Thanks a lot everyone, you are all very kind! I appreciate your comments and advice, would love to try those toasters !
I liked that line about a Ric's neck pickup being an ignored item; certainly, a most unfair situation for the Rics and the sweet sound they produce through this pickup. Let me tell you a quick and recent story: Among different ensembles, I also play in a swing big band. So, a couple of weeks ago, we were rehearsing for the Xmas gig. During a break, the other guitar player starts a tasty accompaniment of 'Baby, it's cold outside'. I follow suit, engage the neck pickup, roll back tone a little and switch full bass on the blend control, melody comes out played on the 5 and 4 string, 12th fret starting point...man, the jazzy, hollow sound was awesome! Heads turned and the singer goes on the mic, 'that's a great sound...!" Really, he was absolutely right! I had/have some pro-line Gretsches, top line Ibanez and Epiphones and the mighty Gibson Es-175...the Ric sound is unique, rich and warm...for some reason it sounds more hollow than the other guitars...maybe the solid maple?
I posted that video on the JazzGuitar forum, if you are curious some more comments on Rics for Jazz, then follow this link :
http://www.jazzguitar.be/forum/guitar-a ... -jazz.html
Thanks again..and Merry Xmas, and/or Happy Holidays ...!!!!