Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Thinking of putting an Accent vibrato on my newly acquired 620MG. Since there are no Ric dealers in my area, there's no way I can try one out. Can anyone give me an idea of how it functions when used as an actual vibrato? I'm familiar with Strat and Bigsby vibratos, can you compare them? Is the Accent an actually useful vibrato unit, or more of just something for looks?

Any insight would be appreciated!

Sean: The Ac'cent vibrato is more for looks and anchoring the strings of course. It does not have the functionality of the Strat and Bigsby vibrato or tremelo as some might say.

I put an Accent on my old 320 (since sold...damn). I had no problems at all with it going out of tune. I didn't dive bomb or anything but for a slight vibrato it was great.
Looked great too

Peter:

Bigsby says "vibrato", Fender says "tremelo".

Bigsby and RIC are correct.

Is the effect on my Vox AD30VT really "Tremelo" or is it "Vibrato"?

Sean, I fitted them on two of my 330's & now can't do without them (even if it's only to whammy feedback!). They are great, as long as you don't expect too much of them. They keep tuning OK, as long as you're gentle.
I like them so much, that I bought a spare that will be attached to another gtr (not decided which one) soon.

Sean, I LOVE the Accent vibrato. It has a more natural response and feel than my Gretsch's Bigsby.
You can hear it on these songs:
http://www.myspace.com/pyramidbuildersunion
-and to a lesser extent, here:
http://www.myspace.com/noelchristianriddell

On the track 'Sand', you can hear Ric's other vibrato, the Hi-Tek!

Like Anthony, I am stuck on the Accent.

Noel

I agree with Noel. Up until eighteen months ago I was a die-hard Fender Strat player. When I rediscovered Rickenbackers, one of the first guitars I bought was my 1965 Model 1998 with the Accent Vibrato.

I was very surprised at how well it stays in tune; the smoothness of the vibrato motion and how comfortable the vibrato arm is, when you are picking or strumming. The little curve at the end of the arm fits just nicely under your little finger.

I wouldn't recommend attempting to play Hendrix's Voodoo Chile with the Accent, it's a more subtle vibrato unit (think Hank Marvin) rather than a dive-bombing apparatus.

Very cool stuff there, Noel! It helps to hear the Accent in action. It sounds like I may need to give it a try. My vibrato needs are pretty light, but I like to do some Neil Young-ish style "work the vibrato while picking" action at times.

Darren, I'm a life long Strat player as well. I still love 'em, but the Rickenbacker is quickly becoming my go-to guitar. Having a vibrato unit would seal the deal.

Thanks to everyone for the quick replies! Looks like an Accent may be in my future...

Sean,

If you're looking to purchase a used instrument with the Accent arm missing, be aware that they are extremely hard to find as a stand alone item.

The arm was often removed when storing the guitar in it's case and was subsequently lost. You frequently see Rickenbackers for sale missing the Accent arm.

I paid US$200 (gulp!) just for one vintage arm, and then found two more at US$30 each, which I snapped up quickly. I have since used them on guitars missing the Accent arm.

Replacement arms were once available, however you currently have to purchase a whole Accent unit if you want an arm.

Another Forum member was offering to manufacturer Accent-type arms a little while ago.

Thanks for the heads up, Darren. I'm actually planning on buying a whole new Accent assembly to replace the R tailpiece on my 620.

Good choice Sean. You'll Love it. They work great on 620's

I had a 325v64 and after using the Accent a few times, the handle would lossen and just dangle. I could never get it right. Do any of you experience this?

The Accent vibrato on my 1967 model 365 does loosen up a bit over a period of time.... I just grab the nearest quarter and use it as a screwdriver to tighten the bolt back up!

There is a Belleville washer between the arm and the tailpiece on these. This is a wavy washer that is there to maintain the pressure on the pivot point. If you don't have one, get one (most hardware stores carry them). Also get a tube of Loc-Tite (either blue or red).

Put a small drop of Loc-Tite onto the screw threads, right at the tip. Let it run into the threads a bit.

Now screw the arm onto the tailpiece, with the washer in between. (Note: this must be a wavy washer! An ordinary flat washer won't work.) Adjust the amount of friction you want the arm pivot to have by tightening the screw. Then let the whole thing sit for a couple of hours minimum, overnight preferable.

The tension will stay adjusted for a longer time--several months, in my experience. And you can get the arm to stay wherever you wish and push it out of the way easily.