Rick with a wide neck

[Braineater]

Hello, I'm a new user from Italy very interested in Rickenbacker.
I've got a 4001 bass from '81 and now I would buy a rick guitar.
I fear that their necks are too tight for my fingers!
Which model should I buy? 660?
In terms of sound I think there isn't very difference (missing out the question solid-hollow body) because the rick's timber is very prominent.
Thank you in advance and sorry for my English!

[ajish4]

Welcome Ceroni!

I'm not a 6 string guy, but my son has H U G E hands and he loves his 650D.

I'm sure those with much more knowledge than I will will post shortly!

[jimk]

I've been an instructor for many years. And I've seen many folks with allegedly large hands play instruments like banjos, ukuleles, mandolins, and violins which have slim necks with good results. A great deal of success depends on technique. Barring a case of crippling arthritis, my guess is that you could play any Rickenbacker you choose.


JimK

[tamborineman]

Welcome Ceroni, don't worry go for it.

[sharkboy]

A 660 or a 650 should make you happy. Both will make you happier.

If you want a single coil guitar, I don't think you can top a 660. Likewise, if your thing is humbuckers, you can't top a 650.

I play a little better and more confidently with those than I do with my narrower necked Ricks, but they are worth a try too.

[Scastles]

650 or 660, like others have said, is the best choice. You'll find the 650 less expensive than the 660, if money is any concern.

[beatlefreak]

650 and 660 are the models with the wider necks, although not by a whole lot. You can go to http://www.rickenbacker.com, select the 'Models' tab, and pull up the specs for all current Rickenbacker models.

[Braineater]

Thank you!

[JakeK]

Definately get a 660/6 or 660/12. I've never owned a 650, so I have no idea what they're like...

[tamborineman]

If you can play a fender telecaster you can play any RIC.

[jps]

Welcome Alberto!

If you are looking for a 660, look no further than the 660 DCM I have on ebay at the moment, and get a piece of history to boot! These 75th anniversary instruments are going up in value, but I am selling mine for much less than I should. I just need to funds for my business so I am not being greedy and asking for a lot.

[johneek]

Welcome Alberto! All the advice you've gotten so far is right on.

[goofyfoot]

Hello, I'm a new user from Italy very interested in Rickenbacker.
I've got a 4001 bass from '81 and now I would buy a rick guitar.
I fear that their necks are too tight for my fingers!
Which model should I buy? 660?
In terms of sound I think there isn't very difference (missing out the question solid-hollow body) because the rick's timber is very prominent.
Thank you in advance and sorry for my English!

Benvenuto, Braineater.

If neck width is your primary concern then yes, definitely go for the 660/6, 650C, 650D, or 650S. Rickenbacker has stopped production of the last two models. However, I might suggest you also check out the 330/6 and 360/6 for their semi-acoustic (semi-hollow bodied) sonic, tonal, and resonant characteristics. I prefer narrower necks and find myself becoming a more precise player as I improve my fingering technique. Whenever I switch to my 650D, I feel like I'm holding a baseball bat! (He-he) But it's all good ~ you're looking to purchase a Rickenbacker.

Ci veriamo.....Goofyfoot

[sharkboy]

As long as we're listing out of production Rickenbackers, the 380L also has a wide fretboard, but those were scarce when they were in production and very hard to find now.

[firstbassman]

Oh, I comment on this almost every time the subject comes up, might as well not stop now.

Big hands / little hands * have nothing to do with ability to play so-called narrow necks, normal necks, wide necks. It is talent and technique.

As JimK said, there are people with large hands or play banjo (Bob Gibson, Roger McGuinn) and Jorma (large hands) is learning to play mandolin and is doing very well at it thank you. My hands are half the size of Jorma’s and I couldn’t play mandolin if my life depended on it. I just don’t have the talent or technique if you want to call it to precisely place my fingers at the exact spot they need to be.

* The exception being women with very narrow fingers.