Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Has anyone here any idea about the sound diferences between both guitars? Has the 480 the same 620 high gain mics?

Thanks in advance

I think you meant pickups. A lot depends on the pickups. I've seen 480s with regular high gains, toasters, or the wider pickups with 12 holes. The same pickups on both a 620 & 480 might produce a similar sound but the 620 also has the Ric-0-Sound stereo option.

As an owner of both, I'd say similar but not the same. They obviously have the Ric sound, but IMO the 620 seems a little darker, and it may just be the differences bewteen mine. Obviously there are a lot of factors, such as the year of production, electronics, pick ups, bolt on neck versus neck thru body, the whole body itself, etc., etc. Regardless, both are mighty fine instruments.

Ok...thanks to both for the answers.... May be the precise question I have is if the 620 pickups (from a new guitar) are identical to a 480 hi-gain pickups (from 1973)....

tks

Not identical - among other things, new Hi-Gains have adjustable pole pieces, unlike the 1973 version. But they should sound very similar.

A 1973 Rickenbacker will have "transitional" hi-gain pickups with small pole pieces and those are a completely different animal. After that, Rickenbacker switched to what they called "Super Hi-Gain" on later models of 480 guitars. (These are very hot, 11k-12k was normal) 480's in particular are also very bright guitars due in part to the bolt-on neck construction.

Our pal Dan-o has a '73 model 620 and I have a '73 model 480 and they both have the original old style Hi-Gains.

We will just have to A-B them at some future Mini Jam session, through the same amp, to give a definitive answer to the question, if there is any difference in the sound of a 620 vrs a 480.

I've often considered trading my 620 for a 480 if I found the right one (the guitar and the person who wants to do it of course).

IHeartRics wrote:I've often considered trading my 620 for a 480 if I found the right one (the guitar and the person who wants to do it of course).

Chip, I'm confused here.... don't you have a 480 ? Or are you looking for multiple 480's in your collection ?

8mileshigher wrote:

IHeartRics wrote:I've often considered trading my 620 for a 480 if I found the right one (the guitar and the person who wants to do it of course).

Chip, I'm confused here.... don't you have a 480 ? Or are you looking for multiple 480's in your collection ?

I do Rich. I like my 620 - it plays, sounds, and looks great. But I'm tall and it just feels small to me. The 480 is just my size, and you can never have too many! I'd also consider a 330 (Jetglo or Ruby ). The only thing holding me back with parting with the 620 and using the proceeds towards what I'd want is my daughter has been taking an interest in guitar and the 620 would be sweet for her if she continues.

IHeartRics wrote: The 480 is just my size, and you can never have too many!

I understand those sentiments completely !

IHeartRics wrote: The only thing holding me back with parting with the 620 and using the proceeds towards what I'd want is my daughter has been taking an interest in guitar and the 620 would be sweet for her if she continues.

That would probably be an excellant guitar if your daughter continues !