Please Comment On Your "C Series" Instrument

simer4001 · Post by **simer4001** » Thu Dec 20, 2001 8:12 pm

Al, I don't have a clue what can be taking so long and John, my point is the bases should be covered before you introduce a product. You don't cover your bases after you announce a new product. That's my only point. If it isn't RIC's fault, then who's to blame? Let's face it, RIC has always been an arrogant company and the only reason we put up with it is because most of us are geeks that want the same guitars the Beatles played. Hell! I'm geek number 1. To be honest I had forgotten that I even ordered those basses until the end of November when my wife asked where they were. I'm sure all will be forgiven when they arrive. I plead with you again Mr. Hall. Just send me the basses from the NAMM show and I'll be your best friend.

Merry Christmas to all!

aladams · Post by **aladams** » Thu Dec 20, 2001 9:27 pm

Yeah, John; just send me a "baby blue 325c58" and we'll call it even. sheesh!!! All kidding aside, and all defenses at neutral, we're all ANXIOUS for this new wave of Beatle Hysteria and I'm NOT getting ANY younger! Of course, Merry Christmas to all! Let's not forget what this season is all about...God making peace with man, through His Son, Jesus Christ! AL A.

markthemd · Post by **markthemd** » Fri Dec 21, 2001 5:16 am

Amen Al ,

For all of you humbugs ...I thought I'd let you know ...if you are in the Seattle area ....come see me perform as -----Ebenezer Scrooge in Dicken's Christmas Carol in Everett Sunday morning ....I start at the 8 am service and do three "shows" this coming Sunday ! Full dress/Victorian ,accents (with some help from a wonderful chap from Manchester England) and fun will be had by all .

see http://www.todayschurch.org for more info

God Bless us all ......everyone !

racket · Post by **racket** » Fri Dec 21, 2001 7:49 am

So, I have to chime in. I work in the Product Development / Manufacturing environment, and while its not guitars, it really is the same everywhere.

Brian said:
“…my point is the bases should be covered before you introduce a product. You don't cover your bases after you announce a new product.”

That would be ideal. However it can’t always happen that way. Often, you think all your bases are covered, introduce a product, and then one of your bases becomes un-covered.

You just have to make the best decisions at the time. From what I see, J. Hall and the folks at RIC thought they had everything lined up, introduced the products, and then one of their vendors didn’t perform. Finding another vendor and getting them up to speed can be very time consuming. In the manufacturing world, you are often at the mercy of your vendors.

Phil
330 JG
620/12 JG

corey · Post by **corey** » Fri Dec 21, 2001 8:15 am

Adding to what Phil has said, remember, Ric had all their bases covered with the 200 series guitars, but those didn't do nearly as well as expected. The point being is that Mr. Hall and everyone at Ric are doing their best to meet our needs.

The C Series is what most of the people who play and collect Rics wanted for years and years. Now, you're getting that fantasy fullfilled.

I know those of you who've ordered a C Series instrument have been waiting *forever* for it/them to arrive, but just have patience with this fine company. I'd rather wait for quality than settle for less quickly.

Happy Holidays, everybody.

aladams · Post by **aladams** » Fri Dec 21, 2001 5:21 pm

Mark, that sounds wonderful! I'd love to be there to witness the show...but can't. Thanks for all of your input to this column; it keeps me tuned in!!! I wish you lots of blessings, and grace. This is such a truely wonderful time of the year. Peace, and Grace from our Father thru His Eternal Son, Jesus! AL A.

carr · Post by **carr** » Sat Dec 22, 2001 5:45 am

Reading between the lines it seems that Ric production is stretched and so ,if introducing a new model, it makes sense to have a full order book before starting production. This way the unit cost is minimised and there is minimum disruption to the volume lines. I have to admit though that 11 months seems a heck of a long wait.

Still, on the otherhand, I waited 30 years before I owned my first Ric

aladams · Post by **aladams** » Sat Dec 22, 2001 8:02 am

Maybe with the cancellation of production for the 650 models and specific 4003 models, John Hall can concentrate on the new "C-Series". He can also, if wanted, accept custom orders for the 650 model if need be. Also, with the difference in the material needed, maybe he's having a difficult time procuring the alder for the 325c58 model. I love the sound of alder; even moreso than maple and ash. Another consideration for the Jetglo version could be using Poplar; which is another hardwood, but in more abundant supply. I've also seen some incredible flamed and figured/blistered poplar...with a medium transparent stain would yield a very voluptuous finish! Mr. Hall, surprise us ALL for Christmas with an early release date!!!! thanks, AL A.

simer4001 · Post by **simer4001** » Sat Dec 22, 2001 4:36 pm

Now that we have all the excuses covered, maybe Rickenbacker ought to look at how they "cover the bases". This has to be the slowest roll out of a product line since the invention of the wheel. Let's face it...RIC has screwed this up! If they knew production would be a year and counting they would have held back on announcing the product. We all know that RIC has an elitist attitude towards us lowly consumers and arrogant statements such as "all in good time" or whatever it was they said is just a sign of their contempt. Maybe I'm being a jerk, but it is very annoying that we will not see any guitars, and particularly, basses until after February. Now were talking more than a year. And for us idiots like me who paid in advance for two basses...well, hell a high income fund has returned about 4%. Worse, they know they've blown it and they will not acknowledge it. OK now that I have vented, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

simer4001 · Post by **simer4001** » Thu Jan 10, 2002 11:22 am

I just received an email from Rickenbacker that they will begin shipping "in a few months". However, the basses are back ordered one year.

corey · Post by **corey** » Thu Jan 10, 2002 5:07 pm

Wow.

Sorry to hear what you're obviously going through, Brian.

aladams · Post by **aladams** » Fri Jan 11, 2002 5:43 am

Brian...call Rickenbacker and tell them that your name is Paul McCartney, and that you're getting pretty impatient about your bass...(you've got to use a Liverpoodlian accent)...ahhh just trying to help! I just don't understand RIC's manufacturing strategy. Maybe John Hall is trying to drive up the prices by decreasing the product availability. Nahhh...it's just plain SLOATHFULLNESS. AL A.

admin · Post by **admin** » Fri Jan 11, 2002 7:05 am

Brian: While it is difficult to wait for a Rickenbacker, it seems that RIC has encoutered a number of problems with regard to parts that, in fairness, it did not forsee. I know that John Hall is doing his level best to keep up with a demand that far exceeds the supply.

Trying to satisfy folks on waitng lists is a difficult thing to do, however, recent information from customer service responsibly provides customers with feedback concerning the shipping timeframe. From the email quoted here, the EBTR (estimated back-ordered time of Rickenbacker) for basses would seem to be roughly a year, and this wait is close to the time that some folks have waited for some instruments in the past.

I understand your frustration but do not sense an arrogance in John Hall's tone but rather a realistic resignation that trying to meet the current demand is going to take considerable time. I know that if RIC had their way, you would have had your instrument some time ago. There can be no compromise on the specifications on these instruments and I am sure you would not want it any other way.

leftybass · Post by **leftybass** » Fri Jan 11, 2002 8:15 am

Food for thought: It took 7-1/2 months in 1991-92 to take delivery of my left-handed 4001CS from the point of ordering. I can remember anticipating its arrival and going through all of the classic pangs of angst and withdrawl. It was worth the wait.

I have been there, so I understand. Patience is a virtue--once you have the instrument in hand you'll say "it didn't relly seem all THAT long, did it??" I will envy all of you when they start arriving. Heck, I may order one yet Myself!!!

simer4001 · Post by **simer4001** » Fri Jan 11, 2002 8:52 am

Thanks for the comments John, but my patience is being taxed. The thing that bothers me is that this isn't communicated to the consumer unless you ask. RIC has a website and they could update the consumer on the progress. Are they afraid that we are going to think less of them if they admit that their is a problem with the keywinds? I already have the attitude that they think they are better than you and I, and this kind of proves it for me. I'm sure I'll be happy when they arrive, but this does leave a sour taste in my mouth.