New! "Model of the Week"!

gray · Post by **gray** » Sat Sep 15, 2007 6:25 am

What's up with the steer-head thing? I've never seen that before.

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Sat Sep 15, 2007 10:39 am

Weird, ain't it?? I've been fortunate enough to get my grubbies on that one. Takes a bit of getting used to visually but not as a player - it's a dream!!

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Sat Sep 15, 2007 12:03 pm

The "steer head" (which some folks call a "fishtail", incorrectly I'm told) is a throwback to mid-1950s Rick acoustics, some of which featured this headstock variation.

gray · Post by **gray** » Sat Sep 15, 2007 12:46 pm

I see, thank you.
I think it's very interesting, and very distinctive.

rick_ovic · Post by **rick_ovic** » Sat Sep 15, 2007 2:32 pm

The RIC museum has two early steer-head acoustics:-

Mine was apparently one of five or six made in 2001 for the Japanese market.

rick_ovic · Post by **rick_ovic** » Sat Sep 15, 2007 2:48 pm

Melissa, your post prompted me to get off my backside and conduct an A/B/C comparision between all three acoustics.

The twelve-string has a typical lush, rich tone which I would describe as intricate. There is a great balance between the bottom end and high end frequencies. Bass response is terrific and it's a very, very playable guitar.

The steer-head Shilo has a tighter sound, as expected with the smaller body size, however it projects really well and is very punchy.

The 700C remains the sweetest acoustic guitar I've ever played. The combination of the maple back and sides, with the spruce top is just perfect in my opinion. It doesn't matter what style or song, everything sounds great on this instrument (which was also constructed more recently than the other two).

If I get the chance later today I'll attempt to record a video comparison, which I can upload onto YouTube.

jps · Post by **jps** » Sat Sep 15, 2007 5:38 pm

I totally agree regarding the maple and spruce. Great combination.

melibreits · Post by **melibreits** » Sat Sep 15, 2007 5:41 pm

That's what I thought.... Now there is no doubt (not that there ever was) that I want a 12-string Comstock someday!

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Sun Sep 16, 2007 5:47 am

In the load o' parts I took out of RIC's acoustic shop when friend Tom and I cleaned it out, was one leftover neck from that Japanese steerhead run.

I offered it to Mr. Bengston for his lefty 730, but he declined. So we built him a one-off neck instead.

ken_j · Post by **ken_j** » Sun Sep 16, 2007 5:48 am

"The "steer head" (which some folks call a "fishtail", incorrectly I'm told) is a throwback to mid-1950s Rick acoustics, some of which featured this headstock variation."

On page 182 of the Richard Smith Rickenbacker book he refers to it as an "Early 1960s fishtail headstock..." That is where I got it from and probably many others.

wmthor · Post by **wmthor** » Sun Sep 16, 2007 6:03 pm

Here's the a one-off headstock

730S LH

A small gathering of acoustics that Paul built

Two Blue Boys

will_nesbitt · Post by **will_nesbitt** » Sun Sep 16, 2007 9:45 pm

Argh, been away so long I missed my chance to show off my lefty 620/12 again

Something which the section seemed to be missing. When it's all done with, can we have a week for those who missed their chance to post pics of their Ric(s)?

jps · Post by **jps** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 4:12 am

When it's all done, we can start over!

sloop_john_b · Post by **sloop_john_b** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 5:51 am

Will, a lefty week might be coming up. Pay attention and stay tuned!

shamustwin · Post by **shamustwin** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 7:49 am

We'll also need a "mods" week, John!