Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I've just been offered an amazing deal on a brand new 650 Dakota that is so good it even leaves me enough cash to get a Gibson acoustic!

I think the sound of the 650 would be different enough to my 330/6 and 360/12 to justify buying another Ric, but.....

On reading some less than favourable reviews I'm not sure. The reviews could have been written by fender fanboys so I'm after some good advice from the reliable folks on here.

The issues that have been mentioned are....

Rough ends to some frets.
Badly fitted frets (different heights)
Bumps in the neck.
Dead notes on the frets.
Really high action. (which could be resolved)
Unable to hold tune very well.

Now I find it hard to believe that Ric would produce a guitar with such problems, but I guess the guitar is the cheapest in their line up so maybe compromises had to be made.

Please put my mind at rest so i can add to my family.

There are no Rickenbackers produced with intentionally lower quality than others. The cost savings on a 650, as I see it, are a result of the stripped-down features.

A quick look through Harmony Central or a similar site will reveal horror stories involving just about any instrument.

Bottom line, go for it. If there are problems, you've always got the Rickenbacker warranty. Also, resale value will get a boost because this model is no longer made.

Thanks for the reply Daniel.

I would never suggest that Rickenbacker would purposefully produce something that wasn't perfect, they're not that type of company, I was just worried that because of the different materials used etc, that certain problems may have come to light. e.g. I think the earlier models had a neck issue that was rectified on later models. Things like that.

I know the Harmony Central website very well but I dont like to use it as a buying guide.
If 20,000 people bought a guitar and were happy with it, most wouldn't bother to post on a web site, but if 4 people out of the 20,000 had problems, you can guarantee they'd air their grievance on somewhere like Harmony Central. I personally don't feel it's a reliable source for buyers.

I guess I just want someone who has one to come on here and tell me how great they are!

Of course, if you're the gamblin' type, you could hang on to your money and wait for the upgraded 650 series.

OOOOHH!

Do we know what they're going to be like?

Mateybob wrote:OOOOHH!

Do we know what they're going to be like?

It's probably many years off and we know absolutely nothing about it. Just get the Dakota.

Found one being played......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Cs1NGcS4yE

Nice.

the 620 on the vid sounds the best.IMHO.

Rob, I had a 650S Sierra (same as the Dakota, but gold hardware instead of chrome) and I can comment on the 'issues' based on mine.

Rough ends to some frets.

None on mine.

Badly fitted frets (different heights)

None on mine.

Bumps in the neck.

None on mine.

Dead notes on the frets.

None on mine.

Really high action. (which could be resolved)

The action was higher on mine when I got it, but I lowered it to a nice, comfortable level without difficulty.

Unable to hold tune very well.

No such problem with mine.

The only reason I sold mine was that the neck felt a bit too 'chunky' for me.

doctorwho wrote:Rob, I had a 650S Sierra (same as the Dakota, but gold hardware instead of chrome) and I can comment on the 'issues' based on mine.

Rough ends to some frets.

None on mine.

Badly fitted frets (different heights)

None on mine.

Bumps in the neck.

None on mine.

Dead notes on the frets.

None on mine.

Really high action. (which could be resolved)

The action was higher on mine when I got it, but I lowered it to a nice, comfortable level without difficulty.

Unable to hold tune very well.

No such problem with mine.

The only reason I sold mine was that the neck felt a bit too 'chunky' for me.

P1010640A.JPG

Thanks man!

I think this one may be......... SOLD!!!!

I will second what the good doctor said. I have played many a Ric over the years, but have only owned one. Personally, it was the stripped down look that appealed to me. I love the feel of the unfinished oiled wood neck, and the sound range is a lot better than they commonly seem to get credit for. The only "flaw" in my Dakota is that the neck and fretboard require maintenance if you wish to keep it looking new. Personally, I don't mind the vintage look of the discolored fretboard.

My action has been stable for 8 years since I bought it, and has always held good tune if that makes you feel any better.

Here is my Dakota:
http://www.rickresource.com/register/vi ... ine%3Dtrue

Thanks everyone.

But as the mighty group SQUEEZE once sang............

"Tempted by the fruit of another........."

Ha brilliant rob ive turned your coat!

scotty wrote:Ha brilliant rob ive turned your coat!

It's inside out and the label is showing........

well hurry up and read your Pm then