Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

As it is, I play a 620 with single coils, but I'm beginning to get fed up with the hiss I encounter at the crummy venues (numerous flourescent lights, few power connections) where I play--the high-gain pedals (Double Muff, BSIAB2) I like don't help, either. So I'm thinking about either trading the guitar for a 650 or switching to Rick humbuckers. I've got reservations, though: I'd hate to lose the awesome binding and skinny neck I'm used to with the 620, but I'd like to gain the additional three frets and potentially greater sustain of the 650.

So here're my questions for ya'll: Has anyone here put HBs in their 620? How'd it sound? Does anyone here use a 620 AND a 650? Does the 650 sustain noticeably longer than the 620?

I had a 650C that I ended up puting high gains in. I would put a set of HB's in your 620 and try them before dumping the guitar to only find you prefer the 620. The 650 is a different beast with a wider neck and jumbo frets plus 24 frets vs. 21 of the 620.
Oh, and welcome to the forum.

Welcome to the Forum, Dan.

Decisions .... decisions....
The RAS influenced choice is maybe get a 650 in addition to the 620, play it at the same locations, flourescent lights, same amp and setup, etc. to pre-empt you making a wrong choice with surgically adapting your favorite Ric.

There is quite a different feel from the 620 to the 650 models for the reasons cited ....

By the way, there was a thread not-too-long ago, where somebody had done a useful comparison of used guitar prices on various 650 models, that he compiled over the last year or so, to give you some idea ....

You could sell me the 620 for say, $750 & put it towards a humbucker guitar !
I know...just what you needed...a smart @$s new guy!

Tony

I agree with Ken, do a HB pick-up swap-out on the 620 ... it will be cheaper than selling/buying instruments, and it's a reversible mod as well if it doesn't work out.

Just an observation: I don't know of anyone who was unhappy with the sound after they replaced their hi-gains with rick humbuckers. None of my hi-gains are troublesome, but I'm tempted to try the switch myself just to see what the guys are raving about.