Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi, Geoff from Australia. I am the proud owner of a 330 12 string and a 610 6 string.
My question to any one that can help is which string gauge is best for my 610? I am using 10-46 nickel strings but they feel "floppy". Is it best to use nickel or steel?

Geoff: Welcome to The Rickenbacker Forum. My preference for strings would be the 10s that you are using. There is certainly no problem using 11s if you wish, however, as you increase the tension you may require an adjustment of the truss-rods.

The type of strings you use really depends on your playing style and the sound that you hope to achieve. I would not hesistate to try a number of different flat wound and round wounds sets of different makes over the next while until you are happy with the sound.

I would be interested in hearing the results of this sort of experimentation.

Hi Geoff, welcome to the forum. Might I suggest that you try Rickenbackers own compressed round wound 10-42s. I have now moved over to using these on all my gtrs & there is no doubt about it, they certainly go a long way to helping produce that classic Ric sound.

Hi Geoff - welcome from another Aussie.

It's great to have a growing 'Down Under' presence on the forum. Seeing as how I got my 330/6 only last week, I'm not really in a position to offer much advice. However, I'm using the Rick-supplied 10-42 compressed and they are just fine.

I've asked around and a number of people seem to like Pyramid flat-wounds. I was never a great fan of 'flatties' (mind you, that was back in the 60s!) but I think I'll give them a try in the near future.

Did you purchase the guitars new or S/H?

You'll see the words 'proud' and 'Rickenbacker' used in the same sentence quite a bit around here!

Welcome again, Geoff.

Cheers

Thanks, I will try 11's and experament with other strings.
I am trying to get the early Beatles sound (John Lennon rythem). I am using a 1971 Fender Twin Revurb, and a Laney 15 watt class A I just bought. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I am so glad to talk to people who have the same appreciation for such fine guitars.

Welcome Geoff. If you want to ditch the Fender Twin, (since you now own the Laney), I am currently in the market for one. I've been searching ebay.com.au and tradingpost.com.au for a little while, but haven't jumped on the right one yet (looking for clean, original and most importantly, not too pricey, as I don't mind waiting for the right bargain to appear, rather than spending big in a haste). My email address is in my profile...

Hi again, Geoff.

The Laney is a sweet amp. I've got to get me a new amp also (currently using a Roland Cube 60) and I'm having a real good look at valves - geez they're expensive!!

If I'd kept my Goldentone 40 and Eminar 60 (bass) that I had in the 60's I'd be swimming!! Wish I had kept the Framus bass also!!

If the EL34s and 6AU6s in those had blown, who cares - you can still get 'em!

It this stage a Marshall AVT150 half stack sounds about right because it would suit both me and my heavy metal son (and the price is right at the momemt) but I'm thinking about either a Marshall JCM2000 or a Laney LC50-II (both because they're tube amps - can't beat those ol' EL34S!).

You've got the right guitar/amp JL combination - sort out those strings and you'll be set!

Mark:

Onionbails?? I get the bails bit but onion??
I'm ****** off - I've got my first Rick at 53 and you've got five (including a bass) at 28??

Pass me the razor blades - I may just have to do away with myself!

Like your taste in music - the Searchers are in town next week!

Cheers to both of you

Howard: Please be sure to snap a few photos of The Searchers and pass them on if you are able.

Howard: I don't own a car, rarely go out for dinner, have no money in the bank, live in a rented, falling down house and wear op shop clothing... but I do own 4 Rickenbackers + some other non-mentionables(Maton acoustic, Fender Tele)...
When my friends were spending their money at the pub, I was either still at work, or being their driver for the night in order to save money.

Peter: Not a problem - I'll take a six pack of batteries to be sure, to be sure. I'm sorta hoping the guys will let me have a piccy or two taken of them and me but I don't know whether that will be possible - depends whether there will be any heavy security there - I doubt it. Maybe if I turn up with the new 330.....!

I'll post some and email all to you.

Mark: I am very impressed with your determination and drive. Unfortunately I own a car, have a rather large mortgage, pay plenty of alimony, am required to wear suits, etc. in my employment, go to the pub and had to hit the bank for a loan for the new 330FG.

However, all of the above will not stop me from adding to my Rick stable.

There's nothing wrong with your reference to the 'unmentionables' in this forum. There are probably thousands of Ric lovers out there who have other shirts in their closet and wear them regularly - I do! I've mentioned Maton in posts here and there was some interesting feedback ('cool retro', 'wallaby guitar', etc.). As well as the Ric I've got a Strat, Brian Moore and Yamaha and I'm pleased that I have them but now the 330 is my first love (apart from my beautiful lady!).

More power to you, Mark!!

Cheers

Howard: There's a Goldentone 40 on eBay Australia right now. It's in Melbourne(where I am), but I think $850 starting bid is a little high.

Hmmmm.... Yikes!!

I won't be bidding but I'll have a look!

Thanks for the info, Mark.

Cheers

Mark,
Sorry but the fender is a 1971 all tube, they don't make them like that any more. The only way I would part with it is to get a Vox AC30.
I got the Laney 15watt amp because of the class A sound, there is nothing better than a Rickenbacker plugged in to a class A. The fender is great for the Casino revolution I have got.

Thanks Peter. I am playing the 610 with Gibson bright wires, 10-46, at the moment and they seem really good.