Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I think we may be a rare breed indeed.
I just bought a Ric 660/12 in turquoise. It is my understanding that this color was discontinued at the end of 2003. In the database info listed here on the registration page, 20 guitars and/or basses are shown for 1.14% of the total colors in the database.
On Mike Parks ric page, his timeline indicates that turquoise was available starting in 1991. So for 12 years this color was available, yet for the most part you don't see many instruments in this color. I know that it's not rare mind you, but it certainly not too common either.
I know that it's nowhere near as popular as FG, MG and JG, but for Ric to carry this as a standard color for 12 years, would indicate to me that it was ordered by dealers enough to justify it remaining in the line for so long a time. I would also guess that the request were much higher when it was first offered and last year the demand had reduced to the point that Ric chose to cancel the color.

What do you all think?

Skeeterbuck: Turquoise is a striking finish and one that has had its enthusiasts over the years. There are only so many colours RIC can juggle and I would not at all be surprised to see it return in the future. Congratulations on your 660/12.

Any time I need to be reminded that tastes in colors are ever changing all I need do is survey my wife's vast shoe collection. As I recall jewel tones such as turquoise, teal, ruby, etc. were quite popular in the 80s and early 90s. The more muted and earth tones so popular now were big in the late 70s; even the clothes my kids wear are vintage 70s designs.

To me turquoise is the solid color which best complements the orange tint of the neck; some of the others tend to clash in my opinion. It is kind of a 50s/80s look, though.

Please post a picture of your 660/12 when you get the chance.

Thanks Peter!
I would agree except to my knowledge, Ric has not introduced another new standard color to replace it.

Yea Lindsay:
It reminds me of the 50's Rics in the cloverland green which is similar. JG and MG also look to me to complement the fretboard, to a somewhat lesser extent. This color also looks great with either the white or gold TRC and pickguard.
Your 4003 looks wild!

I, too have a 660/12 TUR. Quite striking with the gold pg and trc. I was disappointed to learn it was discontinued. I don't think, on a guitar at least, it looks dated or to be of any era in particular. I've seen a 4003TUR with the gold/gold thing and that's just as awesome.

I've never seen a TUR in the flesh. . .I have a sneaking suspicion it's an intrinsically difficult finish to capture on a computer screen. I wonder if, since so much gear research is online these days, that the "pixel" factor has something to do with the popularity of different finishes?

Skeeterbuck:
I had a sports car not long ago in Turquoise green, and it was an acquired taste. But I grew to love the color. We were a small group with only 8 registered out of 8-10K. It was more like the Blue Baby color with more of a green than blue hue. Amazing how many males could not get past the stereotyped connotation of a pastel turquoise car. It was a very appropriate fun color for a sports car, and the Rick turq seems to work well on a guitar, too.

I've also come to like the gold pickguard/TRC combination. I have replaced my white pickguard with a pearloid one to kind of soften the white blob effect:

My reference to the '50s was not a reflection on the guitar so much as the way the colors, pearloid, and chrome appear to my fevered imagination to be salvaged from a collision between a '57 Chevy and a diner. I really do think it's beautiful and look forward to it's eventual return.

My 4003FL TUR:



My 360 TUR:'




This looks interesting in the sun:



Note how the angle of the finish with respect to the sun makes for a variation in the appearance. Here is a close-up of the back of the neck in the sun: