Here is the scoop with B.C. Rich

[Sanctuary]

Whats the difference between the NJ Set Neck's and the NT Neck Thru's?

They are both the same (as in neck-through). There is currently no NJ/NT set-neck. Basically BC Rich has eliminated the NJ moniker because it is confusing. It refers to Nagoya Japan, where NJ production initially began. NT stands for Neck Through, hence why they've switched the designation...

[Sanctuary]

I've played some of the Classic models--neckthru w/ebony boards--at GC, and I can't say I've been that impressed. I mean, they're not 100% horrible, but if you've ever played a *real* BC Rich from the '80s, there's just no comparison other than the body shape.

If you know the shapes, you will also know that ALL imports of recent (and most of the older ones too if you know what to look for) are very different to the proper hand-made shape. The cuts, thicknesses are all WRONG.

[len]

BC Rich needs more lita ford

[sully]

well said, sir!

[HoWheels]

The only setneck guitar that BC made (that I'm aware of) was the "Exclusive"...it was a double cutaway LP type guitar.

BC Rich also made a Condor / Eagle Archtop in Japan in the mid-90's.
It was, what I believe is a 2-piece mohagany body, a 2-piece flametop with no stringers, mohagany neck, abalone bound body, neck, and headstock ... with of course, the set neck.

I came very close to purchasing one, but the seller wouldn't back off his $700 asking price.



-a

[Sanctuary]

Yep, the ol' Archtop Eagle knock-off. There was also a Robert Conti NJ semi acoustic that's also set-neck.

[sully]

wow. that's awesome looking.

[pro-fusion]

If you know the shapes, you will also know that ALL imports of recent (and most of the older ones too if you know what to look for) are very different to the proper hand-made shape. The cuts, thicknesses are all WRONG.

I did notice that, actually. Especially on that new Classic Mockingbird model. It felt thicker and 'clumsier' than the vintage Mockingbirds I've played, and the cutouts and rounded edges weren't as aggressive as the older ones. I was kind of bummed that I didn't like the Classic Mockingbird, because I've always loved that guitar and can't afford the prices that the real ones fetch nowadays. There's one locally that's been crudely modded for a Kahler (definitely not a factory Kahler), and the store still wants $1300 for it.

[wilkinsi]

My only reason for owning BCR imports was their appearance. The most expensive lesson I ever learned was that Slowloader Ironbird. Of all the impudence, this £659 contraption couldn't balance for shit (well, none of the BCR's I owned could) and practically fell apart. Every replacement was worse than the previous, all suffering from serious cosmetic damage, twisted necks, sqeaky trems, poor quality pickups falling inside their cavities. The last replacement's trem cavity looked like someone had stabbed it with a chisel sporting a 2"inch wide blade. Oh, if only I had taken photos... The entire process took 11 months and 4 fucked Ironbirds. 6 days later, I became the owner of a WRMG (with Turbocharger). Ironically, it actually cost the same money and has the spec that would've made the Ironbird a fucking custom job. Since then, I've stayed clear of BCR altogether.