Rickenbacker Acoustics

[Darkhollow]

Since this is pretty much Paul's forum I figured this was a good a place as any to ask a few questions. I have always looked at the acoustic Ric line in awe, it is a rare animal and looks absolutely beautiful and unique. Looking at the BB one made for Alisha, I am blue with envy . Being mainly an acoustic player in my 20+ years playing the guitar I am truly in awe by the looks of these.

1.) How do they play? Thin Ric style necks? Low action?

2.) How do they sound? Any comparisons to a make or model I may have played at some point? Anyone have any audio clips?

3.) Are all the models you make available in 12s? Have you made a 12 string yet?

4.) Are you allowed to make a cutaway version?

5.) Paul if you don't mind, could you please send any pricing info you have on models you have made? If not I understand.

Anyway, Paul, I just wanted to say your work looks impeccable. I love seeing the step by step procedures and explanations you give, and always looks forward to seeing more. So thank you for taking the time to share your expertise with us.

[jdogric12]

I'll gladly field a few of these. I have a RIC '05 730L/12 FG that plays as well as the best setup electric you've ever played. Very nice low action, and the body creates a very rich warm bass and bright shimmering highs. Worth every penny, and mine sits in the living room for quick access. I had a local guy install a Baggs pickup and it sounds great plugged in too.

[Darkhollow]

Thanks Jdog, was yours made by Ric or Paul? Would love to see some pictures!

Who does this girl belong to? What is with the headstock?

http://www.rickresource.com/register/vi ... D0%26sn%3D

[jingle_jangle]

Thanks Jdog, was yours made by Ric or Paul? Would love to see some pictures!

Who does this girl belong to? What is with the headstock?

http://www.rickresource.com/register/vi ... D0%26sn%3D

Jdog's is a factory job.

The one you refer to with the "steer's head" headstock is owned by Darren Trott. I'll let him go into detail about it. It's a beauty and will soon be joined by a similar one that I'm working on for another longtime Forumite.

The Rick acoustic is a rare bird, for sure. JH once told me that the factory made less than 600 of these in all, and although I seldom question the word of The Man, that seems like an awful lot. Or maybe I mis-heard him.

Sound: All I can say is "precise and balanced". The best-sounding one I've heard and played is the one I built for Alisha Tremaine; it was a serendipitous instrument where everything just came together in one place for us.

Because the majority of these have maple sides and back, brightness is a tonal characteristic which can be tempered if desired by string choice and to a certain extent playing style. But, darn, do they project!

Action is superb and is a distinguishing feature: somewhere between a typical high-end acoustic and a Rick electric; on the low side and very easy with the correct strings. I favor Martin Extra Lights, especially for 12 strings. Occasionally we'll encourage the use of a .011 set after the instrument has aged a bit. The necks are quite sensitive to proper strings and adjustment.

If you want full details including pricing, simply drop me an IM.

[Darkhollow]

Hey Paul. Thank you for taking the time. I remember when I ordered my new Ric in 2000, and I inquired about an acoustic and was told the wait was around 3 years. When it took me 10 weeks back then to get my electric. Oh how times have changed.

I know you are very busy, and have inherited a backlog of your own. I will PM you in concerns to pricing, options and availability.

Thanks again.

[wmthor]

Sound: All I can say is "precise and balanced"....

I'll echo that comment!

[manta]

I also have a 730S that is factory made and it's the nicest player I have ever had. I've had Fender Strats and many Teles, almost every RIC model you can think of and an Eko, Gretsch and a Gibson. But this is truly the best. The sound is crisp and bright and the action is superb. It has great low E bass and almost piercing hi E. In the hands of someone who can actually play, like my neighbor, it is amazing. Even I sound OK with it.

Currently I just mike it but am thinking of getting something that goes on the sound hole that goes directly into an amp.

I liked this one so much I ordered a 12-string from JJ when he announced his first batch and its now in the paint queue so the anticipation is killing me. I ordered it with a built-in p/up.

If you have a chance (I see Jackson's in Oz still lists one there which I thought Kez had purchased) grab one. You will not be sorry.

Timbo

[deaconblues]

Now if only they came out with a 000-size...

[wmthor]

Now if only they came out with a 000-size...

I asked Paul about that very topic.

[Darkhollow]

Now if only they came out with a 000-size...

Yeah I almost asked Paul about this, but refrained because I felt like I was pushing the envelope asking about a cutaway. And there is a very limited amount of companies that make 000 auditorium sized 12 strings other than Taylor.

[deaconblues]

Now if only they came out with a 000-size...

I asked Paul about that very topic.

Yeah, I'm sure it's a trademark issue with Ric

I'd definitely be inclined to place an order if these started being produced though. Dreadnoughts are just too bassy for me, and I'd really like to get a Rickenbacker acoustic instead of a Martin or Gibson.

[jimk]

I wouldn't mind having a Rick acoustic 12 string either, even just for the novelty. But that's a distant dream. There are other guitars ahead in the line.

JimK

[deaconblues]

I'd want a 6...000 size with a 660 neck...in that dark Monte brown like the 370v64...with those gold guards and CB...

And then I wake up.

[doctorwho]

Justin, here's a link to a YouTube video of me playing my 730L Laramie at last year's SoCalCon:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIuOws-Z ... ed&search=

If you look in the "related items" list, you'll see a few others with Forumites playing RIC acoustics.

[wmthor]

Here's a pic of Kenny & Darren @ SoCal 07



Check out this link to see more of the acoustics that were there:
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/562078681NkcMqL