Rickenbacker 620/6

The Rickenbacker 620 electric guitar is a beautifully crafted instrument, with fine neck binding, glossy, glass-like finish, and chrome hardware. The guitar uses single coil pick ups, which give a decent tonal range, and unlike other Rickenbacker instruments, the instrument can produce darker sounds. The classic Rickenbacker jangle is ever present in this guitar, and is a joy to play around with that sound. Being a solid body Rickenbacker, the guitar does offer greater versatility than other Rickenbacker guitars, and is a brilliant lead instrument, as it produces clear bell-like notes, with a lot of sustain. Rickenbacker's are somewhat of an acquired taste, the small, narrow necks are not to everyone's liking, and this neck is covered in lacquer, which, I have no problem with. The lacquer on the neck is what helps the guitar produce clear piano-like notes. I did find the sound to be a bit similar to a Fender Jazzmaster, but I think the Rickenbacker is a little sweeter. I like playing it clean with a bit of reverb, and it sounds great. I like to use both pickups (switch on the middle, and use the dwell control to get a nice beefy sound with plenty of high end).

The High Gain pick ups distort well under some gain and this instrument is well-suited for punk rock as well. Of all the solid body guitars I own, I find this to offer the most pleasant playing experience, and I would highly recommend the 620. It is one of the cheaper Rickenbacker guitars too, and in my opinion, one of the best, so if you can find it a decent price, get yourself this beautiful instrument.