Vintage Guitars - Good For Everyday Play?

blur · Post by **blur** » Thu Apr 15, 2004 1:31 pm

In my travels to get my first Rick, I sometimes stumble across reasonably priced 60s models and I think, "Hey, how neat is that?!?"

But what is the reality of the vintage models from the 60s? Are there things like scratchy sounding electrics, or a tendency to go out of tune faster than a more modern guitar just "par for the course"?

The result being, of course, that no one ever mentions them, because it's just part of a guitar that's 40 years old, unless it's been upgraded subsequently -- but which leaves vintage buying newbies like me wondering about the abilities of such guitars.

Don't get me wrong -- I'm not about to hit the road with Bon Jovi and thrash this guitar every night of the week... but it has to be a player, not something on the wall, or stored in its case as an investment.

This is a kind of tricky question, because there are no absolutes, but I'd appreciate your thoughts!

jps · Post by **jps** » Thu Apr 15, 2004 4:41 pm

I play out with my '67 4005WB and it has no issues that would affect it's performance.

shamustwin · Post by **shamustwin** » Fri Apr 16, 2004 5:17 am

I've been shopping (unsuccessfully) for a rick lately on the bay and mostly they were vintage '60's. The point is I need alternative for my fender for playing live. I'd have no qualms about it. If I were playing bass again, which I'd love to be doing, I'd definately be using my '67 Rick.

melibreits · Post by **melibreits** » Fri Apr 16, 2004 5:59 am

I have a 1967 vintage 365 that I regularly play out on the worship team.... which I guess is a pretty safe "gig" for a vintage guitar. It sounds great, and stays in tune just fine....in fact, it is one of my favorite Rics to play, as its neck is ultra-narrow and feels so perfect to my hand. I love the true vintage jangle that I only get with this guitar; I put Pyramids on it, and they sound great with the vintage toasters.

I would have to say that this is the most special guitar to me.... If I had to choose only one to keep out of my collection, this would be it. All the rest are more or less replaceable, but it would be really hard to find another vintage one like mine in near-mint condition at a reasonable price....

beatlefan · Post by **beatlefan** » Tue Apr 20, 2004 2:51 am

I play my '67 335 out and about pretty regularly. It is indeed worn, but not worn out. I am not afraid of getting a "ding" in it because it's NOT brand new! I have a hard time taking my '04 4003 out because I just don't want to put that FIRST ding in it.....go figure....

loendmaestro · Post by **loendmaestro** » Tue Apr 20, 2004 3:09 am

Yeah, but once you get that first ding...
It's almost a sense of relief (uh, after you curse yourself for banging it into something)now you can rest easy & just play!
My '03 MB 4003 finally has a couple of jean rivet dings on the back.

They call it mojo.....