Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I have not had the chance to see a 650D or 650C in the flesh before. I know the 650D has a non-glossed fret board. From pictures I've seen it looks like the 650D fret borads can get pretty dirty over time.

Looking at the few picture I have come across of the 650C models it looks like they may have a glossed fret board?

Also, is the neck profile thinner than the 660's? I know they are the same width.

The few AFG 650C's that have been out there for sale a look mighty nice. That color suits that guitar quite well. Music Zoo has theirs listed as a Fireglo but it sure looks Amberglo to me.

Thanks in advance for setting me straight.

Rick: I think you have characterized the 650C and 650D fretboards adequately.

I have never played a 650C but the 650D I have played felt like a maple neck that you might experience on a Telecaster or Stratocaster.

The model of 650D that I played did not have a dirty board. As with rosewood fretboards, the proper application of oil should be easily absorbed by the surface.

Hopefully with the comments of others you will get a range of responses that will allow for a more complete view of the differences in these fretboards.

Looking at the few picture I have come across of the 650C models it looks like they may have a glossed fret board?

Yes the 650C has a finished fretboard.

Also, is the neck profile thinner than the 660's? I know they are the same width.

It is the same at the nut but wider as you go up the neck. The string spacing is wider at the bridge.

I gather that once it gets into the unfinished wood it is hard to get out?

I've owned both models over the years. Of the two, I like the 650C's gloss finished fingerboard better. The unfinished board on the 650D just didn't work well for me and the frets seemed very high. I don't know if the thickness of the finish would make a big differece in relative fret height but I don't inadvertently bend notes on my 650C the way I did on my old 650D.

Anthony,

Those are things I had not thought of but make perfect sense and is exactly the info I was looking for.

Thanks!

I have a 650D and found the frets AND nut to be rather tall, just got it back from a luthier and it's got a nice low action now. I know he trimmed the frets down a bit, but don't know if he did anything with the nut. He said he was going to 'adjust' it but he wasn't at the store when I picked it up so I couldn't ask him. Plays even better now though.

320capt wrote:I gather that once it gets into the unfinished wood it is hard to get out?

Not really ... I had a 650S that arrived somewhat dirty from use, and it cleaned up nicely using the RIC manual's procedure (Scotch-Brite pad and tung oil). One would want to diligently keep the fretboard clean to avoid permanent staining, of course.