Rickenbacker 660

If you want that 60's chime, like the Byrds and The Beatles, there is nothing, at any price, that will compare. Harrision used a 360/12 with toasters, but that model comes with hi-gains, and the sound is just not there. Set it up right and it will never let you down. Recording or live play, it's 100% ready to go.

The Rickenbacker 660 has a solid body but chimes like a vintage hollowbody, 360/12 with toasters. Wider neck makes playing much easier. Flawless finish and craftmanship. Small and easy to handle once you get used to it. Comes with a 12 string sadle unlike the 360/12.

Basically used for the classic 60's sound. People who have played my 660/12 don't like the finish on the neck. A little high in price for a one sound guitar (well worth it if that's the sound that you want/need). I've also heard comments that it was very small. After getting used to it, you'll consider that an asset.

I bought a Rickenbacker 660-12 Maple in 2000 and I still have it. June 7, 2008.

Points of interest: It is very small and light in weight, somewhat head-heavy. Fingerboard is thin and frets are small. The finish and hardware have held up well under moderate use. Requires fussy DIY care to set up, once or twice a year. Perhaps impossible to ever get the 6th string perfectly intonated but you compensate by mis-tuning the 6th strings and you buy the McGuinn DVD to learn DIY care and feeding. It's worth it nothing else sounds like it. It's a pleasure to play if/when you've set it up well. Back pickup - It's a loud guitar, with prominent mids and highs; NOTE: wear earplugs if you play loud! Accentuate the Ric tonal character with a good compressor (See McGuinn). Front pickup can produce sweet and mellow sounds that are rarely heard. Plenty of tonal variety - if you want it