Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Are there any well-known bands or artists that play 650 series guitars? Who? And if not, why not?

Wormdiet: This is an excellent question and certainly worthy of discussion. Having played a Model 650 I can speak first hand to the great sound and playability. I found it to be a great lead instrument and the humbucking pickups were whisper quite compared to the toasters or high gain pickups. The sustain on this instrument is remarkable. I am hoping that Model 650 owners, more familiar than I with this instrument, will jump in here.

Now to your good question. I am unaware of any "well-known" artist that has recorded with a Model 650. I suspect that the reason is, in part, due to the fact that there are so many guitar companies that make solidbody instruments. The availability of the 650 is relatively scarce and its marketshare small by comparision to other lines. The model 650 also has a relatively short history compared to the 300 series models and to other makes. It will take more time for the 650 to become established. It will take just one big name artist, however, to make a difference in the demand for this instrument.

Perhaps Kenny Howes or John Hall could let us know if there is a big name artist who has recorded or performed with the Model 650.

So we now embark upon a new quest. Less find out who has recorded with a Model 650.

John Hall was interviewed in October 1998 by Helen Kuhl. From the article,

Rickenbacker recently added a guitar model that has a hand-rubbed tung oil finish, which alleviates the spraying problems, and the company is trying to educate guitarists about its environmental advantages and build a market, Hall added. "But still, for the most part, guitarists prefer the shiny, flashy-looking instruments," he said. "We're at least trying to offer them an opportunity to buy something that's more environmentally safe and doesn't have some of the byproducts. But it's a tough sell."

The 650 Atlantis guitar was an innovative new model launched in 1991 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the production of Rickenbacker's first electric guitars. It is finished in vintage turquoise and has all-chrome plated parts. A solid maple neck runs the full length of the body.

The complete article can be found here.

You know, I can't think of any high-roller 650 users either, which is a damn shame, as they are really, really great instruments and worthy of notice. My fave was the Atlantis.

While I'm not a fan of "metal" or its variants, I would really like to see someone try one of these guitars (specifically the Colorado JG) in that context. In this day where a lot of lead AND rhythm guitar sounds are pretty saturated and chunky in rock, I think the 650 would perform above its contemporaries.

My two cents.

The Model 650 Colorado is a sharp looking instrument and I am wondering why it is not seen more frequently in the "high-roller" group.



If find John Halls comments about the rubbed finish to be very interesting and I quite agree that selling a "non-high gloss" is a tough sell. But what I do find hard to appreciate is why the 650 Colorado isn't seen on stage and in videos.

To me this instrument has a lot of appeal, but
seems to be somewhat unknown or under appreciated. Do you suppose that it is the sound difference between this instrument and other makes with humbucking pickups or is it a problem of availability? What is the Colorado's competition?

Peter, I've been tempted several times to pick up one of these puppies, becuase the price is very reasonable considering Rickenbacker's quality standards. Also, the pickups sound like they are wonderful if they are anything like what people have told me! I have a feeling one of them might be in my future, because I don't own a single guitar with humbucking pickups.

By the way, what's HC? (see subject line)

Kenny: Unless I am mistaken it refers to Harmony Central.

AH yes of course.

Get my email Peter?