Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hey there!

I am trying my hardest to sell a Les Paul to get one of these and just have a question......

Anybody out there play anything like hard rock on these? What do they sound like?

Just curious.....

Jeff

They're like nothing else around. They sound like Lennon's work on their first album, for example, kind of plunky and not real big on sustain. I'd advise you to play one (yeah, i know that can be difficult) before you commit. The short scale is not everyone's cup of tea.

Thanks for the reply.....

I had a V59 in the early 90's but got rid of it quickly as it wouldn't tune at all.....the short scale didn't bother me at all.....I had no idea about using heavy gauge strings on it! I put from what I remember I think I put 9's on it so it was pretty useless!!!!! Lucky for me the shop took it back and that was the end of that. But I have always wanted one and since the internet has come I have learned soooo much more about this model. Now I have to sell my Les Paul to get back in the game......o wanna buy it? LOL

I use 12s on my v59, with a bowtie bridge, and it tunes and intones perfectly. I think the v59 is a better choice if you plan to play contemporary music on it. Pickups are hotter and sustain is better. But don't let that discourage you if your heart is set ...

It ain't a metal/rock hard geetar, but it can make some noise!

No my heart isn't set on a 58 really......just a 320/325 works for me.....JG or MG....Bigsby works too!!!! There has to be someone out there that is dying to trade for a sweet Custom Shop Les Paul.......hint hint!

320s from the 1980s can be had for much less than the C and V series models, and they are seriously sweet players with hi-gain pickups of the era, perfectly great hard rockers.. Keep your eye on ebay. You can add your own Bigsby, of course. Good luck; it will be worth the wait.

They won't stay in tune with slinky strings. 11's at a minimum. I use 13 flats for a really thick sound. Not for everybody. If you're a shredder, stick with the Les Paul, although a Rick 230 is a competitive instrument you might want to try.

Yea I love to shread too but have mellowed over the years....LOL besides I still have my souped up beat up Strat for that! Loved the Les Paul to death but it wasn't everything to me.......this is my 54th or 55th guitar and I keep coming back to Rickenbackers......so that must tell you something!

I have 11's on it now but may move up one to keep the tuning in check.....also have a Bowtie coming too.....

Never thought of the bowtie as an upgrade. It'll be curious to hear how yours works out!

A bowtie is pretty primitive compared to the factory issue bridge in my opinion.

treewalker wrote:A bowtie is pretty primitive compared to the factory issue bridge in my opinion.

I wouldn't call it primitive, but rather just simple. Like an acoustic guitar bridge is simple, with nothing to rattle or go out of adjustment, and that's a good thing in my book. It provides solid, direct transmission of vibrations to the top. The only reason not to use one is if the intonation is a problem with your chosen set of strings, as there's no easy adjustment. I get perfect intonation from mine on my V59 and .012 gauge strings.

I'm on a lunchbreak on my cell, so I can't look for it and link you but if you search, you'll find examples of the tune-o-matic bowties I've made.... A great alternative to a stock bowtie while still retaining the look.