Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

How long were these made and where do I get one?

Man! Those are sweet.

ok, just saw a 480 and a 481 on eBay. i like the 480 better. what's the difference in the 483?

Same as the 480, but the 483 has three pick ups...

Try & play one first Sean. I always played a 4001 so when I wanted a gtr, the 480 was the obvious choice. It nearly put me off Rics for life! Dreadful gtr....thin, whammy bar neck, weedy sound...not at all like the chunkier 230's & 620's. Thankfully, I found the thinlines.

OK, I know I'll get some flack for this, as the 480 has lots of fans...but I'm not one of them! Maybe I'll be hauled over the coles less if I add 'IMHO'?

Tony: As you know not all models play exactly the same. There are individual differences, of course, and this applies to the 480 model as well. There are ways to make the neck less "whammy" as you say. The tonality of this instrument with high gains is very different than the thinlines of which you speak. I would say, if you get the chance to play one again, give it another try.

I love my 73 480. The high gain p.u.'s really mellowed nicely. It sounds real warm..

Here's one for sale on the Bay

http://cgi.ebay.com/Rickenbacker-Model-480-guitar_W0QQitemZ7355030556QQcategoryZ41439QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Perhaps you could comment on this too Dave. I find that the angle than the neck leaves the body of the instrument makes it a very comfortable player.

Tony: I just wanted to add here, that one of the more valuable aspects of this Forum is that we can compare notes with regard to different models. Not all instruments suit the playing style or tonality sought after by the performer. I consider that evaluating instruments from in many aspects is a benefit to all.

No question Peter.

The neck and body configuration also gives access to the 24th fret. I also like the "flatness" of the neck. It fits my hand just right.

Dave: An excellent point about the neck profile.

When I reviewed my post, I nearly wiped it & didn't bother, but it was because of opinion that I posted it. I have never been let down by a gtr as much as I was that 480. I loved Rickenbacker & even now I remember the dissapointment. If I were to own a 480 now, then I could put it in the context of Rickenbacker history & enjoy it, knowing that I can go back to one of my trusty regulars, but as a very young man pinning my dreams on a 480.....

Would any of you 480 owners keep it as your only gigging Ric I wonder? If you had to sell all your Rics bar one...would your 480 really be your desert island gtr?

I'm going to shut up now, as I am going to take Peters advice & try one (if I can find one)....please don't make me eat my words!!

Anthony, Good point, however in reply I must say..

480's RULE

I must admit Dave...they do look good, especially in FG!

I really enjoyed owning a 481 for 10 years or so. The flat neck allowed for great string bending, and the humbuckers were darker, but oh sooo nice, clean with a bit of chorus. I always thought the neck was ridiculously solid and it never seemed to go out of tune. The action could be set anywhere. Alas, I had always wanted a 360, but I wouldn't hesitate to own another.

480's were my ONLY electric guitar for 30 years. 'Nuff said.

Anthony, I know where you're coming from with your post. I always wanted a Les Paul, from the day I first started playing. That to me was the ultimate. So, I am playing this copy, **** guitar, get my cash together (as a teen) and get the Les Paul. And it SUCKED. I tried everything I knew at the time to make it sound good, no go. So I sold it.
I think now, the wiring was shot and only the neck PU worked. But, at the time, it just sounded bad. I found another one, later, that did not suck. LOVED it.