Accent

[scotty]

I read a interesting piece on the Other forum about Accents I thought some of you might be interested in this

It makes a significant difference whether the guitar was originally outfitted with the vibrato at the factory, or whether it was a model originally fitted with an R or trapeze tailpiece. It is true that you can use the original hole for the strap pin when replacing an R/trapeze tailpiece, but the vibrato will not install at the correct angle. The tailpiece will rest a bit above the body of the guitar, and this will change the angle...including how much travel is available when using the vibrato arm. The advantage of this, which seems to sway most people, is that you can install the vibrato in this way without drilling any extra holes, but the poor angle is the price you pay for doing so. Don't believe me? From the bottom of the guitar look closely at a Ricky which has a factory installed vibrato and then do the same with one which has an R or trapeze tailpiece. You will see that the hole for the strap pin is lower on the guitar with the vibrato. Conversely, if you try to take a guitar which was originally outfitted with a vibrato, and attempt to install the bracket to accept an R tailpiece...it simply will not work. Because the hole is lower, the bracket will not clear the bottom edge of the guitar. I prefer the factory installed vibrato, but if install one myself as a replacement for a different tailpiece, I have learned to bite the bullet and simply drill a new hole.

[longhouse]

So that's why my would-be grail Ric was less-than inspiring. A well-known purveyor of Rickenbacker guitars put together a faux 335 for me (with gold guards, oven knobs, and he replaced the R with an Ac'cent). He used the drill-less method. I NEVER got on with that guitar and sold it for a loss. The travel on the vib. wasn't right and the tone was clangy.

Observe the mapleglo beauty that should have been a dream guitar:
http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/imag ... b61ab8.jpg

Lesson learned. The factory Ac'cent on my 1997SPC/VB is the business.

[robbo63]

Drat. Just this past week I watched a Youtube video of a guy playing an Accented 330 and I liked it so much I thought I'd get one for mine. I was going to start asking here before buying, so thanks for the information.

[scotty]

I look closely at a Ricky

Im hoping the term Ricky is turning you Paul ? I thought you might like it.

[sloop_john_b]

Well shoot, that explains a lot!

[godber]

That makes sense - I didn't get on with mine either for the same reason.

[paologregorio]

Interesting. All of my six string Ricks have Accents, and all of them were installed after the guitars left the factory. I've had zero issues with any of them. Just lucky, I guess, or it might be because my newest Rick is the TUR `97 WB.

[sloop_john_b]

Interesting. All of my six string Ricks have Accents, and all of them were installed after the guitars left the factory. I've had zero issues with any of them. Just lucky, I guess, or it might be because my newest Rick is the TUR `97 WB.

I wouldn't say there are any "issues" here, just that comparing the vibrato action on a guitar that originally had one and one that didn't is like night and day. I recently checked out a '66 335 and, as usual with 60's Ricks, was blown away by the smooth vibrato action. To my surprise, the owner told me the Accent unit was new! Why did it feel so much better then the one on my '02 330? I think I know why now.

[pfflam]

I installed one on my 360v64 . . . I can see the original holes for the old tailpiece. That does not bother me at all, the tone does not bother me either

but

the one thing that does bother me is that almost every time I grab the bar, which is often, I change the pickup selector switch by hitting it with my fingers.

I am thinking of reversing the knobs so that the switch would be in back.

[winston]

Very interesting. Now I truly understand why Scotty was disappointed when he installed one on one of his guitars. I could not fathom why he had a problem when he originally told me about. Mysteries are constantly being solved it would seem.

[collin]

Am I the only guy that installs an Accent for looks-only?


Either my guitars simply had one originally, or I've added it because I liked the way it looks. I think they are a good vibrato, but I almost never use it. As long as it holds the strings, fine by me.

[rickendelic]

I'm with ya on that. I hardly ever use vib. and it's just kind of nice to have it there.... it's better that pushing down on your "R" or pulling back on the headstock, and it looks good.

[fabandgear]

I love the Ac'cent vibrato, the older ones work quite well and ditto the newer "Rickenbacker Vibrato". I retrofitted my 1997 with one by simply removing the trapeze and screwing the vibrato on in place of it like you guys did. It works quite well mounted in that manner. Funny, though, on another forum, discussed my 1965 360 which had been converted to a 365 (viewtopic.php?f=22&t=393612). Whoever did the conversion knew about the correct placementof the strap button. Here's the pic:

[cestlamort]

this is very interesting. As I'm really considering putting an accent on my 360, I'd welcome more testimonials from people who retrofitted the vibrato on their guitar without drilling new holes. I'd prefer not to drill a new hole but I'd also use the vibrato a good deal (coming from a Jazzmaster/Jaguar reliance on one).

Thanks.

[fabandgear]

I guess you could put an upward bend in the arm. I wonder what would be the best way to bend the Ac'cent's arm without breaking it?