| Author | Message | ||
     Carl Neilson (Fenderslash) New member Username: Fenderslash Post Number: 1 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 211.29.226.33 |
Hi guys, For a long time I've been taken with the sound of Rics, as well as the looks of the solidbody models, and a few months ago I finally took the plunge and placed an order for a Midnight Blue 620. Unfortunately finding any new Rickenbacker stock in a shop here is practically impossible, so I had to risk placing the order with nothing but internet research to help me make my choice. Lately I've been reading reviews from people saying that the narrow spacing of the strings is hard to get used to, which is making me worry a little that I haven�t made the right choice in ordering the 620. I know that the neck width of the 660 is a little wider than the 620 so perhaps that�s the model I should have gone for instead. I realise that for every person on this forum who prefers the 620 there�d be another who prefers the 660. But I'm hoping some people here who have had plenty of experience with Fender Telecasters could guide me, because I've used Teles as my main gigging guitars for the last 16 or so years: which would be more comfortable for a long-time Tele player... the 620 or 660? Also I�ve read that over the years the neck size of Rics has changed, so I�m obviously only interested in people�s opinions of what is currently available brand new. Any guidance would be much appreciated, as due to the long delays when ordering one of these I may still have a chance to change my order. | ||
| David Chase Lopes (360dave660) Senior Member Username: 360dave660 Post Number: 117 Registered: 04-2002 Posted From: 194.119.123.25 |
I have had both the 660 and the 620 as well as a MIM fender '72 custom. I traded the 660 for a twelve string and last year got a 620. The 620 neck is fine to me and some what slightly wider than on a 360 thin-line. I really like it and the 660's neck was very wide in relation to all the guitars that I had at the time, including a tele and two gretsches - it was like a base ball bat sawed in half. The 660 is stunning and is a great guitar, but, so is the 620 stock. It is a '50s rossmeisel design and has a great sound and a superior value at its price point in the market. good luck | ||
| Anthony Carey (Tony_carey) Senior Member Username: Tony_carey Post Number: 462 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 81.157.124.49 |
Hi Carl, welcome to the forum. I don't think that you will have any trouble. I have used Tele's extensively in my career, but but have always used Rics & use Rics exclusively now & found no trouble in switching between the two. David says that the 620 neck is slightly wider than a 360, but according to Ric, this is not the case. The 620, 330, 360 necks are all the same width. I use the thinlines (330, 1997, 360v64 etc) & have owned a 620, which felt the same neck wise, but I much prefer the thinline size & sound. I have tried the wider necks of the 660 & 650's, but much prefer the standard Ric width. You'll be fine! | ||
| David Coyle (Xcoyle) Senior Member Username: Xcoyle Post Number: 116 Registered: 04-2004 Posted From: 69.211.10.113 |
The 620 is closer to a Tele spacing than a 660, so I think you will be happy with your choice. A lot of the posts talking about 660 spacing is referring to the 12 strings. Try to image 12 strings on your Tele. Ric does not widen the necks for the 12 string versions of their guitars. So the wider neck of the 660 appeals to a lot of people for a 12 string. | ||
| Bob Bachman (Bbobb24) Senior Member Username: Bbobb24 Post Number: 143 Registered: 05-2004 Posted From: 146.145.15.134 |
I personally love the feel and playability of the 660 6 string. Having all that room makes me play a little differently on that guitar. I flipped a coin between the 620 and 660 models and the 660 was the perfect choice for me. It's good to have choices isn't it? | ||
| scott henry (Meez) New member Username: Meez Post Number: 10 Registered: 03-2005 Posted From: 65.50.159.111 |
As an exclusive Tele player most of my life, I am in the exact same boat as Carl. I have just purchased a 620 jetglo, and am waiting for my girlfriends mom to drive it back to me. as Carl stated, since Rics, specifically the 600 series never come around my neck of the woods, I tried out a 360, found the neck fine, and went ahead and hoped the sound of the 620 was what i was looking for. I've heard that most Rics have better sustain than tele's because of the neck through body. is this the case? i own a mexican tele, and i love its playability, it just lacks some of the bright tones i am looking for when playing simple open chords. I truly hope the Ric sounds better, but through research I am sure it will. This is the first guitar I have ever purchased without playing first. As an anticipated Ric player (Monday of next week I get my hands on it), I hope that the 620 smokes it outta the water. (the tele) Carl, I will keep you posted on differences I notice between the 620 and the Tele. | ||
| Dan Bindbeutel (Danbind) New member Username: Danbind Post Number: 1 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 68.100.156.138 |
This is timely, as, like Scott, I just placed an order for a 620 sight unseen (a first, and against my SOP), and like Carl, I'm a lifelong narrow-neck Tele player. I saw the narrow neck as a GOOD thing (almost exactly the same as my '74 Tele). Now I just have to hope I get the thing (Fireglo lefty) before 2006. | ||
| Jeffrey Scott (Jps) Senior Member Username: Jps Post Number: 2766 Registered: 02-2003 Posted From: 68.76.122.201 |
Welcome to the family Dan! Rickenbackers are one of the very few instruments that can be purchased sight unseen as the quality is first rate! | ||
| David Coyle (Xcoyle) Senior Member Username: Xcoyle Post Number: 118 Registered: 04-2004 Posted From: 69.210.240.77 |
Guys, post some pics when you get your new guitars. | ||
| Howard Bishop (Ozover50) Senior Member Username: Ozover50 Post Number: 476 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 220.240.241.114 |
Good on ya, Dan and Carl!!  |
