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Topic: What to look for in a Rickenbacher B6? |
Andrew Roblin
From:
Various places
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Posted 14 May 2009 2:53 am |
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Hi--
I have a Rickenbacher B6, string-through, replaced tuners, believed to be pre-war, coming on approval.
I know a little about Rickenbacher steels--I play a post-war aluminum-bakelite double-neck and a mid-50s 208 console--but I've never played a B6.
Any advice about what to look for or avoid? FWIW, this particular B6 has some rust on the horseshoes and cover plates.
Thanks.
Andrew |
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Ray Montee
From:
Portland, Oregon (deceased)
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Posted 14 May 2009 7:22 am A fair question, indeed.............
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Andrew.......don't let the rust or corrosion on the ARM REST above the pickup bother you too much. If it's really, really bad however, you should be alert that it perhaps was in a terrible flood or whatever. That could spell trouble.
I've found that there is a honey spot on my Ricks somewhere in the neighborhood of the 15th-17th fret.
Depending on the size of your hands, this could vary.
Find that spot thro' experimentation and then don't let go of it. This will give you a great sound. I use special strings as I've found stock sets just don't cut it on this exceptional instrument.
I've found I get the best sound when played thro' an 8-10 inch Rola speaker, like Oahu, Harmony or Epiphone of the 1940's vintage. THe pickup on the guitars seem to be more in working with those older amps.
With the great BIG 15 inch, solid state, hi-horsepower amps of today, I find the guitar loses much of its inherent luster.
Just my tho'ts on the subject. Good luck to you!
I think you'll find you made a fabulous purchase.
ENJOY! |
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JOZEF SMITH
From:
WESTMINSTER - CA - USA
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Posted 14 May 2009 1:09 pm
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| I have been playing my B-6 Rick 1.25 pick-up since 1965 and IMHO the best sound was, playing through a pre CBS super reverb amp. But no matter what amp you use, the B-6 laps have a great sound. I have other made lap steels but they can't come close the B-6 Rick. Again it may sound good to me but not to somebody else. Enjoy your Rick. |
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JOZEF SMITH
From:
WESTMINSTER - CA - USA
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Posted 14 May 2009 1:13 pm
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| [quote="JOZEF SMITH"]I have been playing my B-6 Rick 1.25 pick-up since 1965 and IMHO the best sound was, playing through a pre CBS super reverb amp. But no matter what amp you use, the B-6 laps have a great sound. I have other made lap steels but they can't come close to the B-6 Rick. Again it may sound good to me but not to somebody else. Enjoy your Rick. |
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Bill Creller
From:
Saginaw, Michigan, USA (deceased)
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Posted 14 May 2009 7:30 pm
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| Bakelites really have a sound of their own, and hard to duplicate. |
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Eddie Cunningham
From:
Massachusetts, USA
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Posted 15 May 2009 8:24 am Good Steels = Good luck !!!
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| Hi Andrew !! Those are are very nice steels !! Enjoy them !!! TTYL !! Eddie "C" |
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