Why RICKENBACKERS aren't more popular... | Friday Fretworks

[@theoblow]

That intro solo was incredible.

[@유도마-v2r]

Yap. And the rest of them, too. A fantastic guitar player.

[@NYNick49]

You're a great player! Rock on, sir!

[@ulaso3989]

it was mad dude, so good

[@splush-beats]

Felt that

[@PaulWW36]

Is it an octaver he uses for the end of the solo ?

[@johnny_kc]

Visited the Rickenbacker corporate offices in Southern California on a whim several years ago because I was in the neighborhood and it was like stepping back into time. It's in a nondescript industrial office park, complete with lots of concrete, warehouses, asphalt and palm trees. The only way you could tell it was Rickenbacker was by the logo graphic on the glass next to the front door. Everything looked like it was out of the early 70s. Shag carpet. A couple of couches. Dark wood paneling and framed Beatles newspaper articles on the walls. Smelled of smoke and wood and was honestly just what I thought it would be. There was a sweet older lady behind the front desk who acted a bit surprised and uncomfortable that I was there unannounced/uninvtied. I told her I didn't want anything. I wasn't selling anything. I just wanted to thank them for making such fantastic guitars. She relaxed a bit and called a guy from the back to talk to me. We chatted a little about guitars. Kansas City (where I'm from). The company. The Beatles. Tom Petty etc... It was a very brief, yet pleasant, conversation. After that I thanked them again. Shook his hand and left. For me it was like stepping into church. A holy place for the history of rock -n- roll. I loved it. Let me know if anyone wants to see some photos and I'll pass them along.

[@chrisraatz6672]

most people would love to see behind the scenes. Maybe Chris can do a follow up sometime down the track with your photos in it?

[@DMSProduktions]

And you DIDN'T ask or were offered a factory TOUR? Shame on them!

[@johnny_kc]

​@@DMSProduktions No. I don't know why it didn't cross my mind. I was, honestly, just happy to be standing in the Rickenbacker office. :)

[@DMSProduktions]

@@johnny_kc Oh ok, fair enough then! I WOULD have asked for a tour! (Esp if I had come 1/2 way around the world & ended up there by chance!)

[@armoredsweatpants3997]

I’m sure it was an awesome experience,..they give a tour of their factory in a KZbin vid (not hard to find) very cool, I recommend all Rick fans (like me) to check it out, good luck and God bless.

[@alanshewitt]

Worth mentioning, they have never outsourced their production during their entire existence. Made today, as ever, in California. And a new Rickenbacker is every bit as good as a vintage one.

[@brianbogle5050]

Yes, all true.

[@patrickcannady2066]

True, and that is a strength and very much part of their appeal

[@justintrowbridge9587]

I love my 620! It took me 20+ years to get one and it was worth the wait. It's my favorite guitar! I would say it's just as versatile as a Les Paul.

[@vayabroder729]

Absolutely right, Martin is another manufacturer that has never had a dip in quality as Gibson and Fender have.

[@jonathangrayston7872]

They actually got better and better, although the current “hi gain” pickups aren’t as hot as the toasters in my 1990 360, which is apparently the best era. I got lucky on this one.

[@victorkoropeckyj2771]

Why rickenbackers aren’t more popular: the price.

[@khankrum1]

Got it in one!

[@Mr.CliffysWorld]

And there is very limited versatility. Bridge or neck PU or both . Tone knob topped out or bottomed out . It doesn't matter . You sound like a Rickenbacker .

[@rossgill7462]

@@Mr.CliffysWorld But isn't sounding like a Rickenbacker the point?

[@khankrum1]

@@rossgill7462 I checked one out in 1969. Did not like it. But more to the point I could buy a Fender, and posibly a Gibson uor the same money if I shopped around.

[@epsteenwusmerdered9878]

The tiny neck could have something to do with it as well.

[@wheatonna]

Rickenbackers can do more than jangly chords and arpeggios: your opening solo is all the proof that anyone needs. Wow!

[@erpaderpa4469]

Could also be played on any other guitar and probably would sound better. What you’re experiencing is hideous child syndrome

[@wheatonna]

@@erpaderpa4469 De gustibus non est disputandum.

[@johnbatinovic6593]

Great for reggae and The Police type sound aswell, especially with a delay pedal. But I don't like the 5 knob set up. It's confusing.

[@Jeffcatbuckeye]

@@johnbatinovic6593nothing really confusing about it. People’s conjecture about it is what makes it confusing. It’s more or less just a 2nd volume control for the neck. When both pickups are being used, it’s useful to blend how much neck you want mixed in with the bridge pickup, as simply just turning down the neck volume knob can create tone loss(like most guitars). It’s also nice for panning sound on models that have Rick-o-sound as one pickup is going to one amp, and the other pickup is going to the other amp. The one thing I do not like about the 5th knob is that it’s wired backwards for whatever reason, where you add more neck by rotating counterclockwise, which I find to be counterintuitive, but whatever I guess.

[@snekmeseht]

Topic doesn't really matter. The sweet sweet playing alone always makes the videos worth watching.

[@bobbiemiles-foremaniii8747]

Seriously nobody plays like this guy. Crazy one of the best guitarists of our age is a KZbin guy lol

[@MegaKolak]

👍

[@kingofalldabblers]

Fucking a

[@adamlemmon]

Couldn't agree more... First jam in this vid is 🔥... Great stuff Chris!!! Thanks for all the sharing --- love your videos

[@SJ-yk1pe]

True that

[@chrisharris8778]

Chris Buck is really good at this. I get the impression from watching his eyes during the narration that he's not reading from a prompter or cue cards but actually has retained the information from his research. If this is the case he is an extraordinary talent not only as a musician but as a historian and presenter.

[@LennyJohnson5]

I agree; multi-media savvy... he was saying in a Friday Fretworks recently that he writes, plays, presents, films, edits etc.

[@philf4086]

One of the multiple reasons to love Friday is the new Chris Buck video!

[@rosannebarneveld1520]

Like a quality player, KNOWS his stuff rather than just narrating/playing written text/music. Maybe Rics have been pigeon holed by the unique sounds that many of their most notable players make famous. THAT hard days night chord, the jangle of the byrds and early REM, the Searchers and Gerry Marsden twang, The Jam's early frenetic stabbing chord sounds. Marr's beautiful arpeggiations (is that a word...)... I wax lyrical... as Chris demonstrated Rics are not limited to the above genres. Maybe the instantly recognisable visual style makes people think - "oh a Ric- jangle jangle twang kerchang" OK you won't get "a '59 burst tone" from one - but what guitar REALLY does? Build quality and finish on their Standard models exceed Gibson and Fender $ for $ IMO Having had experience of Les Paul standard (though not Bonkers custom jobs) SG standard (admitted a bit cheaper) and custom shop tele and strats. I wonder in terms of manufacturing hours to produce a finished instrument which see the most attention?

[@craiger2399]

I agree. Chris is awesome because he lives this stuff, right now, and proves it on the fret board.

[@Skybluetoo]

Ou est mon poisson?

[@PaxAmor1]

I've never heard/seen a Rickenbacker played like that. Sounds amazing. Didn't realize you could work it to play leads like that.

[@stillbill6408]

Check out "Unknown Henson" playing a Jetglo Rickenbacker 620 solid body (with neck- through construction and hi-gain pickups) through Vox amps on you tube ("Voo Doo Child" (Sept. 1, 2000) and "Little Wing" (Nov. 23 2010)). The Little Wing Video is especially informative as it displays Henson's using the bridge pickup only, both pickups as well as (in the last solo of the song) the neck pickup only. He is also seen using the "mysterious 5th knob". This video exemplifies the incredible versatility /sonic capabilities of this instrument. Its has its own unique voice which I find distinctive and articulate.

[@rmaxtpmx]

I think any real musician will agree that the only real limits on what a guitar can play is the at of hands it's in. While different pickups will pick up frequencies in different ways, the same is true of different ways to fret and attack a string.

[@bigvrocks2480]

Same here David!

[@alflemon2783]

What do you mean? It's a guitar, it has 6 strings, every guitar can fill the leading role if you play it that way.

[@claudeclaudius7971]

@@alflemon2783 😂 😂 brilliant. But hey guys! but really! I've never heard / seen a piece of wood with strings on it make a noise! An actual piece of wood! I didn't realise you could work it like that! Whodve thought it! A piece of WOOD with some METAL STRINGS on it, MAKING A NOISE!! My god, I can't believe it!!

[@tarheel4214]

I have NEVER heard a Rickenbacker sound so incredible! Beefy, powerful and soulful - I always thought they were more "tinny" and "jangle-ey." Did not realize they were used by so many players. Opened my eyes and mind to the incredible depth and utility of a Rickenbacker - Thank You!

[@bobhickman4976]

I owned a Rickenbacker and wished I still owned it. There was no tinny sound in it. It was not as loud as a Gibson, but the clarity and the tone were just perfect. Not like a Fender or a Gibson.

[@Undercoverbrotherfromanother]

Then go listen to the Church. MWP.

[@drcphealy]

I've had a 360 for over 30 years now and thought that I'd outgrown it somewhat, until I started to do some jazz accompaniments recently. I found that I was able to use that blend knob to create some very subtle mellow tones (and in stereo) and it's a breeze to play. They're actually the opposite of a one trick pony - they're very flexible guitars.

[@HavokBringerof]

People have always told me the same about my 4001. That it's a 'rock' bass. I can actually get so many subtle tones and articulation out of it. Truly a well made instrument.

[@scottreynolds6317]

One of my best memories is seeing Peter Buck play So. Central Rain on his Rick back in '84 with REM.

[@harveycan5820]

Saw them live Oct 83 at Beverly Hills Theater, front row. Just amazing. We were soul-infused by Murmur, and Buck was air-bound most of the time. 7 or 8 months later, in NYC, in a much larger Beacon Theater, it was the Reckoning or other record that just came out - - and not so good. Stipe was in a chair, having busted his leg in a fall from the stage. Meh. I thought they only had one other really great album, Life's Rich Pageant, and many so so or weak albums. But always appreciated Buck using a Ric!

[@tedster405]

That little "fifth knob" on the Rickenbacker is a pan pot...in the middle switch position you can blend the neck and bridge pickup to get the perfect sound

[@chancemiller9340]

I found it strange that he didn't spend the 3 to 5 minutes that it takes to look that up. Thanks for typing out the explanation for other viewer to see.

[@tedster405]

@@chancemiller9340 fender also used that concept on one of their pawn shop prize series guitars

[@cowsongs]

Always found it very handy on mine. As you say, in the middle switch position... I can add a little "meat" or "warmth" from the neck pickup, without adding so much that it overpowers the jangle and sparkle of the bridge pickup.

[@jnugent649]

I had a Rose-Morris version of the 330 in 1972 and the explanation of that pan control was given to me by the seller. It was WELL-KNOWN at the time, though perhaps not in 1964 when George Harrison first got his.

[@BilisNegra]

Love how Chris makes the Rick NOT sound like a one-trick pony in the jams without making any mention of it in words.

[@johnmaritato3587]

If you subscribe to cliche's they are a one trick pony - rhythm, jangle, etc. - but I overdrive the hell out of them and they sound like an exotic, badass Les Paul.

[@harrissocal]

I agree. Had one in the 70's and they are versatile. My only beef was they are a tad heavy.

[@jackstraw522]

I mostly play blues on mine and it’s killer

[@barneyblackburn7829]

And the look of them is beyond beautiful! I love my Fire Glo 330!!

[@stevebillups9238]

I used to play a 360 exclusively back in my band days and recently acquired a 330. What I find so great is when you throw even heavy gain at them, the pickups maintain their clarity and you can hear each individual string ring out in chords. I had forgotten why I loved them so much. For recording, I will probably be using it on every song now even if in the background because of that clarity. They really do have their own sound that I've never been able to reproduce with p90s or filtertrons. As a company they seem to have zero interest in growing their market share. If they just put out new colors every year like they did for a while in the early 2000s it would be a huge improvement.

[@AnMuiren]

Thank you. I'm 64 and always was considered odd for loving the tone and character of these guitars. Your a great storyteller.

[@tomeasley3538]

If I had closed my eyes when hearing that opening riff and asked to name the guitar being played... A Ric wouldn't have even been on the list, bravo on your ability to get unique tones from unusual sources

[@RSimusic]

It’s because the people who keep demoing ricks, keep jangling them, when really all ricks really do sound as fat and can be a shreddy as anything!

[@whiggy]

No matter which guitar Chris picks up they all sound unmistakably like... well... Chris himself. It is the signature trait of every great guitar player which Chris truly is. In his guitar tone I hear the same smoothness and breathiness that can be heard in his own voice. And his phrasing is as eloquent as his narratives. I've never heard anyone sound quite like Chris, both when he speaks and when he plays. Pure gold :-)

[@DanEdelen]

Came because of my love for Rickenbacker, but stayed because I adored both the opening and closing jams-so much so that I subscribed. Outstanding work all around. Thank you.

[@kalebaldwin5398]

One of the best clean tones I've ever gotten was on a 325c58 with toaster pickups. They're breathtaking instruments, with impeccable quality, but they're an acquired taste. That's what's cool about them, in my opinion. Back in the 50s and 60s, every guitar maker had their own designs, including their own pickups, that were unique to their guitars. Since the 70s, everything has mostly been a Gibson or Fender derivative. Only a Rickenbacker is a Rickenbacker.

[@glass_oni0n]

i honestly think they aren’t that “popular” because to most every day guitarists rickenbacker’s feel completely unattainable. very few stores sell them, they keep all their prices a secret, and when you do find out the price it’s quite rich for something that may not be versatile enough to be your one workhorse guitar. everyone would love to have one, very few people know where to start.

[@kevinskogg2179]

I was going to say they are PRICEY, and I am thinking your other points make a lot of sense.

[@robd1329]

The prices are a joke...i dont even want one as much as a used to years ago

[@ileutur6863]

-ridiculous pricing considering the build quality -non existent marketing and availability -refusal to improve or innovate outdated designs I see nothing in these instruments outside of looks.

[@RambleTone]

Exactly

[@melvynobrien6193]

The 12-string sounds great, but it's fraught with problems, mainly the 6-string neck on a 12-string guitar. The Danelectro isn't as chimey but is a much better instrument and way cheaper.

[@oldbluzguy]

Ricks are not for everything, but for the right song nothing sounds like them. I own lots of guitars but only one Rickenbacker. I love it!

[@therideneverends1697]

I think that's the thing, they are middle upper end cost for an American guitar but are a bit more of a specialist tool in alot of peoples eyes. myself i have not had the chance to tinker with one so i cant say

[@briangregory6303]

I've never seen anybody tear into a lead on a Rick like that. Still miss Chris Squire.

[@armoredsweatpants3997]

Me too😔, I own 3 Rick basses,...he’s why.

[@hoboroadie]

Pete Townshend.

[@laussethecat]

Never heard of Tame Impala or Johnny Marr then

[@briangregory6303]

@@laussethecat Nope.

[@laussethecat]

@@briangregory6303 check out what difference does it make by the smiths or mind mischief by tame

[@souloftheage]

Dude!. I played that for my guitar rocking friends and they LOOOVED your solo. That solo has so much heart. I can't stop watching it

[@scottmandel9122]

So fine to see and hear someone put that Rick thru it's paces. Immeasurably grateful!

[@void0094]

My favorite guitarist Peter Buck played them a lot.

[@mattgilbert7347]

For many years I regarded a Rick & an AC30 as the ultimate rig. I learned to play by ear to those early REM albums.

[@stephens9462]

Mike Campbell, most famously Tom Petty’s guitarist, is a big Rickenbacker guy.

[@adaptiveagile]

My God, that playing was interplanetary. Sonic bliss. What an incredible musician.

[@georgegreenland7573]

They’re so cool. My favourite guitar sound is Paul Weller’s on Art School (the Jam). It’s just a Ricky through an AC30 but it just sounds massive

[@chrischamberlain2168]

Great to hear you mention that song. I love it. Can’t keep still when I hear that tune.

[@sidstewart7399]

I've Changed My Address does it for me.

[@georgegreenland7573]

sid stewart good shout mate

[@chrischamberlain2168]

@@sidstewart7399 another great toe tapper.

[@LouisL1963]

"Man in the Corner Shop" for me - that intro is classic Rickenbacker...

[@courier11sec]

Chris, your playing technique is so incredible it inspires me to give up on playing and concentrate on guitar repair and set up.

[@RateOfChange]

What in the world was that intro solo? That was sick!

[@gabrielalejandroavilaquint8191]

Sometimes I don't care the topics, but I always come for the intro jam

[@flouisbailey]

And the great backstage info

[@wilkowilkins363]

Funny thing is even if I know nothing about the subject I listen to every word because Chris makes it so bloody interesting... almost as good a presenter as he is a player

[@Splattle101]

Superb playing again, Chris. The way you blend backward bends with hammers and slurs is so expressive. Articulate is the word I keep reaching for, but I don't want you to think I'm only talking about your callisthenic technique. Sure, that's important, but your choice of notes and phrases is breath taking. You make that plank of wood speak.

[@Gregorovitch144]

Jesus, Joseph and Mary that opening solo was a beautiful piece of playing. Absolutely stunning. It badly needs a song to go in the middle of.

[@JesseFSegovia]

Chris, you're a treasure! I absolutely love the way you slide your fretting hand up and down the neck. I started bending and then sliding up because I liked the way sax players bend up to a note and then play a higher note (I realize sax players actually bend downwards, so when it sounds like they're bending up, they bend down first and then just return to the correct note) but you've done a lot more with your slides than I have. Brilliant!

[@RobMullerUnderground]

Great video. One has to admire a company that can remain successful by just doing their own thing, their own way.

[@XxNinjaLimeXX]

I just keep watching that first jam over and over. Absolutely tremendous

[@westernnoir4808]

Chris Buck is my new favourite guitar player. Nice playing and melodic, not that endless shredding that passes for music.

[@NeighborhoodStreetrat]

Ikr! I'm so glad I found his channel.

[@leeder92]

I do like his style of playing. Very melodic. 🙂

[@flouisbailey]

ChrisBuck is a Magical guitarist

[@mikep5393]

I agree. Some guitarists just like to show how many notes they can play but they forget you have to have a tune.

[@barneyblackburn7829]

He was mediocre at best..As were the whole band!

[@grahamanddianedevey1688]

In 1968 I was in a college band, owned and played a cheap electric until it was falling apart, and could afford only one new guitar. I knew a luthier who restored electric guitars and he let me play several models for a week at a time--Gibson, Gretsch, Fender, Rickenbacker. I liked the tone of the Gretsch best but it was such a beautiful guitar that I couldn't even force myself to rock out with gritty leads, holding a Gretsch in my hands. The Rickenbacker was second for tone, played great, looked wonderful (in my opinion), and would rock like crazy when I pushed it. So I took the train to New York city and bought a 365. I've played it for 52 years and I've never bought another electric guitar since. I bought my Ric for its versatility, and I use it for absolutely everything. By the way, like John Knell below, I visited the Rickenbacker factory and met the same lady in the lobby. I think Disneyland is the second most important destination in Anaheim!

[@JaceEverettTV]

I really enjoy your playing a great deal. Nice one.

[@sonicnoirmusic]

After watching this video I realised I definitely needed this guitar. Not because of what you said (which doesn't mean it wasn't interesting, it was!), but because of the music you played on the guitar :) Man, you're good!

[@chrisst8922]

What I like about Rickenbacker. 1. The name reminds me of some gothic Count from Upper Meclenburgh, Vlad The Impaler's brother in law. 2. Particularly with chrome bar pick ups I think they have a European Bauhus style. 3. They have crescent and cresting the wave bodies and all they've done a couple of times is vary their overall dimensions. 4. The model range is simple, for example: 330, dot markers, unbound; 360, triangle markers, bound. 5. The colour range is simple, available across the range. 6. The finish matches on each part of each instrument and across the range. 7. The guitars have matching pick ups. 8. The scratch plates basically follow the shape of the instrument. 9 The two tier scratch plate levels things up and cause the contols to appear that they are in a separate panel. 10. The controls match and are arranged in the same manner across the range. 11. If it says 4 that's a third pick up. 12. If it says 5 that's a tremelo arm. 13. The accent tremelo arm is a masterpiece of minimalism. 14. Lennon, Harrison, Marsden, Townsend, Fogerty, Weller, Smithereens, Lemmy, Hoffs, Alistair Parker...... 15. The twelve string is strung logically. Big things always come first and the little one's after. 16. They can be clearly identified on a stage a quarter of a mile away when drunk. 17. The 325 is a masterpiece of compact design. 18. The 325 has thick strings and doesn't seem to go out of tune no matter how much I abuse it. 19. They're easy to buy. Denmark Street is two hours away and I can have my pick of thirty on any given day. 20. They're cheap. Lots of guys save up and buy one then decide to sell. Because their less popular it's a buyers market. 21. The light show has to be the most inventive gimmick on any guitar, perhaps any product. 22. Necks aren't screwed on. 23. The twelve string head is ingenious. 24. They come quickly. The longest I've ever waited was 6 weeks. 25. Reputation for rhythm. If there's not a rhythm guitarist I don't think it's a proper group. 26 The slash shaped sound hole follows the shape of the body and looks more modern than old f holes.

[@larrypower8659]

John Fogerty used a Rick 6 string on several of CCR’s greatest hits. His two main guitars were the black Les Paul Custom and the 6 string Rickenbacker 330.

[@iannicholls7476]

Yes, a great exponent of the Rick but I believe it was a 325.

[@larrypower8659]

Ian Nichols ~ Watch the Creedence Clearwater live at Woodstock vids. Isn’t that a 330, or do I have my model numbers mixed up?

[@iannicholls7476]

I could be wrong but I thought it looked smaller than a 330- same size as John Lennon’s which was a 325. But I’ve got to say I’m not an expert.

[@danielruiz7131]

It's a 325, in fire glo. The famous "Acme"

[@DylanPank71]

@@larrypower8659 Definitely a 325, it's rather a famous guitar because of the story of Fogerty losing then regaining it. www.guitarworld.com/artists/john-fogerty-reunited-his-ccr-rickenbacker-after-44-years

[@vocalion9519]

As someone who first learned on an acoustic, one of the primary reasons my first electric guitar was a Rickenbacker 330 was that it felt more like an acoustic than the solid body guitars I was considering at the time. I could even rest my forearm in the same spot. That plus the great sounds I heard from Pete Townshend and Paul Weller.

[@dgeekay1494]

I saw many solos of Chris nailing strats or teles... but the intro today was even of a higher level..

[@1000buffalos]

Rickys are just part of a rig when it comes to sound. Guitar, amp, effects. It can be jangly, but I can get my 1989 335 Gibson to sound bell like, much like a Ricky. Step on a box and a Ricky can sing with great harmonics. The neck? Yep some people hate 'em. Others love them. I'm in the middle. But I had a Paul that was like playing a baseball bat, and a LPDC that was like thee neck.

[@Byron_Blue]

I bought a ‘95 360-12 about 10 years ago. Great touch and nothing sounds like a Rick. A pleasure to own one.

[@bobhewitt5047]

Who would have thought a Rick’ could sound like that ...? Chris is such a unique and immensely talented player ... you could give him a Dyson vacuum cleaner and he’d get a tune out of it.

[@ryanh7389]

Man, your phrasing never fails to blow me away!

[@kooz914]

This video is a definitive story about Rickenbacker in just 12 and a half minutes. Well written and spoken, with some incredible guitar playing. Thanks Chris Buck!

[@S2Sturges]

Dunno if I've commented yet or not, but as you can see by my meme, I happen to own a maple glow 1971 360/6 Deluxe, I bought new near the end of 1971, it was, I remember distinctly w/case $870 CDN, a small fortune back then, but you want it you get it. It has been such a versatile and robust guitar for myself, been on stages all over North America and Australia, now residing with me in northern Thailand... One of the quirky things about this guitar is it has the in-between toaster and high gain pick ups, "transitional" is how they are referred to as, only used for three years before the high gains took over, much different sound and output. A bit microphonic now but I don't play live anymore so it doesn't matter. Yes, the neck is skinny, and slim as well, and playing north of the 12th fret is a bit if challenge but despite the years it still plays beautifully and believe it or not, still has the original frets, I have always had a light left hand and used 10-46's on it, I had the frets dressed around 9 years ago and nothing since. Everything is original and is bulletproof. I played all styles with it, all the 70's British stuff, great for Motown too...! My brother thieved it for a few years to do his 80's synth pop stuff, which worked out great for him, and I played all the Aussie pub rock stuff afterwards... Aside from high gain metal, it does it all. I love it and played it already tonight on a project I'm working on. BTW, the "blend" knob on mine is just that, it blends to two separate pick ups when in the middle position. I use my rig in stereo, as the Deluxe has stereo out, like Chris Squire, front pick up through a 60's Vibrolux and bridge through a AC 15, the sounds I get are mighty.....

[@donaldlariviere]

usually i skip intro demo solos on most guitar videos but the one you played is phenomenal and actually sounds really good

[@OCnStiggs]

Brilliant piece on the Rickenbacker Marque. Love your ending too. As an American kid seeing the Beatles, I naturally assumed Rickenbacker was British at first. I learned more from your piece than I had known in the last 50 years of playing. Music today is in good hands with people like Chris playing.

[@nickloader9637]

Was only talking about Rickenbackers the other day and wondering where they’d all gone. Great video. Thanks for posting.

[@williamwhite5960]

Great video young man! I think you crushed the myth of Rickenbackers no being good for leads.

[@SamlovesLulu]

Great mix on the audio for this video. KZbin is not a welcoming place for experienced musicians, and I really appreciate that you got the sound mix right.

[@jpvvandermerwe87]

After watching this . . . i know even more than ever, i NEED a Rick in my collection. Thanks for the re-awakening of Ricks in my own thoughts. Much appreciated. (and please keep these type of clips coming)

[@Jason.Brayshaw]

Yes! You did it. You did an episode on Rickenbackers. You are the best. Thanks Chris :-)

[@anonymohipp9097]

Great video. I love the sound of their 12-strings.

[@philt4346]

Very musically interesting solo intro which I wouldn't have guessed came out of a Rick.

[@alexlazarescu3869]

Bro its not hard to tell, he literally shows the guitar! ;)

[@mariodriessen9740]

@@alexlazarescu3869 : 😂

[@MootCoffee]

I'm suspicious he was using an octave effect of some sort, though it may just be his toggle position and distortion

[@ticketsnumbersfaces9613]

Chris, you are just terrific!-thanks, Myles

[@gingerninja2269]

9.20 to 9.44. simple but beautiful. Thanks for the video. Classy.

[@jimmyjames2022]

Chris making a Rickenbacker sound amazing on lead will help the brand, hopefully the production can keep up.

[@jaredwren9304]

That is one hell of an intro solo. Well done mate.

[@deanxxi]

Great music video, as always, and thanks for this Rickenbacker coverage.

[@sharonduffey]

Thanks! Learned alot! Dont forget Ride's Vapour Trail. I think Andy Bell plays that on a 12-string Ricky.

[@TomStanton-v8m]

I Just stumbled upon this after getting my Ric 12 string recently. Now I definitely want a 6 string Ric too. You my friend are an amazing guitarist. Very unique and refreshing approach and a lot more original than most. Kudos!!!

[@mikep5393]

Great explanation and the playing is a treat. Not sure a Rick has sounded like that before

[@brianfarrall3891]

Chris you make any guitar sing , incredible talent no doubt honed by a lot of work and joy of the instrument Thank you for for always lifting me up with your craft

[@Riverdeepnwide]

That Rickenbacker is having a hard time understanding what just happened to it.

[@davidkieltyka9]

As Chris notes it’s *guitar players* who have a hard time understanding what Rickenbackers are actually capable of.

[@flouisbailey]

BuckMagic in action it’s just an FN Ge-Tar until Chris gets to it.

[@dylanadams1455]

It's laying back and having a cigarette after that.

[@charlieleonardo]

No they don’t as they clearly remember early Steppenwolf!

[@flouisbailey]

@@charlieleonardo I listen to them before MTV

[@tykauffman1338]

The beatles were the reason I got into guitar and music as a whole. And just like you I was mesmerized by the Ric as a child. Im 26 now and finally have a 330 coming next week and im so stoked. Watching this made me feel like someone else out there had a similar experience with the beatles as a kid and thats a beautiful thing. Great job on the history too. Very interesting!

[@Cyberchase]

good lord that intro lead I have never seen such a unique and personality filled play-style. well done!!

[@seppi65]

I'm a big fan of the Beatles, the Who, Tame Impala, and lot of Brit pop, so as you'd expect my Ricks are my go-to guitars - a 330/12, a C63 360/6, and a Lennon-ized 325C58. Only a Rickenbacker sounds like a Rickenbacker.

[@majortwang]

Your intro was spectacular Chris. I really enjoyed it.

[@MrPittsbrother]

An Australian band called The Mark of Cain used them extensively through heavily distorted mesa boogie amps. Seriously one of the best and most unique guitar tones I've ever heard. It's like they turned the monochrome sounds of power chords into full colour HD.

[@themikepadua]

Looks like it's already been mentioned in the comments, but that intro solo absolutely RIPPED

[@frankrokob7406]

beautiful playing

[@LHMediaFPV]

DUDE. THAT FIRST RIFF. YIKES. Big love from across the border (Bristol!)

[@bigjohno242]

You are a superb guitarist, you made that Rickenbacker sing .....

[@jeanselmejohan215]

Alternative title: how to make any random guitar sound like chris buck

[@chrisst8922]

That's what they said about Graham Coxon, give him any guitar and he'll sound like Graham Coxon. And Keith Richards, he's got a thousand guitars but he said, give him five minutes and he'll make 'em all sound the same.

[@lordi200056]

slick af playing mister! very cool video - thanks!

[@kenster865]

Chris, you've spurred me to seriously re-consider getting a Ricky 12, probably a 360, which I've put off for over 50 years! They're such a unique sounding instrument that deserves to be in any serious guitarist's collection. I'm not getting any younger so best do it soon!! 🙂🙂

[@Kaisermb1]

Rick always seems like the guitar you get if you have all your other bases covered. Every time I've considered one my mind says "yeah, but for that you could get a ...."

[@mariodriessen9740]

Same here. It’s definitely on the list of guitars I think I need, but there are always others that I think I need just a little more.

[@kynoceph]

Once you get one, though, the other guitars don't seem as desirable.

[@bootdaclown]

Pr you could get a Ric

[@thekitowl]

Your right, once I had around 6 guitars I then thought I’d like a Rick, but hadn’t really considered one till then. Ended up with two, the 360 12 is still my favourite.

[@christianzafiroglu6705]

Funny you say that. I found one (used and in perfect like new condition) that I fell in love with but only after I bought a Strat, a Tele, and a Gibson J45. The Ric is a remarkably versatile instrument. It’s rep as a “jangly” instrument is limiting. It can scream, but nicely. It can be mellow as a warm cup of tea, and then turn on a dime and give you the business when pushed.

[@rossmiller7778]

Always thought of the small extra knob as a "mix" or "blend" in the middle switch position

[@thekitowl]

That’s what I use mine for .

[@stillbill6408]

@@thekitowl Thrice.

[@peterpzazz2441]

That solo was fantastic.

[@jozsefizsak]

Another great video. Thank you!

[@souloftheage]

Absolutely beautiful, sonorous, mystical tone. Fing gorgeous.

[@billkeaveney1526]

My favourite Rick sound is the solo Mike Campbell played on running down a dream

[@jordanlake471]

The album solo was an SG apparently but he played Ricks live for Running Down a Dream, Refugee and American Girl frequently. Nothing will top his 12 string on Here Comes My Girl

[@WhiteWolf--]

@@jordanlake471 he actually uses a Firebird for Running down a dream

[@goodboid]

They need to to send you all their guitars! I didn't know I needed a Rickenbacker till I saw this video.

[@tommawson1119]

Hinting at a Chris buck signature Rickenbucker?

[@i8ittoo]

I hope not , he already has fender , and yamaha. That's already a lot of work to do, along with social media, and victory . To busy , and the playing may suffer. Not worth the risk. Lol

[@tommawson1119]

@@i8ittoo I don’t think you have read my comment thoroughly....

[@ezbass]

😂

[@Grahambhuyan]

@@i8ittoo what

[@i8ittoo]

@@tommawson1119 and as I added at the end of my own . LOL. AS IN A JOKE.

[@BruceCichowlas]

I really like how the guitar shots show so clearly what you are doing.

[@VAL-mo7bc]

jeez man those intro and outro jams got me, thanks for the goosebumps and input, I hope I’ll get my hands on a rick soon

[@TorToroPorco]

I've always found Rickenbackers to be pretty guitars, graphically striking and the distinct logo stands out nicely on the headstock. I suppose they've found a niche or sweet spot in the market place and their business model as well. They're not cheap guitars but they have enough of a following that they sell well and at a price point that maintains profitability and allows for a quality product. They could source their production to places with lower labor costs to lower the price and increase volume but it could cannibalize the sales of their more expensive US made guitars. Plus there is the risk of setting up a foreign factory and maintaining standards and potentially tarnishing the brand's reputation. Growth shouldn't necessarily a goal unto itself. Simply maintaining a well run respected business with an iconic product is a worthy outcome.

[@robertthurman3743]

I heard the Rickenbacker factory is at max production due to limits placed on them from the state of California. Apparently it has something to do with how much pollution they can create when painting. They could continue to make the wood but then outsource the final painting to an additional shop in another state, but they are content with the limit and a full order book. They just aren't interested. I wish they'd evolve into making a new line, like a Modern Plus. It would have all the styling and sound of the classic stuff, but come with a new version of the one thing Rickenbacker owners complain about the most - the neck.

[@joemasse4568]

Well said, success can be measured in many ways, and a business that has lasted 70 years, with much success, is one!

[@ianbartle456]

Isn't this called sustainability? 70 years later despite the vagaries of fashion RICs are still here. The list of ambitious yet failed companies that would LOVE to be able to say that wouldn't fit on this hard drive.

[@harrissocal]

@@robertthurman3743 I Think they could get around the paint issues with a newer paint booth. There are much cleaner booths on the market now, but they do run into six figures.

[@strangetomato3021]

I think Rickenbacker is more known for their basses, as the warm punchy tone is legendary in most bass circles

[@cc92103]

I watched a band in Baja, Mexico couple summers back, and after the gig asked the bass player about his Rick. He proudly told me he'd had it a good 30 years, and it wasn't going anywhere :)

[@switchbacksentence1244]

Absolutely killer playing!

[@wubbalubbadubdub2810]

I come back to this video once a month just for that opening Jam

[@andrewmcmahon9512]

Bloody Hell Chris that intro jam just blew my socks off... Of all the guitar videos you have made that is the best mate. That explodes the one trick pony myth completely. Absolute joy watching you do your stuff. This proves to me that the Ric 330 is just about the only guitar you'd ever need, i mean we all already know what they're good at. But you've just shown us that they can nail the other stuff too... Bravo Chris what a player OUTSTANDING...

[@rubikonic]

Rickys definitely have their own unique vibe. I have 2, a 330/6 and a 330/12.

[@verce7362]

The final jam is so damn good... Gj man!

[@oldgittarist]

One of my adolescent traumas was seeing a picture of the Who with a wall of smashed Rickys displayed behind them....

[@andrewbigelow1415]

Same here. Townshend would have been my favorite player of all time if not for his proclivity for instrument destruction. Never have been able to get past that.

[@jackstraw522]

@@andrewbigelow1415 but the they wouldn’t have Brent The Who we know and love

[@garypaquin9571]

Townsend accomplished nothing by smashing his high-end instruments. How special that he kept his collection of kiddie porn in pristine condition…for research purposes only. I would take out a court order to keep him away from guitars that I built.

[@barneyblackburn7829]

Yeah that was real stupid shit! And they wondered why they were hurtin' for money for years!

[@joelshields8807]

You're making me wish I had held onto my 330. It was my dream guitar when I bought it (12 years ago), being a huge fan of Guy Picciotto (I played in a band who heavily drew on Fugazi as an influence, and the other guitarist played Gibsons), Paul Weller, and Peter Buck, when I found a used one in mint condition for $1200, I jumped on it. It was without a doubt the best-built instrument I'd ever owned up to that point. It had that Rick thing, sound-wise, but I didn't feel like I could do much else with it. It also seemed uncomfortable to play. I hated the lacquered fretboard and the neck felt weird (I now realize that may have been the lack of any perceptible taper). Ultimately I didn't give it much of a chance and failed to bond with it. I sold it after about 6 months to a friend for about what I paid for it, and he loved it. I know a lot more about setups and tone shaping now (I generally just opened up all tone and volume controls and plugged into a cranked Marshall - which often worked, but not always), so I wonder if I could have learned to love it. Ah well. I remember the guy I bought it from was selling it to help pay for a vintage Gretsch 6120, which seemed like an old man guitar and I didn't get it at all. Of course now I have two (non-vintage) Gretsches now and completely get it. I'm also probably as old as that guy was then :D

[@GraemeCampbellMusic]

I had a Ricky 650A years ago. It had mini-hum buckers and a huge maple neck. Played brilliantly. I stupidly sold it and been wanting one again since,