Visting Rickenbacker In June.

[drumbob]

It looks like I'll be in the LA area come June, and since Rickenbacker is so close, thought I'd give John Hall a call ahead of time to see if I could stop in, maybe do a factory tour and interview as an article I could pitch to a magazine.

Those of you who have been there, does this sound like a plan?

John, if you're reading this, are you game?

[drumbob]

Come on, guys. Not one response?

[jps]

We're not the ones who can give you an answer!

[manta]

Works better to pitch the story to a magazine first, get the confirmation from the editor in writing and then ask Mr. Hall or Ben if they'll be around for a tour and interview.

[Medicus1963]

Hi Bob,
In 1996 i wrote to John Hall for a visit to the factory. He wrote me back, that there aren't any factory tours any more !

Greetings

Peter

[casinoman]

I have been a huge Rickenbacker fan since my teens. When I did my MBA in South Carolina I went to California for spring break in 1995, just went up to their plant and rang the bell, but they said they couldn't let me in. Of course I was disappointed, but on the other hand why woulnd't they let a complete stranger on their premises, I mean it's a factory and not a museum or state park

[jdogric12]

I think you have your answer db

[Ontario_RIC_fan]

Well posting here - on the off chance that someone from RIC might read it - seems pointless to me.

Contact John or Ben Hall directly by phone or by email would be my advice - you will find their contact info on the RIC website...

Either they will or they won't... But I wouldn't hold my breath. lol

[cjj]

Well, I suppose the "official" word can be inferred from the statement on this page on the corporate website:

http://www.rickenbacker.com/corporate.asp

It states:

* Please note that our corporate office is a manufacturing facility only. We do not have a showroom or retail counter, and we do not offer factory tours.

[squirebass]

Well, I suppose the "official" word can be inferred from the statement on this page on the corporate website:

http://www.rickenbacker.com/corporate.asp

It states:
* Please note that our corporate office is a manufacturing facility only. We do not have a showroom or retail counter, and we do not offer factory tours.

I went out there in late '90s, back when we had little more than the Smith book to go on for information. I called the factory to ask about the Rickenbacker museum, but was told that they'd closed it a couple of years earlier. Such a heartbreak for me, the trip wasn't really worth going on anymore....

[Cammiebacker]

Good luck!
As for myself, I had emailed Mr. Hall in January 2002 about being in California during that time and asked if I could visit the factory. He said to let him know when I was in town. I got there and got a personal tour of Rickenbacker and the museum. He didn't rush me at all, it was a very laidback tour. As a bonus he asked if I wanted to see all of the Rickenbacker "C" prototypes that had just came back from NAMM. I got to play each one a bit, and he took photos. John Hall was very personable and answered each of my questions, and showed me all of the processes involved in guitarmaking. I will always appreciate his kindness.
Thanks again, Mr. Hall!

[jps]

Is that you? The same Steve as in this photo?

Missing from the photo are Randy Hawkins and Brian Crisman.

Long time no see or hear from, and I see this is your first post. Weren't you a member a long time ago?

[Cammiebacker]

Yes, Jeff, I'm in the photo. what year was that anyway? I was off the forum for awhile.

[jps]

May 2005. Glad to see you back around here.

[xpitt]

The-Gang-33-1200.jpg

Wow,Jeff, all these basses ! What a nice picture ! The guy in black forgot to change into blue pants for the shooting