My First Brand New Rickenbacker

[chuck_king]

Man, I've got the disease... last summer I bought a used 360/6 JG, which quickly became my number one favorite guitar. Then last month I found a beautiful 330/6 FG on craigslist, which has also been very cool. I am completely sold on Rickenbackers---I love how they sound and feel. The obvious next step is a 12-string.

I've been monitoring eBay pretty closely for a while now, keeping track of the prices of various Rick models. A week or so ago when the thread popped up about how 660/12s are back in stock at some dealers, I sent off a few price inquiries, and to my amazement, there was really a fairly minor difference between used prices and the quotes I got on new guitars from some dealers---maybe 10-15%, and that means dealing with the who-knows-what's-available-this-week used market.

Given (a) the current availability of the usually-scarce 660/12s from dealers, (b) the relatively small gap between used and new prices, and (c) the looming price increases, it seemed like the stars had aligned so as to make buying a new guitar a particularly attractive option. I hadn't initially planned on even looking at new instruments, but it turns out to make sense.

So, this morning I bought myself a brand new 660/12 in Midnight Blue. It should arrive later this week, knock on wood. By the way, I have not seen a used 660/12 in MID for sale since I've been looking, and I think it's a particularly striking color on that model. I am kind of tickled to be getting a brand new Rick. It's nice to be a direct customer (well, through a dealer).

[scotty]

Congratulations Charles post pics when ric arrives

[jdogric12]

Great news King. Post them pics! I have always been happy with new Ricks. They're often setup and in tune in the factory box, unless the dealer has meddled with them.

[wj350]

Congrats, I don't know why it is, maybe the usual wait, the smell of the finish, maybe something else, but there is something very unique and special about opening a new Ric case for the first time.....

Bill

[ric330]

Great deal Charles!
The 660 Rick looks especially nice in Mid Blue.
We'd love to see some photos of it and your other Ricks...Please

[digam11]

Congrats ... looking forward to seeing pics.

[ozover50]

Congrats, Charles..... an excellent choice in a great color!!

[steverok]

Wow ! That's a power move all the way. That's the way I am once I make up my mind. As a result, I have way more guitars than I need, but there is a certain sense of pride (and guilt) in knowing you can pull the trigger when you want to.

[doctorwho]

Congrats! That will be one great-looking guitar!

[goofyfoot]

Chuck.....Props to you for scoring your first NEW Ric. It's a red-letter date, to be sure. Make sure you wear your Ray-Bans when opening up the case. The dazzle and glow of its contents might cause permanent damage to your eyes.

Best regards,

[steambyrd]

Congrats on the 660/12 MID. That color with the gold guards is quite stunning. I have a 660/6 in MID that gets plenty of compliments and stares everytime I play it on a gig. The only other guitar I play out that elicits any compliments is my 360/12 FG. I know you are going to love your 660!

[chuck_king]

Due to arrive tomorrow! But then I have to wait for the temperature to equalize, damn it all! Friday night I should be able to get pics.

[chuck_king]

It's here:



It's not as dark as I thought it would be---I had heard that the newest MID guitars were darker than previously, almost black unless the light caught them just right, but this one seems to be the same shade of blue as most other MID guitars I've seen. Not that I'm complaining; I think it looks great---better in real life than in dealer pictures. I was agonizing over whether to pay the premium to get the Turquoise one Olivia's Vintage had on the 'Bay a couple weeks ago, but I am VERY glad that I got this Midnight Blue instead.

Excuse me, I'm going to go play my guitar!

[gregga41]

Fantastic Chuck! Looks great with the gold TRC & pickguards! ENJOY!!

[goofyfoot]

It's here:

I'm wearing my Oakleys as I view this gorgeous, glowing pic. Cool score, Chuck. Again, props to you for a fine acquisition.

Play on, pick often, and prosper.....Goofyfoot