On Saturday I visited Bass Gallery as I was down in Camden and was gratefully allowed to play a real Rickenbacker as I'd only played a copy before and a Stingray, (I own an OLP it is not the same). The difference is unreal and I would have love to leave the shop with both, one was close to 5k and the other over 2k so obviously didn't. I would love to play either of these every day, the Rick in particular has a sound like no other but not convinced I'd be comfortable playing them in a Tyneside pub without worrying about damage. Don't think I could justify the expense for home use either.