Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I'm toying with the idea of adding one of these to my modest collection. I played a 700 a while back in my local Guitar Center, and was quite impressed, despite the appalling setup of the particular instrument I played - but felt that the guitar itself did not justify the asking price (over $1000).

Now there's the 300 model, which contains the same guts, and is readily available for under $500. It would solve a lot of my issues playing in church, where I really need to be able to switch between acoustic and electric, but don't have time to do so between songs.

Any thoughts from the collective wisdom out there? I'm particularly interested in hearing from people who have actually spent some time with any of the range.

I played the really slim small-bodied black acoustic one (don't know what model is is) a couple of weeks back. Same issue - lousy setup, fingerprints all over it, swirls and scratches..... and the dealer is asking over $2500AUD for it!!

I really like the look of it - reminds me of the ones Barry Gibb plays (wish I knew what they are) - and would love to have another crack at one that is properly set up.

I played the acoustic model also, not with any serious intent to purchase. I came away thinking that I could never get used to an 'acoustic' guitar that weighed as much as a Les Paul.....

Too true... it was a heavy little fella!!

I own a 500, which is all they ever made lefty. I play mine every day. Granted it took me over a month of fiddling and letting it settle to get it set up just the way I like it. They all have lousy set-ups from the factory. It's been mentioned to the powers that be many times...

The guts are the same on any model, but I recommend spending the extra and getting the 700. It's a much better instrument for the money, and it has the tremolo (very cool for the acoustics(!) and of course Gretsch & Strat sounds.)

There are exceptional deals to be had if you look around on the Net and check eBay. No one pays close to retail for them.