Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Pending clearance from the g/f I got a problem... can't seem to make up my might... a '75 480 JG with "a fair bit of wear and tear" or a used 650C (haven't gotten feedback about the jackplate number yet)?

Currently the 480 goes for 650 GBP and the 650C for 700 EUR.



Cheers,

Werner

480.


I think the 650C is a better guitar, but they aren't making any more of the 480's, they are far rarer, and it's cheaper anyway....plus they are kinda cool guitars.

You're right on the 480 not being made anymore as a major reason to get it... plus it does look appealing in shape, too.
Biggest reason against it is how to get it home: I could pick up the 650C in Belgium whereas the 480 has to be shipped without hardcase.

Side note: the 480's slightly more expensive (762 EUR + p&p) but the price difference's not something that's influencing me that much right now.



Cheers,

Werner

I have both. The 480 has a smaller neck feel than the 650C. For me, the smaller neck fits me better. I seldom play the 650C because of the neck. Both sound great!

I would chose the well-worn 480.

+1 on the 480. Classic rare Rick with nice playability and balance and great solidbody, single-coil Rick sound.

Get the 480. Way cool.

+1 480 as well, but do keep in mind the zero radius (flat) fret board on the 480 has a different feel.

Yeah, the fretboards are very different. 480 = narrower and very flat, 650 = wider and rounded. If you're very picky about it that may be your deciding factor.

xcoyle wrote:+1 480 as well, but do keep in mind the zero radius (flat) fret board on the 480 has a different feel.

Not flat, but flattish. Say, 24" radius. Very nice rock 'n' roll crown radius.

Wildberry wrote:You're right on the 480 not being made anymore as a major reason to get it... plus it does look appealing in shape, too.
Biggest reason against it is how to get it home: I could pick up the 650C in Belgium whereas the 480 has to be shipped without hardcase.

Shipping is even better!

With fuel prices in Europe (and everywhere), you'd have to be really close to make it cheaper than shipping....and then you don't even have to leave home!

In any case, a 480 is a rare model that will only get rarer-----650c's are pretty much run of the mill. Cool guitars, but nothing to write home about.

Paul, thats outside my stew-mac sanding block set.

Well, as the seller of the 2005 midnight blue 360 with colour bleeding into the binding didn't want to give the jackplate number I never bid on that one (anyone been tracking that one on the 'Bay?) and the 650C's french-speaking seller didn't quite get my emails, I think that leaves one candidate...

You guys convinced me but will my "significant other" (most ugly word combo in English if you ask me) be convinced?

Cheers,

Does she play guitar? My own SigOt loves all my Ricks, and appreciates their differences, too.

Wildberry wrote:You guys convinced me but will my "significant other" (most ugly word combo in English if you ask me) be convinced?

I'm the seller of the 480.

I hope, however, I won't be responsible for breaking up love's young dream!