Rick 450 body through vs set neck

[danoadam]

I'm interested in buying a vintage 450/12. Are these prone to having issues? Are the necks problematic and require resets often like the thinline Ricks made in the 60s? Is a body through neck construction preferable to the set neck version? Thanks

[collin]

Through-neck construction does not suffer the same issues as set-neck guitars, neck lifting from the pocket etc.

Other than making sure the neck isn't twisting at all (which is rare, but happens), they're usually pretty stable guitars.

I don't know of any 450/12 models with a set neck. There were a few 425 6-string models built with a set neck that were sold under the "Electro" and "Ryder" student model lines, but most Rickenbacker 400-series guitars are neck-through, including the 12-strings.

IMO, they're a great deal on a vintage 12-string too, compared to the hollow body models.

[danoadam]

Here's one I'm looking at. Appears to be a set neck..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/331846338610?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT

[jdogric12]

That should be a great guitar! Not a terrible price either.

[chronictown]

There were occasional batches of 420/450/460 guitars with set necks, 1966 being the most common year as far as I've seen (early 70s was also a period for set necks). I've owned a few through-neck 400-series guitars but have never had the opportunity to try out a set-neck version...hope to get my hands on one some day. Good luck with the 450/12 MG, that is a beauty

[danoadam]

Oh, I don't know if I'll go for that '66. I'm just doing a bit of research. I'd probably hold out for a neck through model, maybe even a more affordable 70s guitar. This is my '90 330/12 that is an exceptional player. There's just something about the sound and feel of older Ricks. Maybe if I add the bass cut cap on my guitar and put a toaster in the bridge position..

[Folkie]

Nice photo! I own almost the exact same guitar! Mine is a 1991 330/12 in scarlet red with black hardware, but I replaced the hi-gains with 7.4k toasters (with black covers), and, after my "R" tailpiece exploded two years ago, I replaced it with a Winfield Vintage black harp tailpiece. I recently had my tech work out some tuning issues I was having, and now the guitar plays and sounds better than it has in years.

[Ric5150]

Oh, I don't know if I'll go for that '66. I'm just doing a bit of research. I'd probably hold out for a neck through model, maybe even a more affordable 70s guitar. This is my '90 330/12 that is an exceptional player. There's just something about the sound and feel of older Ricks. Maybe if I add the bass cut cap on my guitar and put a toaster in the bridge position..

If you're not in a hurry, just keep an eye out. That '66 is priced at a premium for the condition. If you just want a solid player, you can probably pick up a 60's one for a lot less. A number of those auctioned-off the in past couple of years have been parted-out - sadly, these 400s are often more valuable as a group of parts than as an instrument. That makes for a really solid vintage Rick entry point.

I recently won an auction for an immaculately refinished '67 450S 6-str for $1100 - it's a really solid player, as well. Keep an eye out and you'll probably find a good deal - they're out there.

[xcoyle]

I agree, I would hold out for a neck through. That guitar is in mint condition which is nice, but the price is fair at best. The neck through construction was a big advertising part of early Ric 400 series guitars, and one of the features that made them unique. My 2 cents.