So why do you pick one Ric over another?

[Ain'tGotNoPokemon]

As the new guy I have to confess I know next to nothing about Rics. I can tell you more than you want to know about Gibsons (I own 4) Fenders(4) PRSii (I own 2 now but have sold a few over the years), but I hardly know anything about Rics other than friends have told me the necks on the 300s are narrow and tough to deal with.

Generally Rickenbackers are the best build guitars you can get. Basicly hand build and always HIGH quality finish and wood work. It's a mystery to me why people still buy all those low quality Fenders and Gibsons - even the most expensive don't get near Rickenbacker build quality generally.

Sir, while you are entitled to your opinion, I respectfully disagree. While this isn't a forum for Gibson/Fender discussion, I will say this: All products made in factories that are made on any form of an assembly line are not always going to be up to a consumer's par. I believe Paul, jingle_jangle, has even stated some vintage Rics are not too perfect. Bare in mind: Ric has a team of humans beings just like any other factory in the world, but their smaller staff and dedication is what makes their instruments turn out great (For the most part - Heavy on the "most."). As I said earlier, it was my Jazzmaster, made in Mexico, that was the deciding factor in whether or not I kept my 360. It is just as solidly built and good sounding, and I'm sure many are not - I'm lucky to have a professionally made one (And an earlier model straight from the factory - I didn't purchase it in a chainstore).

Wildberry, be that as it may, I think my 360 would have stayed if I received my 620/12 at the same time as originally planned. If someone had told me to get a Dynacomp and that I could raise the pickup magnets like on any other guitar, I may have kept it. Not a day goes by that I don't somehow regret my decision.

[Prairie Hunter]

When wife #3 said "just shut up and buy the damned thing already!", we agreed on a $2K budget.
I'd just about pulled the trigger on a 360/12 (MG) on ebay, when I ran across an ad for a 330/6 in Midnight Blue.
Decided that if I can only have one, it had better be versatile. Went with the 330--$1300, virtually unplayed, with all the case candy.

.....besides, it's got those lovely pointy bits! I dig 360's, but there's just something about the horns on the 330......guess I'm just a sucker for pointy bits!

[trosse]

As the new guy I have to confess I know next to nothing about Rics. I can tell you more than you want to know about Gibsons (I own 4) Fenders(4) PRSii (I own 2 now but have sold a few over the years), but I hardly know anything about Rics other than friends have told me the necks on the 300s are narrow and tough to deal with.

Generally Rickenbackers are the best build guitars you can get. Basicly hand build and always HIGH quality finish and wood work. It's a mystery to me why people still buy all those low quality Fenders and Gibsons - even the most expensive don't get near Rickenbacker build quality generally.

Sir, while you are entitled to your opinion, I respectfully disagree. While this isn't a forum for Gibson/Fender discussion, I will say this: All products made in factories that are made on any form of an assembly line are not always going to be up to a consumer's par. I believe Paul, jingle_jangle, has even stated some vintage Rics are not too perfect. Bare in mind: Ric has a team of humans beings just like any other factory in the world, but their smaller staff and dedication is what makes their instruments turn out great (For the most part - Heavy on the "most."). As I said earlier, it was my Jazzmaster, made in Mexico, that was the deciding factor in whether or not I kept my 360. It is just as solidly built and good sounding, and I'm sure many are not - I'm lucky to have a professionally made one (And an earlier model straight from the factory - I didn't purchase it in a chainstore).

Wildberry, be that as it may, I think my 360 would have stayed if I received my 620/12 at the same time as originally planned. If someone had told me to get a Dynacomp and that I could raise the pickup magnets like on any other guitar, I may have kept it. Not a day goes by that I don't somehow regret my decision.

I can only say that a Fender guitars made in Mexico will never be for me and these are not instruments for professional players to my opinion. Rickenbackers are - you can simply see the build quality with your eyes. And they definitely are superbly made - basicly hand build. I don't think Mexican Fenders are. These are made to a calculated low price leaving room for a nice profit and not many hands are involved in the highly automated proces of making a Mexican Fender. Prefering such a guitar over a Rickenbacker 360 can only be caused by lack of general knowledge about guitars - I'm sorry to say (maybe a little bit too straight...)

[electrofaro]

These are made to a calculated low price leaving room for a nice profit and not many hands are involved in the highly automated proces of making a Mexican Fender.

I doubt the amount of hands to make that mexican Fender is a lot different to the one made in the US. The difference is the time spend on the instrument, it does make the difference in both price and quality if you make 75 or 620 guitars a day!

[Ain'tGotNoPokemon]

I can only say that a Fender guitars made in Mexico will never be for me and these are not instruments for professional players to my opinion. Rickenbackers are - you can simply see the build quality with your eyes. And they definitely are superbly made - basicly hand build. I don't think Mexican Fenders are. These are made to a calculated low price leaving room for a nice profit and not many hands are involved in the highly automated proces of making a Mexican Fender. Prefering such a guitar over a Rickenbacker 360 can only be caused by lack of general knowledge about guitars - I'm sorry to say (maybe a little bit too straight...)

I was hoping that a rude comment wouldn't be made in response to my own opinion... "Prefering such a guitar over a Rickenbacker 360 can only be caused by a lack of general knowledge about guitars." You realize prefering one guitar over the other has little to do with "general knowledge," Right? Are you confusing subjectivity with fact? You also haven't taken into account that YOU and no one else except for me has ever played my Jazzmaster. You have no idea what the build quality is, the sound, feel, etc. So, in the future, I advise you to be a little less rude, and I will always try to respond just as kindly.

And there are several examples of professional musicians using "budget" or foreign made instruments. I'm sorry, but your comment, "not instruments for professional players to my opinion" is indeed your opinion, and will remain so because not every professional musician shares that opinion.

However, that's not the topic of this thread, and I think it's best if the subject on both Mexican Fenders/Foreign-made product is dropped. It's a subject that we're just not going to see eye-to-eye on, and I really don't like the attitude from your end.

[jps]

And there are several examples of professional musicians using "budget" or foreign made instruments.

Even home made instruments, as is the case with both Brian May and Bill Wyman.

[The Mod Lang]

Wow! Heated discussion! I've played a MIM fender for my early teenage years and probably would have preferred it over a rick then because they are easier to play (most) have a more "versatile" sound. However, after having numerous electronic/action issues I can say that a MIM Fender is NOT a guitar for someone who plays every day. Most other guitarists I've talked to feel the same way.
I love my FG 620/6!!!

[Ain'tGotNoPokemon]

Wow! Heated discussion! I've played a MIM fender for my early teenage years and probably would have preferred it over a rick then because they are easier to play (most) have a more "versatile" sound. However, after having numerous electronic/action issues I can say that a MIM Fender is NOT a guitar for someone who plays every day. Most other guitarists I've talked to feel the same way.
I love my FG 620/6!!!

While I think it's better to not discuss it... Again, it's a matter of opinion. You do realize that, just like American Fenders, there is a class system within their instruments, right? First, Standard, and then an upgraded standard, and then a Classic Player or era-model. The Jazzmaster I own is a Classic player; the high-end model of the Mexican factory. As I said with my earlier post, the factories in America and Mexico both contain human-beings, and the Mexican models do receive some work by American hands.

That being said, I stand by my first post. The denigrate another member for their opinion is a little... Anyway, I think those of you who are familiar with my posts know I own a Rickenbacker 620/12, and the reason I bought another Ric is because of their quality. So, to say I have no taste for selling my original 360, which had a lot to do with the fact that I'm not a big fan of hollowbody guitars, is kinda daft, to put it bluntly. Everyone has an opinion, and no one on this earth has nicer smelling poo than me or anyone else.

[trosse]

I didn't wan't to be rude at all. I just said that a Mexican Fender was not for me - and it isn't. Of course you may be the happy owner of a very special Mex one - but the Mexican Fenders I've seen have all been poorly build compared to my personal requirements. And - judging build quality is indeed a matter of knowledge - as it's a matter of what details to look for - and not the overall feeling (could be seven piece poplar bodies and poorly made metal parts etc.)

Fender Mexico do a VERY nice Candy Apple Red on some Strats... but I don't think the machines sprayed this lovely smooth finish onto hand build bodies made from AAA premium wood and put on high quality chrome parts and a hand build neck... I actually happen to know that they didn't. Not on your Jazzmaster either - even it looks good and feels good.

Fender Mexico is simply build to mass produce cheap Fender guitars - that's the hole idea - and therefore of course - there's no such thing as a top quality build Fender guitar coming out of the Ensenada factory. And this is basicly the same thing about the USA guitars - and even some custom shop guitars that come from the same automated cutting machines like the cheaper ones. Another fact is that Rickenbackers are high quality basicly hand build instruments.

I have by the way several Fenders, some Gibsons and one Rickenbacker - and the build quality of that one is far beyond for instance my 1960 Gibson ES-330 - which is a fine piece otherwise.

If you don't like to hear what other players mean about guitars, brands and buikld quality - then don't compare guitars with Rickenbackers on a Rick site. There are several discussion pages where people express their love for other brands - even Mexican Fenders.

[Ain'tGotNoPokemon]

I didn't wan't to be rude at all. I just said that a Mexican Fender was not for me - and it isn't. Of course you may be the happy owner of a very special Mex one - but the Mexican Fenders I've seen have all been poorly build compared to my personal requirements. And - judging build quality is indeed a matter of knowledge - as it's a matter of what details to look for - and not the overall feeling (could be seven piece poplar bodies and poorly made metal parts etc.)

Fender Mexico do a VERY nice Candy Apple Red on some Strats... but I don't think the machines sprayed this lovely smooth finish onto hand build bodies made from AAA premium wood and put on high quality chrome parts and a hand build neck... I actually happen to know that they didn't. Not on your Jazzmaster either - even it looks good and feels good.

Fender Mexico is simply build to mass produce cheap Fender guitars - that's the hole idea - and therefore of course - there's no such thing as a top quality build Fender guitar coming out of the Ensenada factory. And this is basicly the same thing about the USA guitars - and even some custom shop guitars that come from the same automated cutting machines like the cheaper ones. Another fact is that Rickenbackers are high quality basicly hand build instruments.

I have by the way several Fenders, some Gibsons and one Rickenbacker - and the build quality of that one is far beyond for instance my 1960 Gibson ES-330 - which is a fine piece otherwise.

If you don't like to hear what other players mean about guitars, brands and buikld quality - then don't compare guitars with Rickenbackers on a Rick site. There are several discussion pages where people express their love for other brands - even Mexican Fenders.

No, sir, I don't mind people talking about quality at all. It's just that your comments are rude, and are your opinion, which you present as fact.

I will say: Rickenbacker probably make the best factory produced guitars - Not everything they do is by hand, but it is a well craft instrument that is generally assembled with human hands. Now, when I compare another guitar from another brand to a Ric, and I happen to prefer the quality, sound, and other aspects over the Ric, that's my personal cup of tea. If you don't like that, I'm afraid you're not right about my opinion - Only I am. I think it's plain to see from your post, that you are unfamiliar with Fender's build-techniques: Both in America and Mexico. The Mexican company is not there to "Mass produce CHEAP" product; the workers are paid less so the product is more affordable. That's not the best ethic policy for a company, and many Americans COULD do that job, but that's a whole other debate/story.

You're not an authority on anything, sir. I suggest you stop acting like one, because I'm not going to discuss this, or derail this thread, any further. It's disrespectful to Rickenbacker, Fender, this site, posters, and mods. If you want to rebut my statements, I suggest you PM me.

That being said, I'll pick an American made Rickenbacker over any foreign product the day my wallet can support it.

[trosse]

I don't think Fender Mexico use premium materials (neither do Fender USA) or luthiers - and of course the products cannot compare to a top quality product like a Rickenbacker. That's not an opinion. That's a fact.

It's also a fact that Fender opened the Ensenada Factory to be able to produce loads of cheap guitars to answer the challenge from Far East. And that's what they do. That's not an opinion either.

If you can't see any difference in quality of materials and craftmanship between a Mexican Fender and a US made Rickenbacker - then it's your luck - because then your Jazzmaster really IS better. But that's an opinion - not a fact.

End of discussion from here.

[Ain'tGotNoPokemon]

I don't think Fender Mexico use premium materials (neither do Fender USA) or luthiers - and of course the products cannot compare to a top quality product like a Rickenbacker. That's not an opinion. That's a fact.

It's also a fact that Fender opened the Ensenada Factory to be able to produce loads of cheap guitars to answer the challenge from Far East. And that's what they do. That's not an opinion either.

If you can't see any difference in quality of materials and craftmanship between a Mexican Fender and a US made Rickenbacker - then it's your luck - because then your Jazzmaster really IS better. But that's an opinion - not a fact.

End of discussion from here.

But why would you pick one Ric over another?

[trosse]

I don't think Fender Mexico use premium materials (neither do Fender USA) or luthiers - and of course the products cannot compare to a top quality product like a Rickenbacker. That's not an opinion. That's a fact.

It's also a fact that Fender opened the Ensenada Factory to be able to produce loads of cheap guitars to answer the challenge from Far East. And that's what they do. That's not an opinion either.

If you can't see any difference in quality of materials and craftmanship between a Mexican Fender and a US made Rickenbacker - then it's your luck - because then your Jazzmaster really IS better. But that's an opinion - not a fact.

End of discussion from here.

But why would you pick one Ric over another?

If I pick a guitar over another then it's for the occasion - caused by choice of a desired sound when recording or so. I would not really pick a guitar over another for other reasons - which the question here is all about: Which-one-do-you -prefer-over-a-Rickenbacker-like me. The answer would be something that's better build and of better materials. Mexican Fenders is logically not a choice here as they - to my opinion - are not in the same league at all. And The Fender Ensenada is really build to produce cheap guitars, right? Or did I miss something? If these guitars were top notch quality I would sell my Rickenbacker, Gibson ES-330, Stratocaster etc. and replace them with Mexican Fenders. I believe everybody can see that this is not realistic. And when somebody claim that they've got a cheapo which is better than the best and what is widely accepted to be the best then there's nothing to say except it's good that you like it. That's not rude at all - but what can be expected if you spread a question like that.

[electrofaro]

what is widely accepted to be the best

And that's just it, as there's no such general perception really. What does "the best" mean? Build quality? Sound? Amount of people falling into bs propaganda of the manufacturer? Lots of famous players using the exact model? Guitar will last decades?

You give me what is widely accepted and I drag over a whole bunch of people who don't agree on what you said! This whole thread has become a sad, useless exercise in trying to prove one owns opinion/views of the subject is leading.

[Ain'tGotNoPokemon]

what is widely accepted to be the best

You give me what is widely accepted and I drag over a whole bunch of people who don't agree on what you said! This whole thread has become a sad, useless exercise in trying to prove one owns opinion/views of the subject is leading.

But why would you pick one Ric over another?