Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I noticed in the late eighties and early nineties that concomittant with the blues revival, there was a revival in interest in single coil guitar sounds, and poweramp (not preamp) overdrive sounds. I remember getting my first rickenbacker, and thinking "Why hasn't anyone else on the blues bandwagon realised these hi-gains have a great singlecoil tone??"

I think they make a mighty open E slide guitar (for the "rawk"ier sounding stuff). As far as a rickenbacker with an amp running full steam (like my SRV and McCartney approved cream bassman) - I'm sure I do't need to tell you they sound great!

I thought this was an interesting post. I have always thought that if you have the blues in your soul you can play it on anything. But this post inspired me to take down my 340 Fireglow and really give it a long workout with blue both clean and distorted. I swear that if it was on a recording and you didn't tell anyone most people would say you were using a single coil w/ just a little something else added. Rick's really sound great in this context. Afterall Pete Townshend only switched to SG's and Fenders because he didn't want to break up Rick's anymore. They could be a great Blues, R&B or hard Rock guitar if it were not for others pre conceived ideas about what a Rick should be used for.

Hi guys I just cannot resist wading in on this thread. It seemed to me (especially at the time but I know, who really remembers the 60's) that most of the good bands that came out of England in the sixties had their roots in jazz or American blues.

The Mersey Beat sound for example was a fusion of all sounds that went before. The most sought after guitar on the circuit in Southampton where I grew up was Rickenbacker.

As for me I have played everything from Beatles, Who, Hollies Byrds, Cream, Hendrix, Yardbirds, John Mayall, Jeff Beck, Pretty Things, Kinks and so on, either on my 375 6 string or my 360 12 String as the song required. No one ever came up to me and said those guitars dont cut it.

When we moved to Canada in '65 and started playing the circuit, local Vancouver DJ's often commented on air that our band sounded exactly like the bands we were emulating.

As time went on I migrated to other guitars but let me say this much. Based on my direct experience Rics cut it both for live performance and in the studio.

I have three Rics in my collection that get played all the time. They are timeless and extremely versatile. Strat and LP players who do not own a Ric do not know what they are missing in their life. The bottom line is that I still consider myself to be a blues based musician and I play Rics.

What are the Rickenbacker models you own?

Hi Dan,

I presume you are asking me that question.

I currently own a 1989 Jetglo 350 6 string, a 1994 Jetglo 360/12 WB and a 1976 4001 tuxedo bass

Here's my Rickenbacker family

Brian,

As we say in Texas: "Thanks, Podnuh!" Your post is authoritative and reveals a healthy perspective. I'm glad you are loyal to Rickenbacker and appreciate thier versitility, style and tone. It's a shame more people in my neck of the woods (Shreveport,La.) don't share our appreciation of Rickenbakcers!

Respectfully,
Larry Carroll

Thanks Larry,

Don't get me wrong I have at number of Strats in my stable and a couple of Gibsons. I like variety. Having that sort of access to quality instruments can help to break writers block. Plus it gives you an opportunity to bring a fresh perspective to a piece.

Having said that I only play a Ric bass. All other bass guitars pale in comparison in my books. The bottom line is Rickenbackers are beautiful instruments that are well made and Ric players know how truly versatile they are.

The acid test is this: Consider if your government passed a law (or your wife which is a more likely scenario)that decreed you were only allowed three guitars per household would one or more of those be a Ric?

In my case if it was the government making the decree I would keep two Rics and my favourite Strat. If it was my wife making the decree well------- I would be facing a tough decision. LOL

"As we say in Texas: "Thanks, Podnuh!" "
I've never said that!