First Rick for Female Singer/Songwriter

[strum]

Hi,

A friend of mine plays acoustic guitar and sings, and she mainly plays out solo. She is similar to Joni Mitchell and Jewel combined. She doesn't play leads at the moment, just chords. We are starting to play together and she wants to switch to an electric guitar.

What would be a good Rick that would suit her needs doing her solo singer songwriter gigs, but also work well in a band situation.

I guess what would be the best overall choice regardless of price, followed by the best bang for the buck.

thanks,
joe

[kiramdear]

She could start the way I did, with a short scale Combo model. They're very easy to play. But hard to find and expensive. Best bang would be an Eighties' 320 (discontinued but affordable when you find one) or a newish 330 or 620. Those last two are full scale but still nice to play. Just my personal recommendation, of course.

[longhouse]

If she's typically an acoustic player who wants to incorporate electric tones, Rickenbackers are an IDEAL choice for her, Joe. The necks are especially friendly and the tonal pallette is rich.

[JakeK]

She could start the way I did, with a short scale Combo model. They're very easy to play. But hard to find and expensive. Best bang would be an Eighties' 320 (discontinued but affordable when you find one) or a newish 330 or 620. Those last two are full scale but still nice to play. Just my personal recommendation, of course.

I'd echo the comment on the 320 or 620. Also cool (should price not matter) are the 1996, 325C64 and the 350V63.

[jingle_jangle]

I'd go in the opposite direction--with a 330.

Easy to find, priced really nicely, and a body size and shape that's similar to an acoustic, but thinner.

The 330 is the most "acoustic" of Ricks when played unamplified, too...and it's immediately recognizable as a Rickenbacker.

Scale length is right there in acoustic (i.e., Martin, Gibson, etc.) territory, so--no major adjustments.

[longhouse]

I'm in the 330 camp with Paul on this one. Perfect instrument to transition to...

[jps]

Me 3 on the 330.

[melibreits]

As a female singer/songwriter, I would heartily agree with Paul on the 330. It is a terrific Ric to start with, especially if you're used to playing acoustics. My first Ric was a 330, and it was love at first sight, and pure bliss at first strum.... I loved mine so much that my Ric collection expanded pretty quickly after that first one.... And my first 330, which was a well-used Fireglo with finish-checking issues, now sports a beautiful refin in custom Purpleburst.... When you buy your first Ric, it will change your life and rock your world, LOL!

[jdogric12]

360

[wmthor]

... What would be a good Rick that would suit her needs ...

Add me to the 330 camp.

[Rickygirl]

As a female singer/songwriter, I would heartily agree with Paul on the 330. It is a terrific Ric to start with, especially if you're used to playing acoustics. My first Ric was a 330, and it was love at first sight, and pure bliss at first strum.... I loved mine so much that my Ric collection expanded pretty quickly after that first one.... And my first 330, which was a well-used Fireglo with finish-checking issues, now sports a beautiful refin in custom Purpleburst.... When you buy your first Ric, it will change your life and rock your world, LOL!

I agree with everything Melibee said and add a 330 or 360 will set off a good dose of RAS pretty quickly.

[rickenbrother]

Welcome to the forum, Joseph!

When you buy your first Ric, it will change your life and rock your world, LOL!

+1!

add a 330 or 360 will set off a good dose of RAS pretty quickly.

I need to add a 330!

[scotty]

Yecannywhacka 330

[longhouse]

*Consults Glawegian -to- English Dictionary*

I concur, Scotty. They are made to be played!

A year or so ago I was in Edinburgh, shocked to find 9/10 of the shopkeepers were from Hindustan and Tapiocastan. When I slipped into a place with a smiling Scot behind the counter I remarked, "Ah, you speak English." She raised an eyebrow and said, "Nay, we speak Scottish here". Chastised was I.

To return to the original topic -Rics just look SO good on stage. Your band automatically has credibility -even before the first note is played. And when put a beautiful Rickenbacker guitar in the hands of a woman you'll have everyone's attention.

Let us know what she chooses.

[jimk]

I should think any of them would be fine. A guitar is a guitar after all. More depends upon whether she might like a solid body, or a hollow body instrument.
JimK