Price new: $799
One-Sentence Summary: "The BC Rich Bich: Not the 10 Strings You Expected"
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The BC Rich Bich 10 strings are the Korean import version of BC Rich's custom shop 10 strings. When I bought this guitar I was drawn in by the body shape and the sound, I knew it was a rare option guitar. The guitar was a buy it now. If I hadn't bought it at the music store at that moment, the other three guys vying for it would have had my back. Unfortunately, I found that this guitar wasn't everything I thought it would be based on my first experience.
The special options of this guitar were the additional 4 strings plus machine heads, neckthrough maple, ebony fretboard, Rockfield Mafia pickups (G&B made in Korea) and MOP diamond inlays. Even though I got this guitar at half price because someone broke it after I bought it, I was surprised at how much more you get with a brand new Mockingbird ST for $100 less. I was repelled as a Bich lover that you get charged more for buying a 10 string with cheaper parts. During the year the two guitars were made, all specifications were the same except for the Korean-made Mockingbird Floyd Rose original, Grover Imperial tuners, quilted maple veneer and ST electronics. When you consider that a brand new Floyd Rose Special (closest tremolo for comparison) retails for around $99 and $90 retail for the Grover machine heads. The Bich has less branded hardware overall, which doesn't make it more expensive since many of the parts used are cheap Korean mass-produced parts. That means paying more for the bich and 10-string styles, and falling short with cheap tuners and a lack of options. Of course, the Perfect 10 String Bich is a lot more affordable with its ST electronics, neck binding, and cloud inlays, but the regular 10 String Bich, offered new for the same price, lacked all of those options.
neck feeling:
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The fact is, 10 strings are made for people with larger hands or long fingers. The width of the last fret was 58 mm and the neck was about .900 inch deep at the twelfth fret. The neck also had a bit of shoulder as it was a "C" shape. Even when set to six strings, the neck was too big for me to feel comfortable. In comparison, it felt much wider but thinner than my 80's NJ Warlock, also wider and thicker by the twelfth to heel than my Mockingbird ST. Compared to my NJ Classic Bich, the 10-string's neck had wider shoulders at the neck but less square at the neck joint area. This guitar's neckthrough connection was very comfortable and a snug fit for your hand, but due to the thickness of the neck at the 24th fret, it was difficult to hit it on the low E string.
Fretwork:
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First of all, this guitar suffered from major problems. The neck on the neck wasn't cut at the right angle and made low action impossible, which I hadn't realized when I bought it. I had the 10-string quad bridge and saddles lowered as much as possible, but since the bridge was too bulky on the underside, it had stopped about 6mm string action from the fretboard and couldn't be adjusted lower. The action was high throughout the fretboard, making it problematic to make complex licks on it without difficulty. The saddles of the quad bridge also rattled after being lowered. To fix this problem the bridge would have had to be countersunk, which means using a router to cut a cavity in the body and drill the post holes deeper. I was warned by local luthiers that doing this job could result in more chip outs in the guitar because of the cheap workmanship and that it would cost $200 to do the job. I had a deal pending on the guitar so that wasn't an option for me.
As for the frets, they were advertised as jumbos, but they looked and felt wider than regular jumbos on other BC Rich guitars. The frets on the side of the neck were felt occasionally, but not as annoying, and the frets felt a little bulky, especially when gliding.
Two-hand tapping was decent on a clean channel - not bad, but not great. Legatos and trills suffered from the unfixable high action. In testing, bending the guitar around the 12th through 17th frets would annoy at about a step and a half on the higher three strings. The high E and B strings, when set up as a six-string, buzzed from the 12th to the 15th fret.
Klang:
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The Rockfield Mafias, in combination with the 10-string, produced a beautiful deep tone. Ballads as well as pure rock and heavy metal can be played with the guitar. The pickups seem to do the best sustain, volume and harmonic way when they are set close to the strings. What I've noticed with these pickups is that they get louder, have more sustain, and have richer overtones as you adjust them closer. The 10-string aspect adds some attack when playing full chords on Clean, but when set to Distortion it's all the harder to tell from the sound that it's a 10-string, ever more distortion you apply. The extra 4 strings appear to merge with their counterparts under severe distortion.
Finished:
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The guitar had a highly polished finish that shone through every fingerprint, scratch, and dent. The neck was a kind of high gloss finish that slowed your hand down as it glided. Not to mention the finish was flimsy and prone to damage. The black finish and chrome hardware are very standard heavy metal colors, especially for BC Rich, but the gloss black finish shows it's a 10 string, which I really liked.
Options:
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Unfortunately, the stock tuners on this guitar weren't worth the bottle cap to throw at them, which is terrible for a guitar with tuners on both sides. It would be horribly out of tune on all strings after an hour of play. The extra strings usually dropped a step to half a step if played within ten minutes. Replacing all the tuners would be expensive or a big project, mainly because of the cost - an additional $120 for decent tuners plus Luthier fees if you use one. You would need to buy two sets of tuners (a set of 3 on each side and a set of 6 in series for the body) but have two tuners left over.
Finally:
Guitar level: Medium level.
Best Fit: Home Player/Show-Off Guitar
Best for Rhythm or Lead: With its quality issues, playing lead would be harder than rhythm on this guitar.
Has Studio Value: Yes, if you can play through the action and keep it consistent. The 10-string was made to eliminate the muddyness of the E and A strings in a 12-string under distortion. It was made with sound in mind.
Worth the price?
If you paid $799, maybe no. I paid about $400 for the damage but I soon found out that the quality of this guitar is not high and because it was a buy it now I couldn't do the checks I normally do. After a while I wasn't too happy with it and traded it in for my Gibson SG. But if I paid the full amount I would ask for a replacement or a full refund. For $800 you could have gotten other guitars that didn't have as many quality issues. There's also the idea that maybe - that maybe - I was the unlucky one. That the one Bich I bought was the genetic flaw of the many guitars born in Korea and that there are more of the same guitar that don't have these issues, or cynically maybe not. Be warned though; There are genetically flawed guitars out there running wild and the problems I found on mine could be a common problem with this model
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FAQs
How do you read B.C. Rich serial numbers? ›
When distribution came back to B.C. Rich in 1974, a system of serial number coding began using a 5-digit code (XXYYY) with the first 2 digits indicating the year and the last 3 indicating the production number. That would make the first guitar of 1974 to have been numbered 74000, followed by 74001, 74002, 74003, etc.
Are B.C. Rich guitars any good? ›B.C. Rich makes distinctive guitars with a powerful sound. However, players have complained over the tone and general quality issues. That's why some players collect these guitars as novelties and don't play them seriously. This doesn't make B.C. Rich bad at all, but it does put them as a mid-range brand.
Where is the serial number on a B.C. Rich guitar? ›...
Understanding the serial number on your B.C. Rich Guitar.
| Month Code | Month |
|---|---|
| Month Code N | Month November |
| Month Code P | Month December |
Famous artists using B.C. Rich guitars include Slayer's Kerry King on his own signature Warlock, as well as bands like Sepultura, Poison, Dio, Kiss, Slipknot, W.A.S.P., Static X, and Mötley Crüe.
What are rare serial numbers on bills? ›A radar serial number reads the same backwards and forwards, like a palindrome. For example, 06288260. A good condition, uncirculated $1 radar could sell for about $25. If only the end two digits are different (like 27777772), you've got a super radar, which is much more rare and valuable.
What does C in serial number mean? ›C = Engraved.
Any reference to the letters M, N, C, or F are referring to the Model number. C = Engraved.
Gibson J-160E de 1964
The second of the J-160Es is the guitar that Lennon used most times, being, possibly, the most important of his guitars. This is the song that he used as his main instrument, and therefore to compose, from the times of Beatles For Sale until his death in 1980.
The most popular guitar brand is none other than Fender! Their most popular instruments are the Fender Player Telecaster and Fender Player Stratocaster, ranking number one and two for most sold guitars in 2021. What is the biggest guitar company? Fender is the biggest guitar manufacturer.
What is paul McCartney's favorite acoustic guitar? ›When it came to acoustic guitars, McCartney initially used an Epiphone Texan to record 'Yesterday', but later adopted a Martin D-28 during most of the band's studio-only years.
Do high end guitars hold their value? ›Great resale value guitars
The big brands such as Fender, Gibson, Martin and Taylor have been proving for years that they hold their value very well. Are you looking for a guitar that you can still trade in after five or ten years? Buying a big brand, maybe second hand, is the obvious way to go.
How old is my guitar by serial number? ›
For US instruments, the serial number will start with a letter. That letter indicates the decade. The second character will usually be a number. That number indicates the specific year.
Are counterfeit guitars illegal? ›The buying remains legal as it relies on you making the purchase in good faith. Even if you openly sell the guitar as a fake, this is still against the law. Fake guitars should be removed from circulation, so that further down the line they cannot be used to then con someone else.
What guitar did Kurt Cobain like? ›“Out of all the guitars in the whole world, the Fender Mustang is my favorite,” Cobain said in a 1991 interview with Guitar World. “They're cheap and totally inefficient, and they sound like crap and are very small.”
What is Chris Stapleton's favorite guitar? ›What Is Chris Stapleton's Favorite Guitar? Chris Stapleton's favorite guitar is a Gibson J-45. He's had it for years and it's been his go-to guitar for writing and performing.
Who owns B.C. Rich guitars now? ›Bill Xavier - CEO B.C. Rich Guitars - B.C. Rich Guitars | LinkedIn.
Is there a $100 000 bill? ›The $100,000 bill is the highest denomination ever issued by the U.S. Federal Government. Printed in 1934, it was not intended for general use, but instead was used as an accounting device between branches of the Federal Reserve.
What $1 bills are worth a lot of money? ›- The Series date positioned on the far right of the photograph of George Washington reads “Series 2013”
- The bill has a “B” Federal Reserve Seal above the serial number which is located also to the right of the photo of Washington.
Low Serial Numbers are quite popular to collect, paper money collectors usually look out for any number below 100, or even 1,000 as they're the most desirable of the low serial numbers. Such as any number below 00001000, or 00000100.
What does FF mean on serial number? ›FF. factory location. Y. last digit of the production year.
How can I check if my iPhone is genuine using IMEI number? ›Check IMEI number
An original Apple iPhone model will always have an IMEI number. If there is no IMEI number, it is likely that the model is fake. To check the IMEI number of your device, go to Settings on your smartphone, tap on General and then go to About section. Here, scroll down to see the IMEI number.
What does M mean in iPhone serial number? ›
" M ": retail unit. " N ": replacement unit. " P ": personalized (engraved) unit.
Which Beatle was best at guitar? ›In many respects Paul McCartney was the group's most rounded musician, and possibly even its best guitarist. It was he that devised many of the riffs and even played some of the most memorable solos, such as on Taxman (Revolver), Ticket To Ride and his killer Epiphone Casino (opens in new tab) riff on Paperback Writer.
Who was George Harrison's favorite guitarist? ›But while there's plenty of incredible musicians on Harrison's list, there can only be one true favourite, and that has to be Gary Moore.
Did John Lennon use a pick? ›Both John Lennon and George Harrison fingerpicked as well as using a pick on each other's instruments. Lennon used a celluloid teardrop pick, McCartney used a pick on the Bass, and Harrison fingerpicking on both. What were some of the best lyrics John Lennon wrote? John picked up the teardrops with a celluloid pick.
What is the most popular guitar ever? ›Fender. Fender is arguably the most iconic brand in guitar history. The Fender Stratocaster was introduced by Leo Fender and ignited rock 'n roll and a revolution. Other solid bodies like the Telecaster, Jaguar, and Mustang also became legendary, helping make Fender into what it is today.
What is the most reliable guitar? ›Telecasters are still the most reliable and recorded guitars ever, while there is nothing much to add about the Stratocaster that it's not already said about its versatility. Read Also: Gibson vs Fender Guitars History: Which is Better?
What is the most famous guitar ever? ›Fender Stratocaster
Considered the world's greatest electric guitar, the Stratocaster was known for its distinct voice and three pickup design, when most electric guitars during its time had only one or two.
Eddie Van Halen: A Master Of The Guita
While he played a variety of instruments throughout his career, his self-built Frankensteinstrat was the product that made him famous. He played primarily EVH Wolfgang guitars in addition to his own brand of guitars after starting his own company.
Blackie is the nickname given by Eric Clapton to his favorite Fender Stratocaster.
What was Elvis Presley's Favourite guitar? ›Presley was a huge fan of Gibson guitars, and they were consistently his go-to for live performances.
Do guitars increase in value with age? ›
Age: While an older guitar will generally command a greater value than a newer one, there are many model-specific exceptions. Consulting price guides and checking the prices of similar models will help zero in on a value.
What guitar holds its value best? ›Gibson. Gibson guitars are hands down the best guitars in terms of resale value. Everyone and their mother know the brand, so it's the first thing people think of when they're in the market for a guitar. Gibson guitars have several iconic guitar models such as the Gibson Les Paul and the Gibson SG.
Who owns the most valuable guitar? ›Jimi Hendrix's 1968 Fender Stratocaster ($2,000,000)
This iconic guitar attained its iconic price when Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen (known to be quite a guitar player on his own merit) bought it for a cool $2 million back in 1998.
As for as electric guitars, age has little to do with it. A well made new instrument can sound just as good, provided it is made with quality tone woods. There could be some argument that older electric guitars were made from old growth wood that is simply no longer available.
Is it worth buying an old guitar? ›If you're happy to pay a bit extra for the peace of mind knowing that there will be zero wear and tear on the guitar, then buying a new guitar is a good choice. If you want to save some money or try to grab some serious discount on a higher tier guitar, then it is worth looking at used guitars.
How old is the oldest existing guitar? ›The Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Persians were among the chief pioneers of stringed instruments. In fact, the oldest surviving guitar-like instrument is a tanbur from Egypt, dating back to circa 1500 BC.
What is the Holy Grail of guitars? ›1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard 'Burst'
A holy grail for collectors and in mint condition to boot. This 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard is an early example to don many of the features iconic to Les Pauls models even today.
- Stairway To Heaven – Led Zeppelin.
- Smoke On The Water – Deep Purple.
- Sweet Child O' Mine – Guns 'N Roses.
- The House Of The Rising Sun – The Animals.
- Enter Sandman – Metallica.
- Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd.
An international crackdown on illegal logging in tropical forests has ensnared the makers of some guitars and other musical instruments, whose top-end products require small amounts of rosewood, a material prized for its rich, multicolored grain and resonant sound.
Did Kurt Cobain use a pick? ›The guitar picks he used the most frequently were Dunlop Tortex Standard . 60mm picks, in orange.
Are BC Rich guitars any good? ›
B.C. Rich makes distinctive guitars with a powerful sound. However, players have complained over the tone and general quality issues. That's why some players collect these guitars as novelties and don't play them seriously. This doesn't make B.C. Rich bad at all, but it does put them as a mid-range brand.
Who owns Kurt Cobain's guitar now? ›The guitar used by Kurt Cobain in his final days has been in the Irsay family for more than 20 years. The museum loaned it to the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle for the last 12 years, where it is currently on display.
What is Willie Nelson's favorite guitar? ›And then there's Willie Nelson's “Trigger.” Since 1969, this unique Martin N-20 has been Nelson's go-to instrument. Synonymous with the musician, it's also one of the most storied guitars in the history of popular music.
What was Hank Williams favorite guitar? ›Williams' fabled 1941 Martin D-28, owned by Neil Young, is the better-known guitar: Williams bought that one from Dobro legend and Nashville guitar-store owner Tut Taylor (the legend goes that Hank Jr.
What was Prince's favorite guitar? ›Prince's most famous guitar is the Hohner Madcat, a Tele-style guitar with a natural finish. Prince acquired this guitar in 1980 and became his preferred guitar in the studio. It was also used on many of his concert tours. Prince also had a number of Sadowsky copies of the Madcat.
Who uses BC Rich guitars? ›Famous artists using B.C. Rich guitars include Slayer's Kerry King on his own signature Warlock, as well as bands like Sepultura, Poison, Dio, Kiss, Slipknot, W.A.S.P., Static X, and Mötley Crüe.
What bands use BC Rich guitars? ›Famous bands that use or used the B.C. Rich Warlock include Kiss, Mötley Crüe, Poison, Dio, Sepultura, Murderdolls, Slipknot, and Static X.
Where is John Lennon's guitar? ›Gretsch 6120: (used on the Revolver sessions), used for songwriting purposes at his home studio but has been in Lennon's cousin David Birch's hands since 1967. Currently on display at the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame.
How do you read BC dates? ›...
The measurement of time is traditionally based around the birth of Jesus Christ.
- For events that occurred before Jesus' birth, type 'BC' (an abbreviation for 'Before Christ') after the number of the year.
- For example: 48 BC.
BC stands for “Before Christ” and represents the years before Christ was born. AD stands for “Anno Domini,” which is Latin for “the year of our Lord,” and represents the years after Christ was born.
Does a serial number tell you the year? ›
The 1st three numbers of your serial number will always provide your manufacture date. The 1st number is the YEAR of manufacture; the 2nd & 3rd numbers indicate the MONTH of manufacture.
What do the numbers mean in a serial number? ›A serial number (SN) is a number assigned to each individual product in order to distinguish that product from all others. The serial number is sometimes used only for warranty control and sometimes used for both warranty control and for version control.
What does B mean in dates? ›Many people use the abbreviations B.C. and A.D. with a year (for example, A.D. 2012). B.C. refers to "Before Christ," and the initials, A.D., stand for Anno Domini, which is Latin for "In the year of our Lord." This system was devised by a monk in the year 525.
Does the year 0 exist? ›There is no year 0. Jesus was born before 4 B.C.E. The concept of a year "zero" is a modern myth (but a very popular one). In our calendar, C.E. 1 follows immediately after 1 B.C.E. with no intervening year zero.
What does 100 BC mean? ›The Gregorian calendar uses the birth of Jesus as Year 0. If you want to talk about something that happened a hundred years before Jesus Christ was born, you would write that year as “100 BC.”
What does the B in BC stand for? ›AD stands for Anno Domini, Latin for “in the year of the Lord”, while BC stands for “before Christ”.
What BC means 4? ›B.C. stands for “Before Christ,” as in Jesus Christ. It indicates the number of years before the birth of Jesus (although Jesus himself was born in 4 B.C.). A.D. stands for the Latin phrase Anno Domini. That translates to “In the year of our Lord.” It's used to mark years after the birth of Jesus.
How do you write BC correctly? ›B.C. is acceptable in all references to calendar years in the period before Christ. Given that the full English phrase would read “in the year 89 before Christ,” the abbreviation B.C. is placed after the figure for the year. For example, John the Baptist was born in year 5 B.C.
How do I check a serial number? ›Open the Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key on your keyboard, then pressing X. Select Command Prompt (Admin) on the menu. Type wmic bios get serialnumber and then press Enter on your keyboard.
How do you decode a 10 digit VIN? ›- Digits 1 through 3 combined is the WMI, (World Manufacturer Identifier).
- Digits 4 through 8 represent the vehicle descriptor section.
- Digit 9 is a check digit.
- Digits 10 through 17 is the Vehicle Identifier Section.
- The 11th digit is the manufacturer's plant code.
Can you trace a serial number? ›
Serial numbers and lot numbers are tracked using barcode technology and software. With barcoding, lot numbers can be recognized when received, shipped or both, enabling products to be tracked & traced throughout the supply chain.