Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Another vote for a 620..not to big or heavy..real nice neck...welcome Norm!

I also thought of a 450, but these are getting harder to find and price is about 1 1/2 times a nicer, newer 620.

The 620 is a standard-scale solidbody with the narrower neck and a nice small body size and comfortable shape. It's got the same DNA as a 450; "cresting wave" body style, is fairly light and compact. I think that Rick's 3/4 scale (shortest in the industry at 20 3/4") is tough to adjust to as a first guitar, and tougher to move away from into a full-scale guitar. The difficulty of playing one could sour a young 'un on guitar playing.

So that's my vote--620 for the above reasons.

What about a 660?

Welcome to the forum Norm.

A 610 or 620 would be ideal IMO. A 610 is the same as a 620 but without binding and it has dot fret markers. There is one of each currently for sale in the forum for sale section. Links: 610 620

A 660 and 650 have wider necks. The 660 is more expensive due to its vintage appointments.

If the price is right a 350 (not necessarily a v63) would be another option.

I was thinking the same thing, Aitch. 325 body with "normal" neck.

Ken, that 620 was sold on a different forum.

I must agree with the 620 voters. It's a great guitar, all around, and quite versatile. It's also quite affordable, compared to 325's, and 660's. Good luck, you're daughter is lucky to have a dad hooking her up with a Ric.

Ah now to find a blue one! and Pick out an Amp

I think a 610 or 620 would be a fine guitar, especially if you're looking for that Petty sound.... You can get a great classic Ric jangle with it, but it will also give you a nice overdriven crunch. I have a 615 (that's a 610 with a vibrato added), and I love it; it's a very versatile guitar, and easy to play.

If it helps at all Norm, I have a 360 (like a 330 but with some "extra" features) and I too am 5'4" - I don't have any playing issues relating to my size with any Rickenbacker I've played. I don't think this should really be a consideration for you in deciding which model you'll buy her.

And, oh yea, even though I'm 38, will you be my Dad? My birthday is coming up in a little over a month!

Ok then I will let her decide between 330 or 620. I think she will go with 620 because she needs stuff that is still close to this day sound. Just don't want her to sound like everyone else. That would be crazy and in the long run she would be happier. She has been playing Acoustic in the band for over a year but last week led worship and played the worship leaders les paul. She was HOOKED! LOL!Dad I think I want to play electric from now on it is fun! LOL! I have great kids. Will have to pick out a amp though. Some one suggested a VOX 15 something.

For a beginner, and with lots of sounds, try a Vox Valvetronix AD15. great little beginners amp, and she'll be able to tune whatever sound she likes. It's not 100% tube, but it's not $500+ dollars either. Great little amp.

Another option that I use for practice and have miked for a small gig is the Vox DA5. Plus it runs forever on batteries if there isn't a plug nearby. Same modelling technology, but without the tube circuit. And only around $100 new, plus they come in many fashionable colors for young guitarists to pick from.

...Dean

An "Opion"...is that something that forms in your brain after ingesting an 'Opiate'?

(Sorry, I just can't let one get by when it's hangin' right over the plate like that...)

OK, where's Gary Clauson when we need him? He'd be telling you that there are anions, cations, and opions in chemistry.

Those would be, respectively, ions with a negative charge, ions with a positive charge, and ions that are anything we want them to be, in our own personal opinions

I personally prefer using an Opion 100 combo amp with a pair of twelves, myself.

Opion...wasn't he that sheriff's kid in Mayberry?