First Public Appearance

[steverok]

I own three Ric guitars and one Ric bass, which I have used extensively throughout my recordings, however, last night was the first time I ever brought one out of the house for a public performance. We have a really great open mic night, down here in Davie, FL, to which I usually bring one of my Gibson acoustics, or my 12-string Guild acoustic. However, last night I brought my 330MG (my first RIC) with a Line 6 Flextone III amp. The 330 is probably my best-sounding RIC, and it sounds pretty beautiful through this all-in-one modelling amp sort-of deal. Bringing the electric enabled me to change up my song selection, and even kick in some heavy distortion a couple of times, to shock the crowd. I played a cover of R.E.M. covering Lou Reed/Velvet Underground "Pale Blue Eyes", an epic original called "Feel My Way", and U2's "Dirty Day". I played and sang about the best I can play and sing, and I was really happy with my performance. Afterward, several people came up and said "that sounded really great, I love your guitar, it sounds so great". I guess, as RIC players, we must concede that we will often (and usually) be up-staged by our guitars.

[fatcat]

Good news about the gig.I think of your 330 as a good partner rather than an upstager.
Keep on a Ricing and a grinning.

[longhouse]

It's true in a way.

I was at a Starbucks drive-through a few days ago when the barista sort of recognized me.
"You're in a band aren't you?"
I said yes, somewhat puzzled.
"And you play a Rickenbocker guitar, don't you?"

They obviously make an impression. He didn't say 'you're in a band and you sing great'.

That's okay, I don't mind being Mr. Rickenbacker. Or Rickenbocker, if people prefer it.

The locals tend to call me Mr. Riddle. I suppose I'll keep correcting them. Rye-dell, Rick-in-backer, etc.

Congrats on taking the 330 out. That's a big part of what they're meant for.

[jdogric12]

That's great news, Steve! I also often get more comments on the Ricks than what I'm doing with them.

[melibreits]

Congrats, Steve!

I find it hard to believe you've never gigged with your Rics before--they sound fantastic in your recordings!

What took you so long to get your Rics out there?

[shamustwin]

Congrats on your show, Steve.
I get as many comments on the look of my ricks as I do on the sound.
The old Blingle-Jangle syndrome.

[steverok]

Congrats, Steve!

I find it hard to believe you've never gigged with your Rics before--they sound fantastic in your recordings!

What took you so long to get your Rics out there?

Aww, thanks guys ! At the open mic night, you only get three songs, so you are expected to get on and off the stage rather quickly. It's easier to just bring an acoustic and plug into the PA - plus, I play alot of acoustic these days, and my acoustics are quite great. Some people bring electrics and plug straight into the PA, maybe through a pedal or FX unit, but I just could not bring myself to do that to my Ric's. I would never want to present my Ric's in a way that would not show off their wonderful sonic potential. I find the Line 6 Flextone III to have a good Ric tone on the "Matchless Chieftan" setting, and the effects on it are pretty darn good also. So, while most people would say that a real tube amp is the only way to get the great Rickenbacker tone, this type of amp fits the bill when you need something that has minimal set-up time, and does a good job overall. Now that I have established that, I can now bring my Ric's whenever I want. Maybe they'll get numb to them by the time I bring Ric #2, followed by Ric #3. Melissa, by the time you finished showing off all of yours, they won't remember Ric #1 !! Heck, I might even show up with my SG some time, and just crank "Baby You're a Big Star", with heavy crunch, sans drums and bass, with no regard for their feelings or ears. Sometimes, you just can't apologize for rocking.

[melibreits]

Heck, I might even show up with my SG some time, and just crank "Baby You're a Big Star", with heavy crunch, sans drums and bass, with no regard for their feelings or ears. Sometimes, you just can't apologize for rocking.

Ohhhhh yeah!!!!!

Do it, man!

Hmmmm.... But somehow I can't imagine that song without the bass or drums....

[steverok]

Heck, I might even show up with my SG some time, and just crank "Baby You're a Big Star", with heavy crunch, sans drums and bass, with no regard for their feelings or ears. Sometimes, you just can't apologize for rocking.

Ohhhhh yeah!!!!!

Do it, man!

Hmmmm.... But somehow I can't imagine that song without the bass or drums....

Or Dane's dive-bomb guitar solo !

[steverok]

See, this is what I mean. The guy who runs the place tells me "there are pictures from the open-mic up on the web site, you're in there". Am I ? All I see is a Rickenbacker guitar held by a guy wearing a cool shirt !

http://www.chocolatemoosecafe.com/galle ... temId=1822
http://www.chocolatemoosecafe.com/galle ... temId=1819

[melibreits]

Ahhhh yes, and it is a beautiful Rickenbacker! It's a pity the photographer cut your head off!

I guess when you play a Ric, the GUITAR is the star!

Hmmmm, did you write "Baby You're a Big Star" for your Rickenbacker?

[steverok]

Actually I did make the cut :

http://www.chocolatemoosecafe.com/galle ... temId=1804

[melibreits]

Cool....