RIC Acoustics. Do they exist?

westtexasrickenbacker · Wed Aug 09, 2006 11:14 am

Greetings.

Other than the pictures on the Rickenbacker Poster, I've never seen a Rickenbacker acoustic in the flesh, so to speak.

Does anyone own one? I imagine it sounds good. Any 'Name' guitarists using a Ric Acoustic?

winston · Post by **winston** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 11:21 am

Yep Where do I start? Melissa has one, Paul has one... Oh you mean famous as in rock or country stars? Well the two mentioned are both famous here. In fact, there are a number of forum members who have them. They are the lucky ones. Like you I have never seen one in any sort of captivity. Just in pictures.

8mileshigh · Post by **8mileshigh** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 11:32 am

RicsRus has one for sale, if you want one.

johnhall · Post by **johnhall** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 11:32 am

Mary Chapin Carpenter comes to mind.

rickfan60 · Post by **rickfan60** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 12:19 pm

Bill Henshell has two of them. I can tell you from first hand experience that they are wonderful instruments. No disrespect intended but before seeing one, I did not expect RIC to excel in acoustic guitar making. Over the years I have admired the work of Martin and a few other great builders never considering what RIC could do. Well, the truth is they are simply stunning.

westtexasrickenbacker · Wed Aug 09, 2006 12:55 pm

Not surprised in the least that they are good guitars. Again, I'm surprised that I haven't seen one though!

Oh well, perhaps it is a good thing that they are hidden gems.

Ted, how are they compared to Martin's stuff? Are they brighter? or maybe more mellow? Info is a good thing

loverickbass · Post by **loverickbass** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 2:01 pm

Here are my two:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v464/loverickbass/IM002690.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v464/loverickbass/IM003127.jpg

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 2:07 pm

Alex, there are many models of Rick acoustics and they run a pretty wide gamut of sounds, both plugged and unplugged.

My first Rick acoustic was a Fireglo 730/12L. It is a dreadnought with a spruce top and maple back and sides. I've got a LBaggs iMix pickup setup in it, and the sound is quite bright, with just enough mid and bottom to keep a balance. It's the first 12 string acoustic I've owned that actually jangles!

I'm currently refinishing a 700S/12 that is more in a traditional vein, with a very thin spruce top and rosewood back and sides. The extra size of the jumbo body (I mean HUGE) gives it BIG BOTTOM and the rosewood lends a bit more warmth to the rest of the sonic spectrum. It has an E3 pickup.

melibreits · Post by **melibreits** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 2:21 pm

For a couple of pics of mine in action, check my site: www.melibee.com.

dswp · Post by **dswp** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 2:21 am

I have a good friend who does a lot of studio work... He is always clamoring to borrow one of mine.

I sold my Gibson "J's" when I finally found these.

webhead · Post by **webhead** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 3:49 am

I'll be impressed when someone posts a photo of themselves with a Jazzbo

sowhat · Post by **sowhat** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 3:55 am

Ditto.
But i still cannot forget that black - sorry, JetGlo - 730C. Hope it found a good new home.

loverickbass · Post by **loverickbass** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 3:57 am

I'm sure the only person that can do that is JH.

Cole

8mileshigh · Post by **8mileshigh** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 4:29 am

As a rule, I don't like dreadnoughts, but I LOVE my 730S JG..........

webhead · Post by **webhead** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 4:35 am

Yes it did Sheena. I'm hoping to find a 12-string RIC acoustic to add to my arsenal....