post by **mark_revel** » Mon Aug 21, 2006 1:47 pm

I've had my 650 Dakota since Oct 2005 & am still diggin' the great HB tones. I can get Beano LP tones if I dial in the amp...but I can also get SO many other great tones too. I like the versatility...it suits whatever mood I'm in at the time.

650s are great lead guitars.

Mark

jwilli · Post by **jwilli** » Mon Aug 21, 2006 2:55 pm

"650s are great lead guitars"

Yes, and its cool that you can try a Hi Gain, Toaster or Humbucker in one. All different tones but still RIC-like.

lawton · Post by **lawton** » Mon Aug 21, 2006 3:56 pm

I would think that the Hoffs signature 350 would be a kickin' lead guitar (again, the humbucker in the bridge spot takes the gain up a notch or two when needed). But I will have to say that Mr. Harrison played some really nice leads (IMO) with a toaster equipped Rickenbacker or two.

westtexasrickenbacker · Wed Aug 23, 2006 8:58 am

Aha! So it seems that both the 650 and the 350 are good choices for a lead guitar. Thanks.

Decisions, decisions.

jps · Post by **jps** » Mon Aug 28, 2006 6:41 pm

Last night at the HOB, there was an amazing solo and other lead work done on a humbucker equipped 330. Not mention many other great Ricks used for soloing, so just pick your favorite and blast away.

wmthor · Post by **wmthor** » Tue Aug 29, 2006 2:03 am

Susanna Hoffs' 350 had three HBs.

longhouse · Post by **longhouse** » Tue Aug 29, 2006 5:58 am

21 fret Rics with Toasters are my favorite guitars for lead -ever.

westtexasrickenbacker · Tue Aug 29, 2006 10:49 am

Yeah, regarding Susanna Hoffs', but she's not a notable guitarist in terms of chops.

It was a beautiful guitar, though!!!

beefandbones · Post by **beefandbones** » Tue Aug 29, 2006 12:15 pm

Which Rickenbacker 6 string is best for playing lead? Which ever model I have my hands on! Oh yeah! High five!