660 Case Change?

dr_bob · Post by **dr_bob** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 5:09 am

When (what year) did RIC stop shipping the 660 in the silver tolex case? I thought all 660s came with a silver case but I see pictures on eBay now with the 660 sitting in a standard case.

epitreture · Post by **epitreture** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 5:31 am

SKU# 94530 is listed on the Rick website as the vintage silver case to fit all 600 models as well as the 350. Since I'm left handed all of my Ricks come with the vintage case including my 660/12. I've always thought that right handed Ricks came with the standard case except for the C series. I didn't realize that the 660 was sent with the vintage one. Learn something new every day I guess!

elysrand · Post by **elysrand** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 5:34 am

They never stopped, Bob

It is up to the dealer as to whether they do or not, not RIC.

Since the advent of the newer plastic case, Bob, all Rick 660s now come in the plastic case as standard. The vintage reissue case is an extra-cost upgrade on the dealer order sheets.

However, many or perhaps most dealers will order the extra-cost vintage RI case upgrade when they order a 660, due to the fact that the 660 is a premium-feature guitars anyway.

I think that is why we are used to seeing the 660 with a silver RI case. In reality, this is only because the dealers frequently order the case upgrade from plastic to RI when they order a 660, so we get used to seeing them in the RI case.

dswp · Post by **dswp** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 6:12 am

"The vintage reissue case is an extra-cost upgrade on the dealer order sheets."

Elys, I believe that option has been discontinued.
I could be wrong.

elysrand · Post by **elysrand** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 6:33 am

Wow, now that's a drag

I didn't know that RIC dropped the silver RI entirely as an upgrade option!

At least, one can still order it right now, today,with your new 660 - it has not been discontinued. You just wind up with two cases, because RIC doesn't want a bunch of empty unsold plastic cases cluttering up their factory floor?

steambyrd · Post by **steambyrd** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 8:02 am

My used '03 660 MID that I got last month, came in the vintage silver case. The case is mint; not even a scratch on it. The previous owner never took it out of the house. I however, intend to gig with the guitar, so I bought a used plastic case on eBay to haul it in so the vintage case can stay home. IMO, the plastic case actually appears to protect the guitar better when transporting it.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 10:15 am

Both my 660s--my 2004MB 660/12 and my DCM--came with plastic cases. Both brand new.

steambyrd · Post by **steambyrd** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 11:24 am

Paul, my new 660 BBR also arrived in a plastic case 3 weeks ago.

steve_hershberger · Post by **steve_hershberger** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 3:49 am

"IMO, the plastic case actually appears to protect the guitar better when transporting it."

Jim, that's my thinking too, so I'm on the lookout for a plastic fitted 330 case for my '92 360/12V64. It's a shame how the guitar flops around in the silver case unless I put numerous rags around the headstock and upper bouts of the body to keep it in place.

Basically, the silver case is useless for transporting, but it *does* look cool.

cmuk · Post by **cmuk** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 4:01 am

I'm no expert, but whilst I can see that the guitar is maybe supported better in the SKB cases, I would imagine the tolex variety are stronger as cases, i.e. will take a knock and not shatter etc.

Anyone knowledgeable have any conclusive thoughts on this?

johnhall · Post by **johnhall** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 4:40 am

The molded case is infinitely stronger than the vintage case in just about every respect. It supports the guitar better, has much additional protective padding and handles more crush weight.

The plastic won't shatter; it'll crack if you hit it hard enough. Hit the vintage case that hard and you'll have splinters and pieces of case everywhere whereas the molded case is still intact.

steambyrd · Post by **steambyrd** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 4:52 am

Thank you, Mr. Hall. Steve, it looks like we were both right about the plastic cases. I also have a couple mid '80 strats in the rectangular SKB cases they came with at the time. Those cases have held up remarkably well for 20 years. The hinges are fine, and the latches still line up and close well.

cmuk · Post by **cmuk** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 4:52 am

John, appreciate you correcting me and clarifying the matter. Cheers.

steve_hershberger · Post by **steve_hershberger** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 5:14 am

It's funny, I've never even considered owning a plastic case until now. For the Rick only, though. All my Fender, Gibson, and Guild cases have always been fine and fit the guitars like a glove. I always take care on the in/outloads so as not to smack the cases around, but sometimes scuffs do occur. No big deal - never hard enough to actually break the case or contents, or actually tear the tolex or tweed.