Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I have an AFG 660/6. i love the guitar but it is just too whimpy (pardon the expression) but i love it. I love REM and have 360. I also have a set of high gains laying around. I could put them in the 660. Does anyone think that would be worthwhile? I play an LP jr and love the feel and sound. I play through a Marshall DSL-401 and or a Fender Blues Deluxe re-issue. Should I keep the 660 because it is very cool to have a 660 AFG, I love the neck and color? What is the value if I decide to sell it. I don't think i will but I am curious.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Well, pickup changes are relatively harmless, as they don't permanently damage the guitar.

But going from toasters to high gains? That's a step down, my friend. If you're not getting the tone you want out of the guitar as-is, I highly doubt it's as easy as a pickup change. More likely amp, or even your playing style.

If you want the high gain sound, but don't want to mess with the 660, I'd suggest picking up another Ric with high gains. The market is cooling off, and you can likely find a 620 or similar for cheap. Guitars are never "one size fits all" or good for every application.

Just my .02

It would be best to ride out this market wave and keep the 660 AFG, as it will surely hold its value in the long run, and appreciate. Hi gains sometimes get a bad rap. In many ways they are superior, or else RIC would have never made them in the first place. Try putting a pair in the 660 and see how you like it. I think you may be pleasantly surprised.

jdogric12aolcom wrote:Try putting a pair in the 660 and see how you like it. I think you may be pleasantly surprised.

+1. I dig 'em.

I too would try the high gains before selling it.

I know alot of players love the Toasters, but I'm a Hi Gains man myself. You could even try a set of the RIC humbuckers if you're curious.

You can always switch back to the Toasters if you wish to return the guitar to the original specs. Also, since Toasters are always in demand, you could probably get a good price for them if you choose to sell.

COY=Rare. AFG=Sweet. Bottom line, KEEP the 660.

Since I have the high gains I will try them out.

Thanks all. Big Help.

Also, if you decide you like the sound of the Higains but miss all that Toaster chrome, the buttons can be buzzed off of the pickups and toaster covers can be put on.

Thanks all. I am keeping it. I love the neck and it looks great. Maybe I'll meet some of you at the NJ Ric meeting. I'll be there.

Thanks again.

btomlinson wrote:Maybe I'll meet some of you at the NJ Ric meeting. I'll be there.

Thanks again.

I think you'll be meeting a whole lot of us there.

Just don't touch my spots.

KEEP IT

Hmm, I'm wondering if there might be an issue with the wide string spacing of the 660 and the "buttons" of the higains?

sloop_john_b wrote:Hmm, I'm wondering if there might be an issue with the wide string spacing of the 660 and the "buttons" of the higains?

It would only be a visual issue, John. I would think the pickup pattern would still cover the tiny overall difference of the spacing.

I can't find anything wimpy about either of my 660's, and they both have the stock toasters. The output volume on both is very similar to my American Standard Strats, but obviously differ tone-wise. I am partial to the single coil sound, but others are obviously in the humbucker camp. Swapping out pickups is harmless if you know what you are doing, and you apparently like the look and feel of the guitar. Experiment with it, and you may hit on a combination that makes it your "dream guitar."