High Performance Vibrato system

brian · Post by **brian** » Sat Feb 05, 2005 7:00 am

I am thinking of ordering a guitar with this option (possibly with the COY), I have not seen any guitars for sale in dealers or ebay with this option on, but there must be some around. Does anyone here have a guitar so equipped and would they care to give a review of it ?

longhouse · Post by **longhouse** » Sat Feb 05, 2005 8:14 am

I had a 650A Atlantis with the Hi Pro vibrato. Very smooth vib. assembly. It can be as subtle or extreme as you like. Being a Bigsby/Accent player, it took me while to get used to the modern (sweeping) range of that vibrato.

You can get a small view of it here:
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/33/33903/pages/199258/4Rics.jpg

If you'd like a detailed picture, email me.
The bridge has roller saddles, so the strings glide smoothly in and out of bends.

Noel

johnhall · Post by **johnhall** » Sat Feb 05, 2005 7:13 pm

An interesting tidbit about this vibrato- the bearings alone cost more than the entire rest of the assembly. That's why they are so smooth.

longhouse · Post by **longhouse** » Sat Feb 05, 2005 7:22 pm

I work with robots and automated equipment (to earn a crust) and promptly took note of the design of the bridge.

The vibrato's deep range coupled with the generous sustain provided by the 650 Ric's HB1s makes it very versatile in the studio. You can let notes ring out in long bends, bar after bar.

nOel

bill_yantz · Post by **bill_yantz** » Sun Feb 06, 2005 6:38 am

John, can this vibrato be installed on a 330, 360 or 381?

BTW, where can I see a picture of it?

Noel, I can't see the detail on your pic.

Nice guitars BTW.

squid · Post by **squid** » Sun Feb 06, 2005 6:28 pm

I don't think that the high performance vibrato can be installed on any of the models you've mentioned, Bill. From what I know of the high-performance vibrato, it's based on the "modern" bridge used on the 650 and 380L models. The vibrato options for "traditional" Rics are the Accent vibrato (which fits nicely and looks great) or an aftermarket Bigsby unit.

John, could a VH unit be installed on a 380L without compromising the guitar? A 380L VH would be a wonderful, versatile instrument.

johnhall · Post by **johnhall** » Mon Feb 07, 2005 7:41 am

It should fit on a 380L from a footprint standpoint but other structural modifications would be necessary. A much larger top "spar" would have to be added where the vibrato mounts and a spring access plate added on the back. It would probably be good practice to also install some support braces on the back surrounding such a cut-out.

brian · Post by **brian** » Mon Feb 07, 2005 7:53 am

Looks to me like there are only three models which have this option and only the 650C if you want colour. I think I'll order a guitar with the option, but I have to decide if it is worth the price difference between the 650C and 650D to get colour. For the COY this is an additional $400 list. The only other time I have paid a premium for a colour the instrument was damaged in shipping and I guess I'll have to decide if I want to play the odds that it won't happen again.
If I read the special order options correctly it seems the vintage case is only an option for left handed instruments. Does anyone know if the 650C fits tightly in the SKB case or does it "flop" around after the lid is closed ?

sir_andrew_of_left_coast · Mon Feb 07, 2005 9:56 am

Pics of the "Hi-Tek" Vibrato? Whatsamatter... don't y'all visit Peter's "Registration Page" no more?

Here's a shortcut (you lazybones!): http://www.rickresource.com/rrp/feature650D.html

billikenn · Post by **billikenn** » Mon Feb 07, 2005 10:19 am

http://www.rickbeat.com/modelslibrary/650svh/650svh.htm
so here is the next question, do the PZ saddles (380LPz) fit into the Vib?

Any chance the PZ bridge and preamp will ever become available as a replacement part?

JP

anybody gotta pic with the backplate removed, Im interested to see how much of the neck-thru was routed out...

sir_andrew_of_left_coast · Mon Feb 07, 2005 1:40 pm

Ha! I see my vibrato is on Bjorn's site too.

I don't have a pic with the backplate removed... but from memory, it's a rectangular-shaped cavity, symmetrical to the backplate, and oh, maybe a little less than an inch deep.

brian · Post by **brian** » Mon Feb 07, 2005 3:15 pm

Certainly looks like a nice unit. I see the bearings setup mentioned earlier. It does look impressive. Will definitely have to order a guitar with one installed.

bill_yantz · Post by **bill_yantz** » Mon Feb 07, 2005 7:44 pm

Very nice. Thanks for the response on that John. I can see the small (precision) rolling element bearing, cool! I can just imagine how smooth it is.

This vibrato in a 380 would be very nice.