Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi

Thanks to those that gave me some info regarding the neck construction of 450s.

I’m thinking of getting a 450 and would like to know how they compare to other solid Rics. I have a nice ’79 360/12 which is a great 12 string guitar, but I’m looking for a solid Ric 6. I know the 620s are in production but I really prefer the aesthetics of the 450s, though I appreciate they’re no longer made and I’d have to find a used one. Anyone have any feelings on how the 450s compare to the 620s? I’d be looking at a ‘70s or ‘80s 450 as I probably won’t be able to stretch to a good ‘60s one, so either way the pups will be the high gain ones. Any major sonic differences? I’m really hoping one of these will do a good rock/garage type sound (MC5/Radio Birdman) as well as the powerpop jangle. I also notice the bridge/tailpiece configurations are different on both the 620 and 450. Is the 620 a more “sensible” option? To me the 450 are just the greatest looking little guitars with that large pick guard and dot markers. Any thoughts? Any 450 owners prepared to espouse their worthiness?

The profile is the biggest difference to me.

Pardon my ignorance, but what do you mean by profile?

I'll jump in here.

The 450 and 620 are very similar. Here are the big differences in my opinion.

Looks:
either you like that big pickguard or you don't!

Height of strings:
The 620 has its strings off the body about the same amount as a 360.
The 450 has its strings closer to the body. Its about the same as a strat.

Adrian: you had asked about the tail piece: I think the 450 tail is a little 'easier' in that changing strings takes less time. The 450 has a fixed bridge, but I've never had problems with the intonation.

Lastly, the hi-gains will rock. Don't worry about that...

I've got a 450/12 and I really love that little thing. I think I like it more than the 360/12s that I have had. Mine was missing the factory bar bridge when I bought but had the original tailpiece. I was able to set a standard Rick bridge onto the tailpiece and use that without any problems other than shifting the pickguard up a bit. It's really worked out well because I can set the intonation if I want to.

The only down side to the 450 that I've run across is that I sometimes find myself tapping on the pickguard as I strum and depending on how I hit it a small "thump" will get picked up and come through the amp. It's not terrible but because of the routing underneath the guard the pickguard mounted pups must pick it up more. I normally only have that problem when I first pick up the guitar and I can adjust to it for the most part once I remember that it's going to happen.

I loved my 450/12. I had two 450/6 strings that were great, too. I liked 'em with stock bridges, never had problems with them.

Hey Glen,

My wife's 610 (non-bound, dot neck) is one of my favorite electric guitars I've played.

BOTH of those look cool, Garret. Both FG? I have a 620/12 (1980) that I love as well.

Hey Glenn,

Ya, they're both Fireglo.
I've had my '72 4001 since 1982 and we bought my wife's 610 around 1998.
There was the 610 Glory chose and a Mapleglo 620. She was drawn right-off to the 610.
I think we paid just under $750.00 for it new w/case.