Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hello,
I'm looking for a guitar to complement my American Series Telecaster - not replace, mind you - I'm looking for something a bit heavier tone-wise, and I far prefer the unique look of a Ric to Les Pauls, SGs, or any other such guitar. The 650's look like a good candidate for what I want, based on what I've read. Since I haven't seen any in my area, I was wondering if anyone could compare it's tone/playability to a more 'mainstream' guitar that could be found at a Guitar Center or Mars Music? I'm particularly concerned about the playability and neck feel because my hands are a bit on the small side and the 650's have wider necks. My telecaster feels perfect to me; I also own a pawnshop Epiphone LP100 that feels tolerable but not great. I'd like to at least be able to try out a guitar that is similar in feel to the 650, before I blindly go and order one.

Any help is appreciated,
Nick

Nick: Welcome. This topic of discussion has certainly come up before and you can get caught up on previous comments by going to the "Search" function under Utilities in the menu to the left of this post. Just enter +650 and you will have more than 90 pages to review. I am sure that others will address your comments and any others that may arise from your reading.

As Admin (Peter, I presume) says, 'search' will give you lots to go on, including my enthusiastic comments. I found the forum invaluable in helping me make my selection.

As to your question about playability - I, too, have small hands. I've found over the years that, in general, wider necks are more comfortable for me to play for extended periods of time. Many regard the 650 as somewhat chunky - to me, it has similar proportions to my old Martin, which makes moving between the two of them very easy (as I have to do on occasion when playing in church). After a Tele, it's going to feel fat to you. To find something similar in Mars or GC might be tricky - but a Martin 000-15S (with a 1 3/4" nut width) will get you close.

Tonally, it's probably the most versatile guitar I've ever owned - everything from a Tele-like twang to a rich 'brown' humbucker neck tone. It cuts through any mix, without being in the slightest bit obtrusive. The only thing it won't do is the classic Strat 'quack', but I can live without that.

HTH,
David

Hey Nick:

There's alot to like about the 650...excellent design, outstanding quality, lightweight, fun to play. My 650 does not have quite as wide of a range of tones as my Tele, Les Pauls or my Strat and it's a bit on the darker side--but not as "crunchy" as a Les Paul.

The neck design is not an issue for me. I like variety. Who knows, perhaps playing different neck shapes may help prevent repetetive motion injury. Check out all of the info in the forum, but remember that Rick fans (like me) may have a tendency to overstate the virtues of our beloved guitars. There are all kinds of options out there in the price range of the 650, but I guarantee that the curves on this guitar will stand out against the ubiquitous Strats and Les Pauls.

Photos and sound clips:

http://home.attbi.com/~drjeffreyb

The neck is fairly full, but since I also play a bass guitar I really like it. You can get it with the humbuckers, hi-gain SC, or vintage SC pickup options. I have humbuckers, and they are great for hard rock music or any of the heavier styles. Buy one of the two single coil options if you want jingle jangle, with the vintage one being the best for that.

There are quite a few reviews of the 650 series guitars on Harmony Central. If your hands are small, be sure to check out the 620. You can get it with humbuckers if the hi-gain pickups are not to your liking.

If you can't get a hold of a 650 but want an idea
of the neck feel, play a PRS Santana SE. The neck
size, shape and feel is very similar to a 650, and
those guitars seem to be everywhere. Some Korean
factory is cranking them out by the thousands.