Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I was wondering two things I hope you folks can help me with.

1.) Have all the early 90's 650E or F models aged so that the vermillion is now a dark walnut color instead of the reddish color it was when new?

2.) Anyone know why Ric discontinued this model?

I just picked up a 1993 model year and it is REALLY sweet. The neck has yellowed beautifully, but under the pickguard, the wood is VERY red - as compared to the body and headstock wings which haved aged to the dark walnut color I described above.

I know I've read before about what causes 'ageing' and 'yellowing' in certain finishes (nitro?)...but I'm blanking on it now.

Anyway, the 650E (I'm guessing, since it's a 1993) is way cool.

Rich, mine is a Feb., '93 model. The finish on mine has done the exact same thing. I don;t know why it was discontinued, maybe JH figured that RIC had plenty of options in the 650 line.

Thanks John..for answering! Upon looking at mine even closer now that I've had it a few days, the front has aged, darkened, and actually 'faded' more than the back. Back still has 'some' limited redness to it. Interesting. Still, a beautiful guitar by any measure.

Wonder if JH would please be so kind as to shed some light on the decision to discontinue this particular 650?

Anyone else with this color change on there 650E/F?

In a word- demand. Or more specifically, lack thereof.

Thanks JH for responding. I had a feeling it may have been that. Shame, really. This guitar is really beautiful.

This is my first experience with the 650 series (I currently own a 360/6, 360/12, 350V63, 660/12, and a 4001 and now this 650E) and I'm with the crowd who believes the 650 series HAS to be Ric's best kept secret!

What a great playing and sounding instrument. It's a Ric that can do many of the things those other 'lead' guitars can, and more in some areas. And it's so comfortable! Really...a great guitar!

Any other comments you might be able to make on the color change? Especailly what looks to be more fading and a washed out look as it turned from the reddishness to the more walnutty color (and again, only on the front). Thanks in advance JH.

The Vermilion does change with exposure to U.V. rays from the sun and flourescent lighting. It obviously has to be some chemical action within the wood but don't look at me to explain it!

It does have something to do with oxidation of the lignin in the wood, that much I know.

Thanks JH...

Makes sense, too. Especially since this 650E (E6 7586) has changed color more on the top and front of the headstock, and then less as you move down the body. Dramatic difference in the headstock as compared to the bottom edge of the guitar. The back, while also changed, isn't quite as dramatic.

Almost makes me think this unit may have hung in a store - right under a flourescent light - for quite sometime during the last 11 years. I'm wondering what a 1993 model year would look like today had it been kept in the case most of the time ?

However, I say again...the color change is not unattractive. Exactly the opposite, in fact. It's really quite a stunning piece.

JH, that's pretty sad, isn't it? These are fabulous guitars. Great looking wood, great necks, nice as hell vibrato, great sound. And a real freakin' bargain compared to others of their level of build and features. I'd like to add a 650 Dakota to the stable soon.