Where are the Bluebursts?

sloop_john_b · Post by **sloop_john_b** » Mon May 09, 2005 8:40 am

By this time last year, I had my Blue Boy 370/12 for almost three months, yet basically no Bluebursts have come around. Is it because RIC is so swamped with orders?

stubby · Post by **stubby** » Mon May 09, 2005 12:33 pm

I too was wondering the same thing. Hello all, my name is Bill and I'm brand new to the forum. I've been lurking for about a month now. I've been looking for a Rickenbacker for a few months now but they are hard to find here (I live in Southern Ontario). Firstly, let me say thanks to everybody on the list. You already answered many of my questions as I've been shopping. After looking around, I decided to order one straight from the factory (I was hesitant to order a guitar sight unseen but as I said, much of what has already been written in this forum helped reassure me). So, last week I took the plunge and ordered a 360/6 Blueburst. I wish I could've seen more pictures of the finish but I am looking forward to more Blueburst pictures though.

A quick question - Rickenbacker has said the guitar will take 9 months, maybe a bit less. I realize this is the Party Line and that each guitar is built to order. When they say "maybe less" though, what are the chances of it actually coming earlier? In your experience, what is the typical, actual wait time for a factory order? I'm already getting anxious and it's only been a week!

Anyway, thanks for having me aboard, I'm sure I'll have lots of questions.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Mon May 09, 2005 12:40 pm

Welcome, Bill! All I can say is, "don't panic!". Your guitar will far exceed your expectations. Why not buy an in-stock one now from a dealer, just to ease the pain? You can always sell it on when your BBR arrives. But you probably will want to keep it...

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Mon May 09, 2005 1:02 pm

I ordered a Blue Boy 4003FL last July or August I haven't gotten that yet so don't feel bad.

beatlefan · Post by **beatlefan** » Mon May 09, 2005 1:54 pm

Welcome "stubby" (I don't wanna know, lol!)

I have a blue burst 4004cii on order for about 5 or 6 weeks, but I don't expect to see it till around Christmas time....(I hope!)

bassman · Post by **bassman** » Mon May 09, 2005 2:20 pm

JH said over on the VT forum when asked this question that shipping of Blueburst finished instruments began immediately after the NAMM show ended in January.

How many have actually been manufactured and shipped to date, only JH would know.

stubby · Post by **stubby** » Mon May 09, 2005 2:27 pm

Just so I head off all the "Stubby" cracks at the pass-I play in two bands, one does an eclectic mix of folk, rock, prog rock, country. The other is mostly "traditional" Celtic music (a la Planxty, Bothy Band kind of stuff), a duo. I play guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, and bodhran. We call ourselves Stubby Longfellow because he's 6'9"and I'm 5'3".

I've been playing folk music for about 20 years and the Ric that is coming is actually my first electric guitar-I've always been an acoustic instrument purist. I started playing with an electric player a couple years ago and my interest in the instrument took off. Since then, I've been looking for just the right guitar for what I do and after a lot of looking (and playing a lot of &*&^*&# guitars), I hit on a Rickenbacker and I was almost instantly sold. Man, it just "felt" right-and the sound!! After that, it was just a matter of finding the right model. Funnily enough, the first thing that attracted me was what some complain about - small neck. At 5'3", my paws aren't that big and they fit a Ric neck well!

I'm anxious to get this guitar but I also think the anticipation will be sweet. I had my bouzouki built by a friend and it too took almost a year (though with that one I was able to stop in and see it throughout its construction). And, how can I not love the juicy metaphor of my guitar taking nine months to be born??!!

admin · Post by **admin** » Mon May 09, 2005 2:31 pm

Welcome Bill. I know you will love your 360. They are great players. There are a few Canadians on this forum too, that can well appreciate your hunt for that special Rickenbacker.

wormdiet · Post by **wormdiet** » Mon May 09, 2005 3:59 pm

Hey Stubby,

If yer ever in NOrth Carolina, there are a good number of Irish trad sessions on the weekends. Not to mention Rick lovers.

clearblue · Post by **clearblue** » Mon May 09, 2005 4:12 pm

"....I decided to order one straight from the factory..."

I wasn't aware that we could order a Rickenbacker guitar directly from the factory.

Bill, are you paying full retail?

stubby · Post by **stubby** » Mon May 09, 2005 4:33 pm

Sorry, I meant to say I ordered one to be built from the factory, rather than going the used route. I went through a store in Grand Island NY, a place called Jackson Music. Anybody know it?

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Mon May 09, 2005 4:54 pm

We can't, Dan. RIC is strictly a wholesale--to the trade--operation. I think he means he ordered one through a RIC authorized dealer...

clearblue · Post by **clearblue** » Mon May 09, 2005 5:21 pm

Thanks for the clarification. I'm thinking about ordering a 620 fireglo with vintage pickups instead of a 350 due to the significant price difference.

tony_carey · Post by **tony_carey** » Mon May 09, 2005 8:19 pm

Welcome Bill. A 360 is a great choice & I know you'll love it.

A 620 & a 350 are completely different gtrs Dan. Are you talking a 350V63? If you are, 3 toasters & a hollow body will be totaly different to 2 & a solid. The 350 is a lovely instrument, capable of producing some beautiful sounds. Nothing against a 620, but IMO, a 350 is more versatile.

clearblue · Post by **clearblue** » Tue May 10, 2005 5:09 am

Anthony, Yes I was referring to a 350v63. I'd rather have the 350v63 but the price is about 1/3 higher than a 620.