Can't "connect"

towser · Post by **towser** » Sun Mar 13, 2005 12:21 pm

So, I've had my new FG 360-12 for a little over a month, and I'm just not connecting with it. I love the looks of my guitar, and the Ric sound, in general, but I can't find "my" sound with it. I had a similar experience with a FG 360-6 last year, and ended up selling it.

Is this a common experience with Rics? I do this a lot with guitars, in general, I suppose. I have a core group of eight guitars that I'll always have, but I don't often bond with new guitars, and end up selling them. I'm seriously considering selling the Ric on eBay and getting another Les Paul...

I really want to bond with this Ric, though, as I've wanted a 12-string Ric for as long as I can remember. It's hard to play of course -- even harder than my 12-string Ovation acoustic, due to the narrow string spacing -- but that's really not the big issue.

Can anyone offer words of advice, here, or am I just an anti-Ric kind of guy? If I've not bonded, yet, should I just sell the guitar and take my loss?

jps · Post by **jps** » Sun Mar 13, 2005 12:32 pm

Why don't you try one of RICs solidbody guitars, maybe it's the hollowbody that doesn't do it for you. It also sounds like you need to specifically try a 660 with it's wider neck.

Scastles · Post by **Scastles** » Sun Mar 13, 2005 12:39 pm

I agree with Jeff. If it's neck size you need to look at the 660 and it's a solid body, like the 660/12, if you want to try a Ric 12 string.

chris_scruggs · Post by **chris_scruggs** » Sun Mar 13, 2005 12:40 pm

I think alot of people buy Ricks and expect them to be something they're not. I'm not saying that Rickenbackers are "one trick pony's", but they are very unique, and don't look/sound/play like Fenders or Gibsons, so Fender /Gibson guys often have trouble with getting comfy on a Rick. I bought my first Rick expecting it to do what my Gibson 135 did. After a week I just figured that the Gibson fit the band I was playing in more, and use now I the Rick when it's fits.

Even if it doesn't become your favorite guitar, I believe anybody with eight guitars should have a 12 string Rick in the mix. It's classic, nothing sounds like it, and they're cool. I don't use my 12 alot, as they tend to make everything I play sound like a Beatles/Byrds song, but for when I DO need that sound, I'm glad I have it, and not a Strat XII.

tony_carey · Post by **tony_carey** » Sun Mar 13, 2005 12:50 pm

I am not suggesting this is the case with you Kevin, because I don't know, but to get 'that' sound, then you have to play Rics differently to other guitars & often with different chord shapes. I have heard guitarists try my Rics & just can't get them to sound right because they play them the same way as their other guitars. All of my seven gtrs are Rics & I am not sure if they suit my style, or I have adapted to accomodate them, but I get a cracking sound that I am complimented on time & time again. And no...I don't play '60's music, I play rock & my Rics (all 330 shape , except my 4003) sound VERY contemporary!

chris_scruggs · Post by **chris_scruggs** » Sun Mar 13, 2005 2:50 pm

Yeah, C7 chord shapes sound perfect on a 6 string! I agree with Anthony alot here. For instance, when plucking single notes on my 12 string, I play as many up-strokes as possible, as that makes the treble string ring more. I'd also suggest removing the vridge cover (even though it looks SO cool with it on). In recent photos of George's 12 string, the bridge cover is not on, and if it's good enough for his Ric 12, I don't think it'll hurt mine.

CS

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Sun Mar 13, 2005 2:59 pm

Dead right, Chris. I've found that not only do they sound better with the extra chime, up-strokes seem much easier. I reckon I'd really struggle with a neck narrower than the one on my 660/12.

xcoyle · Post by **xcoyle** » Sun Mar 13, 2005 3:13 pm

Tony could you share some chord voicing you like?
(an easy way to show chords low-to-high string is C7=X3231X).

towser · Post by **towser** » Sun Mar 13, 2005 3:44 pm

Well, maybe I do need to try the 660, but I think the 300 series just looks so much cooler...

I'll ponder on it a bit, and maybe post my 360 for sale on this board, if I decide to go that route.

I may just keep it, though. Who knows?

bluesyric · Post by **bluesyric** » Sun Mar 13, 2005 4:02 pm

I've owned my Ric for just a few days now, and I can understand why so many people buy them, then sell them. They're so much different in terms of both feel and tone from any other guitar out there, it's almost like you're playing a different instrument, switching from a Strat or Les Paul to a Ric (even moreso with the 12). I think it takes a lot more time to acclimate yourself to the feel of a Ric than people give them.

To me, the extra work has been worth it, it's extremely rewarding to play a guitar with such a unique tone.

longhouse · Post by **longhouse** » Sun Mar 13, 2005 4:13 pm

I've sold every HiGain equipped Ric I ever bought - never could get into them. You might need to try Toaster pickups ...or a 600 series Ric.

Cheers, Noel

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Sun Mar 13, 2005 6:19 pm

Towser, it's the color. (Just kidding...)

It took me about six weeks to connect. It's like driving an expensive new car. You baby it at first, then one day the Muse grabs you and you're screaming along and suddenly realize that THIS is what everybody raves about.

About six weeks old my 660-12 was. One day I plugged it in and cranked up the volume, turned on the compressor, and--WHAM! It was all there. It has come together every time since.

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Mon Mar 14, 2005 12:51 am

"Unique tone". That's it!!!! You either like it or you dont.

My expectations were leaning more toward the tone and quality of manufacture than anything else. The fact that I've found them a bit hard to play compared to my St**t or even Yamaha acoustic is a problem I'm having an absolute ball coming to terms with.

tony_carey · Post by **tony_carey** » Mon Mar 14, 2005 12:56 am

David, it is not so much chord shapes, but more chord positions. I think that the best way to get the sound out of a Ric is to take the old banjo stance...as many open strings as possible. If you normally bar a G for instance, try 32xx33...gorgous. For a C, try 032x33. Let the top E drone on some chords. Try A like, x776xx. These chords really allow the 'jangle' to shine through.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Mon Mar 14, 2005 7:52 am

I learned years ago, in my rhythm guitar days on my F****r and G****n, to be lazy and play barre chords. Then recently I realized this, too--a Rick responds really well to lots of open chords; first fret to fifth is where my fingers hang out lately.

Let 'em ring!