New Member: Greetings, Question etc.

[Danhalen]

Hi guys.

My name is Dan and I do not currently own a Rickenbacker but all going well I will soon! I have wanted one pretty much ever since I played my first one about 7 years ago (a 90's 360v64/12). I've read this forum many times and seems like a very helpful lot. And some beautiful guitars! I think that Rickenbackers are the most beautiful electric guitars ever produced bar none, especially the late 50's full scale capris, with the 60's models being a very close second. It doesn't hurt that they sound and play pretty good too!

I am thinking about buying a 450/12 because it is a 60's model for an affordable price. I would really like one of the semi-hollow models but the price of an original 60's one is pretty steep. I could try and find a refinished/repaired one I suppose but that could take a long time to find. Should I consider a c63, or is the 450 going to be better sounding by virtue of the fact that has 60's hardware and pickups? At the moment there are barely any Rickenbackers around in Toronto, hence me asking this question. I cannot go out and comparison shop. Thoughts?

[beatlefreak]

Welcome to the forum, Dan. I doubt you'll hear much (if any) difference in sound from a sixties Rick as opposed to a modern one. I just recently got a 360/12C63, and the tone is awesome. I couldn't be happier with my choice.

[kiramdear]

Welcome, Dan. The vintage Sixties Ricks are very special, no doubt, but unless you really have the Collector Bug (and a lot of scratch) I would be happy with a re-issue model. They're well-built, the new finishes are gorgeous, and you wouldn't have to worry as much about gigging them as with an old one. Just my perspective as a player.

[Danhalen]

Thanks for the replies guys! Yeah I think it'll have to be a reissue because I've been thinking about it and I really want a semi-hollow. Therefore price-wise it'll have to be a reissue. Good point about not having to worry about carrying the reissue around as much too. I am definitely a player as opposed to collector. I love finding old guitars that have been repaired or refinished because they are cheaper and usually look cool and beatup. Plus I don't have to worry about them as much. That being said I don't really care about the "vintage collectability" thing, really just sound/playability/and of course cool-looking-ness. So now I have to decide if its going to be a 6 string or a 12...

[kiramdear]

Yeah, I don't mind the dings as long as a guitar has good playability, styling, and integrity. I don't need it to be perfect, but I like it to be affordable.

[8mileshigher]

Welcome to the Forum, Dan.

There are several reputable on-line dealers, who stock new and used Rics, that Forum members trust and recommend. A few that come to mind are:

Pick of the Rics
Wildwood Guitars
Rhoads Music
North Coast Music
The Rickenbacker Page http://homer.netmar.com/~muscon2/ric.htm
PM Blues
There are probably several more mentioned if you scour various threads on this Forum.
And several Vox and vintage amp Forums may also have links to other Ric dealers ....

And be sure to check the Marketplace section of this Forum for On Line Sightings and members cleaning out their closets, having Spring Cleaning sales, or raising cash for a divorce, etc.

Or if you can make it to one of the many Confluences happening in different parts of the globe, you can hands-on a lot of instruments and talk to their owners, etc.

Keep us appraised as you get ready to pull that trigger finger and get yor first Ric !!

[jimk]

Welcome to the Forum, Dan. Any way you slice it, I just don't think you can go wrong with your choice of any Rick. I'm a proud owner of a 4/09 model 360/12 with factory high gains, and I love it. Wouldn't part with it ever.

[Danhalen]

Thanks for the suggestions on dealers, I checked all of 'em out. The marketplace section of this forum has some impressive stuff on it. I think I may have made up my mind. I'll post more when it becomes definite.

[Rubsoul]

Hi Dan,
I too am a newby here and love RIC guitars/Basses. I had a 2002 370/12 and it played great. I'm sure you would be happy with a vintage or newer RIC. Good luck with your future RIC.
John

[Danhalen]

Thanks! I have a 1997 reissue coming my way (there is a thread over in the modern rickenbacker section). I'm excited!

[doctorwho]

Welcome and congrats, Dan!

[ajish4]

Welcome Dan!

You've come to the right place.

Glad to have you on board!