Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Getting closer to ordering and wanting to ask the experts.

It's a matter of preference. Some prefer the small frets of most Ricks. The 650 series is geared toward lead playing - tall frets and un-varnished fretboard. I have played one and thought it was fantastic for lead playing.

I am biased but I would look at a 350. You have the best of all worlds in that guitar. With the right amplification it can emulate a Strat or a LP. That little fifth knob is a wonderful thing. Plus it is the coolest looking guitar on the planet. I love mine.

The 650 is OK, but IMO, the pickups are caught in no mans land...neither humbucker or single coil tonality. I second Brians 350 candidate. The 350 is a great little gtr, really good to throw around & so easy to play. Strat type sounds, I totaly agree with, but a Les Paul? Undeniably a great gtr to solo with though & if it is a V series, try changing the bridge pick up to a hi-gain.

I would throw the humble 340 into the hat...all the classic Ric sounds, but with 3 hi-gain power!

Tony,

I can make mine sound like a LP because...drum roll...I have a Rickenbacker humbucker on mine.

Peter obviously has some experience in this regard also.

http://www.rickresource.com/rrp/350humbucker.html

Aahhh, I thought it had to be something like that. Interestingly enough though, I bought my Les Paul as a direct result of my disapointment with Ric humbuckers on my 650C.

I must confess though, that my needs are quite specific & perhaps I am being unfair to the Ric humbucker. Perhaps I should say that they didn't do what I particularly needed, as I did genuinely feel that they were very versatile....but versatility is not my thing...I only need to sound like me!

I've had my 650 Dakota since Oct 2005 & am still diggin' the great HB tones. I can get Beano LP tones if I dial in the amp...but I can also get SO many other great tones too. I like the versatility...it suits whatever mood I'm in at the time.

650s are great lead guitars.

Mark

"650s are great lead guitars"

Yes, and its cool that you can try a Hi Gain, Toaster or Humbucker in one. All different tones but still RIC-like.

I would think that the Hoffs signature 350 would be a kickin' lead guitar (again, the humbucker in the bridge spot takes the gain up a notch or two when needed). But I will have to say that Mr. Harrison played some really nice leads (IMO) with a toaster equipped Rickenbacker or two.

Aha! So it seems that both the 650 and the 350 are good choices for a lead guitar. Thanks.

Decisions, decisions.

Last night at the HOB, there was an amazing solo and other lead work done on a humbucker equipped 330. Not mention many other great Ricks used for soloing, so just pick your favorite and blast away.

Susanna Hoffs' 350 had three HBs.

21 fret Rics with Toasters are my favorite guitars for lead -ever.

Yeah, regarding Susanna Hoffs', but she's not a notable guitarist in terms of chops.

It was a beautiful guitar, though!!!

Which Rickenbacker 6 string is best for playing lead? Which ever model I have my hands on! Oh yeah! High five!