Advice on RIC Guitars

[FretlessOnly]

Hey all: I'm primarily a bass player, but I've also been playing guitar since 1977. It looks like my band situation will require me to double on guitar going forward. I have fairly big hands, so, my question is: what is/are the best models for me to consider? I'm talking used. Off the bat, I think I prefer a 360 over a 330.

I'm talking no more than $1,300 (preferably a bit less - is that realistic?), but it needs to be a full-scale model (OK, as large a RIC gets) so I can actually manage it. Wide necks, widest fret spacing; all that's what I'm looking for. I may opt for another brand, but I'd like to give RIC first shot.

Thanks in advance.

[libratune]

If you are looking for sheer wide fingerboard with maximum spacing between strings, the 660 is your best bet. Ironically, it is a small-bodied guitar, though, so that may take some getting used to. You can look up the exact specs on the RIC website, but I believe that the 660 6 string model has slightly wider spacing than the 620 or the 300 series Ricks.

There's no substitute for just trying some out. You may find the 330/360 string spacing is just fine.

[kiramdear]

The 650s might be to your taste as they have the wider neck and can be found used in the neighborhood of $1000. Again, check the Rick website for further details. Good luck!

[xpitt]

If you ever have the possibility to get your hands on a Laguna 380 L PZ , then pick it ! It's a semihollow walnut body with the wide neck, two humbuckers and a piezobridge, a wonderful guitar ! They don't show up too often. If you prefer a solidbody then the 660 and 650 series might be your choice.

[beatlefreak]

A 650 is your best bet for a wide neck and lower cost.

[Scastles]

I’m going to agree with most everyone else. Go with the 650. It’s got the wide neck, less expensive than a 660 and a good Rick for a starter.

[jingle_jangle]

If you ever have the possibility to get your hands on a Laguna 380 L PZ , then pick it ! It's a semihollow walnut body with the wide neck, two humbuckers and a piezobridge, a wonderful guitar ! They don't show up too often. If you prefer a solidbody then the 660 and 650 series might be your choice.

Not to be confused with the "Laguna" ****-o budget brand that GC has been selling these last couple of years...

[longhouse]

I've seen some pretty hamfisted guys playing at warp speed on little mandolins...

Pick the Ric you want and get it. You'll adjust to the neck.

[scotty]

You'll adjust to the neck.

I absolutely agree.Go for the 330 iconic,beautiful and versatile.

[FretlessOnly]

Thanks for all the advice. Looks like I have some research and some playing to do.

[shamustwin]

650! Neck huge! Neck good!

[FretlessOnly]

So this might be good?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Rickenbacker-Dakota ... 286.c0.m14

Dunno. Two owners in only two years and I'd be the third, and there's already minor fret wear. Any comments about the frets on these?

Nice looking guitfiddle, and I'm partial to oil finishes (I have several non-RICs in this).

[windchimp]

John...psst....over here...

You didn't here it from me, but I've heard that Pick-of-the-Ricks may have something to interest you...

[ken_j]

... Two owners in only two years and I'd be the third, and there's already minor fret wear. Any comments about the frets on these?

The frets are jumbo fret as compared to other Ricks. They are more similar in size to what I have had on an early '90 Les Paul and SG '61RI. Plus with an oil finish it really adds to the amount that can be dressed before a re-fret is necessary.

[doctorwho]

... I'm talking no more than $1,300 (preferably a bit less ...

If it were in your budget, one of these would be perfect:

4080 JG