Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I'm a longtime Rickenbacker fan. In my time, I have owned three 450s (a big fan), two 360s and a 4001. I am looking to buy a 620 or 625, but I don't know much about them. The first, most basic question I have is, how has this model changed over the years? I know the obvious things like tuners and pickups (though I don't know what years the earlier versions were phased out and the latter ones were phased in, I'd guess '73.) Really, though, what I'd like to know is, did the necks became wider over time, and if so, when? And when was the 620-625 phased out? Much obliged to those with the answers. -Glenn

Glenn,
Welcome to the forum. The 620 is still in production. Check here: http://www.rickenbacker.com/us/600.htm
There have been subtle changes over the years, pickups and headstock shape. If you prefer a wider neck then look at the 660 or 650 models. I know you can get the VB option on a 650 but I'm not sure about the others. (620VB=625)

Thanks much, Ken. I guess my final question is a neck width one (I'm a fan of the thin style...my 450 is a '65.) Has the 620 neck stayed roughly the same width over the years?

The VB option is not available on a 620. The neck is 1 5/8" at the nut, as always.

Pardon my ignorance. What is the "vb option?" It's good to hear the neck width is the same as in days of old.

Hi, Glenn. A hearty forum welcome from me also!

VB = vintage reissue vibrato

Glenn, I neglected to mention that the vibrato (Accent) is available as a replacement part and can be fitted by you or a competent luthier.

Thanks much for the info and the welcomes. 25 years after buying my first Rickenbacker, I'm glad to be a member and am thankful you all are so helpful.

Glenn the neck width has not changed, but the thickness (is there a term for neck shape, i.e fender C, V, baseball bats?) of 620s is about the same as a 360. The 450s had very slender necks.

Welcome Glenn. The Accent vibrato is simply secured by the strap button...that's it, so it really is a simple job to take the R tailpiece off & replace it with an accent. The accent also covers the screw holes on the R tailpiece, (but not the trapeze...620's don't have a trapeze tailpiece) I've done it on two of mine (330's).

Thanks for the info on necks. I have a '63 strat that I've had for 20 years. It has a B width neck I believe (feels like a baseball bat but I have fairly big hands so it's okay.) I recently bought a 62 reissue strat and the neck feels the same (haven't played it much yet, though, as it's at a friends house being set up.) I had reasoned, because 620-625 models look to be more in the design ballpark of 450s than the 300 series, that the 620-25 necks would be closer in dimensions to 450s than the 300 series. Now it's clear. (I had been looking at 620 and 625 pictures on line, trying to see if there have been any width differences over the years. Of course, even if there were, it might be impossible to tell as photos on the web often seem streched or pulled in one direction or the other.) One question about the last post, Tony, aren't there trapeze tailpieces on 620/12s? (I'm not sure if I'm eventually going to go for a 6 or a 12.) Anyway, this is a cool forum. I had been aware of this site, years ago. But I think that was before all of this. Does anyone know how many people check in here regularly? It's great to get answers from those in the know.

Glen,

This forum is kind of like the "Hotel California' "You can check out any time you like but you can never leave" LOL

Many of us check posts and threads daily.

Welcome by the way.

Good to see you around Glenn! The ad was fantastic.

Thanks, Ben. Believe me, it was as exciting for me. I have one of the posters of it hanging on my wall and being one of only four I guess it should be considered a true Rickenbacker-related collectable (pretty cool for me that the others are with you, IBM and the agency. That's pretty cool company.) Anyway, I thought I needed to get out and see what is happening in the Rickenbacker community (I had been on this site ages ago, I think before there was this groovy forum on it) and am quite please to be part of the 24/7 Ricky talk scene.