Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Does anyone know if there's any significant difference in sustain from a 620 compared to a 650? I'm mainly curious about the effect the different bridges might have--I'm thinking about switching to a 650...

Both the 620 and 650 models are thru-neck construction, both have similar side panels glued on the neck. The 650's weigh a little bit more (.25 lbs.) because they have a wider neck. Maybe the density of the slightly bigger neck will do something for the sustain ? Different pick-ups on the two models (High Gains vrs. HBs.)

Personally, I think the output on the pickups will have a lot more to do with the sustain factor then the wood on the guitar .... as all my Rics have variations (solid body vrs semi hollow, old vrs new, set necks vrs thru-necks, 650 and 660 size necks compared to 300 series necks, High Gains and Toasters and Humbuckers, etc. ) but they can sound really different from each other when you plug them into the same amp settings. And having taken the Ohm-meter to several Ric pickups over the last week, the pickup output readings are all over the map. And some pickups are more overdriven with sustain and some are more chirpy, like Toasters, for example.

Somebody who has both models 620 and 650 will have to A-B 'em, on the same amp settings, to verify on the sustain issue for you.

Somebody who has both models 620 and 650 will have to A-B 'em, on the same amp settings, to verify on the sustain issue for you.

I've got this Rick neurosis going on right now in which I can't stop thinking I need a 650, but since I can't find one in Oregon, I've got to just imagine the difference between it and my 620.

I also just bought HBs for the 620, but I'm not sure if I should install 'em if there's some way to get ahold of a 650.

I have a 620 (for sale) and a 650C. I don't notice any difference in the amount of sustain, but the neck on the 650 is much wider than the 620.

thedanielwilliams wrote: I've got this Rick neurosis going on right now in which I can't stop thinking I need a 650, but since I can't find one in Oregon ....

Dan --- we fully understand (and are sympathetic) to the Ric Acquisition Syndrone and your "need" !!! It seems that 650 models come up fairly frequently for sale. Between the 650 C and the D models, they pop up every month or so.... on the Forum, Craigs List, e-Bay, etc. I would not depair because you can't locate one right this week in Oregon, as several folks on the Forum will keep their eye out and will help you locate one.... somewhere, if you post that you are in the hunt.

There was a thread posted not too long back, where somebody did the homework of tracking the various prices obtained (with used guitar sales) on the various 650 models -- so that will give you a good feel for the used 650 market/prices.viewtopic.php?f=17&t=391711&start=15&hilit=650+prices


As for the sustain issue, E R I K has clarified that for you, with him having both models.

Not too sure about a 620, but the 650--well, to coin a phrase, "You could go out for a bite and you'd still be hearing that one."

I thought the sustain on my former 650C with an ABM bridge and high gain pickups had a bit more sustain than my '87 610 with high gains. Not alot but a little. I attribute that to the bridge since construction is similar. Keep in mind the '87 high gains differ from the later ones.

blueflamerick wrote:I don't notice any difference in the amount of sustain, but the neck on the 650 is much wider than the 620.

Interesting... I've always liked the narrow neck on my 620--it's one of my favorite features, in fact. Perhaps an HB install is the way to go.

Thanks for all the insightful comments, everyone!

Dan, this one hasn't been marked as sold yet : maybe....

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=394077

xpitt wrote:Dan, this one hasn't been marked as sold yet : maybe....

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=394077

I'm not authorized to view it yet. I need to make 100 posts first. Is it a D or a C? How much does the seller want?

thedanielwilliams wrote: I'm not authorized to view it yet. I need to make 100 posts first. Is it a D or a C? How much does the seller want?

Dan -- you only need to chalk up 30 posts, under the revised rule, to enter the marketplace forum. So you are almost there. The 100 posts was an earlier version of the Rule, which was later modified.

It is a C.

Dan, the seller is Glenn Wall aka "studiotwosession" , you could send him a PM and find out all about it.

xpitt wrote:Dan, the seller is Glenn Wall aka "studiotwosession" , you could send him a PM and find out all about it.

Thanks for the heads up--I might have to grab it!

thedanielwilliams wrote:

xpitt wrote:Dan, the seller is Glenn Wall aka "studiotwosession" , you could send him a PM and find out all about it.

Thanks for the heads up--I might have to grab it!

I have to say that the referenced Blue 650 C, with the Chrome hardware and Maple fretboard really looks good with that Blue finish. Very striking and vivid. I saw one like that at the NAMM show and thought it looked cool. And, I am saying that from the reference point of owning a 650 Atlantis and previously having a JetGlo 650 Colorado.