Thinking about an R4 or an R6... Opinions?

[PhilcoFord]

Just read through a bunch of old posts about these guitars. What is the current thinking/preference between the R4 and the R6? Is the R4 bridge a problem or a blessing or both? Is there a reasonable alternative bridge if the R4 won't intonate? What about the pickups? Do they need to be replaced with after markets, or are the stock pups nice? Finally, are there significant differences in model years that I need to know about ('01 vs '02 etc)?

Thanks!

 

[Jack The Riffer]

I went through the same dilema last year before I bought my R6. What I did was call up a luthier in my area who has a great reputation and decided on the R6. I like the idea that I can really fine tune with the TOM moreso than the wrap around of the R4. It's probably an apples/orange thing but it made me feel better going the TOM route.

The p/u's in my opinion are just fine and really don't need replacing but that's not gonna stop you if you read this forum
I replaced the neck p/u (see what I mean) with a Duncan Antiquity and really love the change, not necessarily better but different.

 

[cdickey]

Jack,

Was the sound change with the Antiquity replacement that big a difference on your R6?

Chris

 

[TBoneDeluxe]

The '54 is very cool, but I'd go with the '56 for better intonation.

TBD

 

[Jack The Riffer]

Jack,

Was the sound change with the Antiquity replacement that big a difference on your R6?

Chris

Chris,
Hmm, Dunno how to explain this. I wouldn't say big but moreso different in a good way, definately noticeable. Am I confusing you yet? I would say that the Antiq has a bit more clean headroom before breaking up and a tad less output thus making it smoother. I put the Gibson P-90 in my McCarty Soapbar and that was a big difference tonewise for the better. I guess the best way I can sum it up is I could have easily lived with the stock p/u but the Antiquity does add that extra tone mojo and is worth doing. Hope this made sensespin

 

[GuitarG]

The '54 is very cool, but I'd go with the '56 for better intonation.

TBD

I agree

 

[mmaniac]

How much $$$ should I expect to spend for a used R4 or R6?

Thanks.

 

[Johnnytone]

R4.

Intonation, we don't need no stinking intonation!:lolspin

Seriously though, as long as you can get close with wrap tail, I'd go for it.

 

[burstone]

R6

 

[58Super]

I want both.

 

[natchezian2]

Both?

I have both and yes, they are apples and oranges. If you are worried about intonation on a R4 do what I did, put on a Leo Quan Badass or a Sharler from Stewart-McDonald's Guitar Supply .

The R4 has more sustain. The R6 has better intonation. I love'em all.