Model 450/12 Fireglo

admin · Post by **admin** » Sat Apr 09, 2005 9:56 am

We have talked a great deal about fireglo on the Forum and so I wanted to add this photo of my 1966 Model 450/12 in, whatelse, Fireglo finish. A beautiful sight and an unforgettable sound. Hey not bad for a nearly 40 year old finish. "Unforgettable, that's what you are ..."

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Sat Apr 09, 2005 10:18 am

40 years old, eh? Exceptional!

clearblue · Post by **clearblue** » Sat Apr 09, 2005 10:29 am

Real nice!

admin · Post by **admin** » Sat Apr 09, 2005 10:51 am

Thanks Paul and Dan. You really have to admire the talents of those at the RIC factory when you have the chance to own something as nice as this.

Here is a closer look at the toaster and fretboard.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Sat Apr 09, 2005 11:09 am

You know, Peter, I had always unconsciously thought of the 450s as a sort of "entry level" solidbody, perhaps erroneously, because the ones I've seen in person have been pretty beat-up. But having seen several mint examples in the past few weeks, culminating in your beautiful 12, it's obvious that Rickenbacker took just as much care with these simpler guitars as they did with their classic semi-hollows, in terms of fit and finish.

Classic! I hope I have the opportunity to own one of these someday.

A couple of questions: What's the neck width at the nut, and how would you compare the sound of this to a 620 or 660 12 string? Seems like the three of them would be fairly similar.

admin · Post by **admin** » Sat Apr 09, 2005 11:29 am

Paul: I think it is certainly fair to say that the Model 450/12 is not nearly so highly sought after as the Models 330/12 340/12, 360/12, 360/12V64, 370/12, and 1993, for example.

At the neck it is 1 5/8" and I have never had the opportunity to assess the difference between this model and a model 620/12 or 660/12. What I can say, however, is that it sounds very much like the Tom Petty vibe. Its sustain is greater than my Model 1993. But the Model 1993 (360/12V64) has a more trebly sound overall. You can hear the sound of my 450/12 by visiting rickresource.com and putting your mouse cursor over photo of the headstock of the 450/12 at the bottom of the page.

Some of the 450/12s were set necks. I can tell you that I am thrilled with the chimey ring of the through neck model I have.

Unless someone very famous uses a Model 450/12 on tour I am afraid that these models are never destined to achieve the same fame as their cousins mentioned above.

These neck-through guitars are rock solid, however, and are comfortable to play with their smaller more compact body and their slim profile.

By the way, what a wonderful name for a finsh, Fireglo. I wonder who came up with this brilliant idea. It sure beats "red sunburst" any day of the week. As we are so passionate about Rickenbackers, I especially like the name Fireglo. Perhaps the person who coined this name was imagining the image shown below.

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Sat Apr 09, 2005 12:25 pm

That's beautiful, Peter. You certainly don't need any mirrors at your home!

I can never get any of the audio goodies on the forum and other places to work on my computer..... dammit!! I've got all the media players in the world - maybe it's confused!!

Scastles · Post by **Scastles** » Sat Apr 09, 2005 12:33 pm

The finish looks like new! Fine looking! And you have a way with photography there, Peter.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Sat Apr 09, 2005 12:40 pm

Um, Peter...did you Zymol this one yet?

admin · Post by **admin** » Sat Apr 09, 2005 12:48 pm

Thanks Stan and Howard. Yes Paul this is the result of Zymol. We may have to refer to you as Paul Wilczymolnski here.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Sat Apr 09, 2005 1:05 pm

I guess that's OK, Peter, considering my favorite wax used to be Medallion.

That would be a tough one to hybridize...

jps · Post by **jps** » Sat Apr 09, 2005 2:07 pm

Beautiful guitar! Yes the 450 is just as nice as the "more deluxe" guitars.

You are giving Paul Yan and me a run for the money on the photography, too.

admin · Post by **admin** » Sat Apr 09, 2005 5:22 pm

Thanks Jeff. The 450/12 is a fine instrument. It takes a while to get used to the large guard, but its sound and playability more than makes up for it.

admin · Post by **admin** » Sat Apr 09, 2005 5:38 pm

Thanks for the comments on the photography Jeff. You can't help but enjoy photographing it.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Sat Apr 09, 2005 6:02 pm

C'mon, Peter, stop it! I don't know if I'm inspired or frustrated...