660/6 anyone?

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jjhboots

660/6 anyone?

Post by jjhboots »

What is the general consensus re: 660 6-string? I tried to run a search but did not have much luck. This model has been recommended to me, notably because of the wider neck. The 650 might offer more pickup options. Any advice/info would be appreciated.
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jps
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Post by jps »

I think my 660/12 is the greatest, I'd go for the 660 in a second.
fury

Post by fury »

You cannot order the HB-1 humbuckers on the 660. I don't quite understand that, as the humbucker option would make the guitar a lot more versatile.
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jps
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Post by jps »

Then just buy them and put them on, it is very easy to do.
howdyjeff
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Post by howdyjeff »

I have a 650D. At first I thought the neck was huge, but after playing it for a while, I've really come to like it.

I recently played a 660/6 and I thought it was a great guitar. I'm working on getting my next Rickenbacker which hopefully will be a 660/12. I currently have a 330/12 and I really need the wider neck for the 12 string. I've also been thinking about getting either a 620/6 or a 660/6. Right now, I'm leaning towards the 620/6 (with the vintage pickup option) because I don't think I need the wider neck for the 6 string model (since I'm already used to playing my 360).

So, my response to your question is: If you want the wider neck 660/6, go for it. They are amazing guitars. If you like the 650, I'd also highly recommend that. Personally, I like the vintage pickups more than the humbuckers, but I'm still very happy with my Dakota. You can pick one of these up for around half the price of the 660.

I'm going to go with the 620/6 over the 660/6 since I like to play different Rickenbacker models. I figure if I'm used to the neck of the 620, then I'll be able to play most Ricks with ease.
philco
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Post by philco »

Generally speaking, if I like everything else about a bass or guitar, I will put up with whatever type of neck profile it has. It has been mentioned that playing different dimensioned necks will help prevent repetitive motion disorders, and that is important for players that play a lot.

You can install any current production RIC guitar pickup in current production 650 series guitars, so it kind of renders the 660/6 model a bad choice from an economic standpoint. If RIC came out with a 650/12, it would kill the 660/12 sales to players that are looking for a good value.

I figured out the reasoning for the fat neck of the 650D. That model is obviously aimed at the Les Paul type of rock player without a lot of cash. That means a playing style with sustained notes and very heavy gauge strings. RIC can't afford to repair skinny necked guitars that young wannabe hard rock stars who never learned how to adjust truss rods have warped with their fat string sets beyond correction with a simple truss rod adjustment. The neck thru design renders neck replacement impossible. The price must be kept low, so low warranty return rates are a must. The fat wide neck is also preferred for this style playing. Look at the Ernie Ball Axis or Peavey EVH Wolfgang neck and notice the design similarity, save for the bolt-on difference. The neck on my 650D is so strong that it almost doesn't need a truss rod. If I played a higher action that required a bit more neck relief, I could just as well throw the truss rods away and not know they were gone. My 650D truss rods have very little pressure applied in order to hold the neck in an almost straight condition. The 650D will handle the heaviest string gauges made, and that is how many of its owners will end up playing it. RIC made the right choice by going with the fat neck, and saved themselves a lot of warranty hassles and customer complaints in the future. It is also one of the reasons that the guitar really rocks hard. My brother is a hard rock style guitarist and really prefers the fat neck style. He likes the fat 650D neck just fine.
howdyjeff
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Post by howdyjeff »

A couple weeks ago I preferred the 620 to the 660 because the narrower neck matched the guitars of the 300 series.

Today, I had a chance to spend some time with the 620 and 660 and all I can say is: 660. The neck is really comfortable for me. Plus, they are a work of art.
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