360J "Jazz Bo" ?

sloop_john_b · Post by **sloop_john_b** » Sun May 29, 2005 7:08 am

Marc - Mike Parks quoted me a $3395.

larry_mondello · Post by **larry_mondello** » Sun May 29, 2005 10:52 am

You could try richlite.com

I have seen this used in several guitar applications ... when you sand /machine it ... it has a grain to it . It looks very wood like .

It is being used as bridges and fretboards by at least three USA makers that I know of .

larry_mondello · Post by **larry_mondello** » Sun May 29, 2005 10:54 am

It comes in black by the way .... and several thicknesses .... it machines great , whether you use standard woodworking tools or milling tools .

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Sun May 29, 2005 2:04 pm

dr_rickenstein · Post by **dr_rickenstein** » Mon May 30, 2005 8:51 am

I second that Huh?
Probably Larry was thinking he responded to another thread!
Anyway, glad this one came back. Does anyone know if this guitar is into production yet? Mr Hall, have you decided on a tailpiece (I just know it's going to be a wooden one!)?

larry_mondello · Post by **larry_mondello** » Mon May 30, 2005 4:06 pm

I was responding to John Hall's privious comment .....

"In fact, that's exactly what I have been considering for this guitar, a wood tailpiece. Ebony would be a problem, however, given the C.I.T.E.S treaty and something like Madagascar Rosewood might be more sonically appropriate ."

An answer to his dilema .. might be richlite.com

They make a black product . It is being used by several other guitar makers as an ebony sustitute .

See my privious comments .

dr_rickenstein · Post by **dr_rickenstein** » Tue May 31, 2005 7:11 am

I take back my huh?! Now it makes perfect sense!
What guitars have you seen the richlite in Larry? Madagascar rosewood sounds like the deal to me but it would be interesting to check out the sonic properties of the richlite.

marc61 · Post by **marc61** » Tue May 31, 2005 10:32 am

I tried to call Mike Parks to reserve a Jazz Bo. I can understand Rickenbackers reluctance to take new orders.

They're already behind, so they basically have two choices, hire new people and possibly get inferior work or, try to catch up and hold off on taking new orders for the time being.

We all have our opinions on what the company should do, but as fans I think we all agree that we like the product because the refuse to "sell out" and consistantly put out a superior product at a reasonable price.

I'll wait my turn until they become available for order again.

larry_mondello · Post by **larry_mondello** » Tue May 31, 2005 10:36 am

CF Martin , Rainsong , possibly CA , and Larrivee as well as some Asian guitars .

I have used it on some gibson J-160E acoustics , and some of the plastic bridged guitars .... Great results ...they all sound way better than the plastic original Gibson bridges .

I also used it on an Ovation that had a kind of Explorer headstock ...and lightning bolt sound holes ....a great improvement .

Lastly , I made some new bridges for a few DEAN acoustics .. their bases are poorly designed for making the top move .. I extended the 'ears' and thinned them down to .110 ...similar to a CFMartin ... the used the same shape + 1/8" around the outside ...this inceased the coverage of th eface and the thinned ears allows the top to torque around .... I was louder , and increased depth of tone . The Asian factor was nearly removed ... not whimpy anymore .

marc61 · Post by **marc61** » Tue May 31, 2005 12:56 pm

I think I should rephrase what I said above. The company refuses to "sell out" because they strive to put out a superior product at a reasonable price, which I believe they do.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Tue May 31, 2005 3:04 pm

Marc, it's a bit more complex than that, and JH has mentioned this in other threads recently. He needs skilled luthiers to build the acoustics (not that his staff is not skilled, but even the hollow-bodied electrics are computer-shaped and most of the hand labor is in binding, finishing, and assembly. The biggest bottleneck at the factory right now is in finishing, as you would expect.

The hollowbodies are built in a separate area of Rick's plant, with very specialized methods, machines, jigs, fixtures, and tooling. It is getting more and more difficult (JH would say nearly impossible) to find the type of skilled tradesmen (or women) required to construct these beautiful instruments by hand, given the cost of living in Orange County, primarily real estate. Any luthier who wishes to settle into a career position in that locale must resign himself to a lower standard of living than virtually anywhere else in the country, and either be already independently wealthy, or willing to live in rental property (which is an unstable market).

I think Rickenbacker should open up a workers' dorm. Problem solved. (JOKE).