| Visit Our Catalog at SteelGuitarShopper.com |

Post new topic Rickenbacher Bakelite/Stamped Comparison
Reply to topic
Author Topic:  Rickenbacher Bakelite/Stamped Comparison
Dan Schwartz


From:
Bloomington, MN
Post  Posted 1 Nov 2009 5:47 am    
Reply with quote

I am wondering if any of you can comment on the tone comparison between the bakelites and the stamped metal Rickenbachers.

I haven't had a chance to play a bakelite, but I have a '48 NS on a test drive from a local store (it beat out the Model G that was also there). I am loving the sound, but would love to A/B it with a bakelite. The next best thing would be to get some feedback from some of you. I know this is a pretty broad question to throw out as I am sure they all sound different, but any general thoughts would help.

Thanks.
Dan
_________________
TheNeighborhoodTrio.com
DanSchwartz.net
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
John Dahms

 

From:
Perkasie, Pennsylvania, USA
Post  Posted 1 Nov 2009 10:50 am    
Reply with quote

The pickup preserves a family resemblance, the shape and size are the same but they are different animals. I think bakelite is smoother and much heavier and stamped metal bodies have more aggressive sound and brighter.
Now all guitars vary and playing styles, touch and amplification make huge differences so what I think is most important is, does it do what you want?
When a quality instrument is involved there is no better, just better for your needs.
If you decide on bakelite as your choice I think an Ace or Academy bakelite Ric has more in common tone-wise than a model 59 or NS does with a Panda B6 style and can often be had for a good price.
_________________
Time flies like an eagle
Fruit flies like a banana.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Richard Shatz


From:
St. Louis
Post  Posted 1 Nov 2009 1:24 pm    
Reply with quote

i agree with John completely.
There are currently two Academy lap steels on Ebay ending today. Oddly enough they seem to fetch lower prices than the NS models lately.
View user's profile Send private message
Ray Montee


From:
Portland, Oregon (deceased)
Post  Posted 1 Nov 2009 8:37 pm     Bakelite or not..................
Reply with quote

If you try a Bakelite Rick........be sure to use an older/earlier amplifier, preferrably with an 8 inch Rola speaker. The circuits seem to be made for each other. Plugging in to a huge 500 watt 15 inch solid state unit will likely not provide the same early 1930's SOUND you're looking for.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website

All times are GMT - 8 Hours
Jump to:  
Please review our Forum Rules and Policies
Our Online Catalog
Strings, CDs, instruction, and steel guitar accessories
www.SteelGuitarShopper.com

The Steel Guitar Forum
148 S. Cloverdale Blvd.
Cloverdale, CA 95425 USA

Click Here to Send a Donation

Email SteelGuitarForum@gmail.com for technical support.


BIAB Styles
Ray Price Shuffles for Band-in-a-Box
by Jim Baron