The Richard Smith book

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Sat Jun 11, 2005 11:51 am

Just received a 1987 copy of the book which I purchased on US eBay a couple of weeks ago. I'd only ever had a quick flip through a copy in the past (look at the pictures first - like a Playboy

) but now that I've read it - wow!!

I was aware of the historical significance of Rickenbacker instruments but I had no idea how it all came about and how tough it was to keep it all going.

It seems we all have a lot to thank F.C. Hall for - and John, of course, for continuing the tradition.

Now I'm waiting for the Bacon and Day book to arrive from the UK!

jps · Post by **jps** » Sat Jun 11, 2005 12:31 pm

I always prefered Penthouse.

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Sat Jun 11, 2005 4:15 pm

Each to his own! Must have been something wrong with me - I bought car magazines........

jps · Post by **jps** » Sat Jun 11, 2005 5:23 pm

So did I, R&T C&D, Cavallino, etc.

octagon · Post by **octagon** » Sat Jun 11, 2005 6:57 pm

I bought that book when it came out in 1987 and gave it as a present to Naoko Yamano of Shonen Knife.She is a big Rickenbacker Fan

octagon · Post by **octagon** » Sat Jun 11, 2005 7:39 pm

brammy · Post by **brammy** » Sun Jun 12, 2005 12:33 pm

http://www.stagepass.com/resource/rickenbacker.html

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Sun Jun 12, 2005 1:44 pm

I've had one for about three or four years and have found it usefull although outdated, I thought it was out of print?

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 1:44 pm

I'm pretty sure it is, Bob. Mine was second hand, but I think there are still a few gathering dust in the back room at book and music stores around the world. There's a new one here in a Melbourne guitar shop but the guy wants $80 for it!!

I bought it mainly for the history, so I guess it's not outdated in that regard.

admin · Post by **admin** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 2:43 pm

This book remains a classic and would sell a few copies should it be revised. I spoke to Richard Smith a number of years ago and asked him to participate here. He felt at that time that he was behind the times. I still think it would be cool to hear from him and his thoughts on Rickenbacker instruments.

beatlefan · Post by **beatlefan** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 2:53 pm

I bought a copy off the 'bay last year....I look thru it all the time.....I keep it handy...

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 2:56 pm

I agree wholeheartedly, Peter. So much knowledge (in an historical sense) would be invaluable. He could 'catch up with the times' here!!

One interesting item in the book was that FCH distributed Eko instruments. They were fairly popular over here in the 60s. As a matter of fact there's one on Aussie eBay at the moment for $500 - pity about the 6 missing frets, though!!

Scastles · Post by **Scastles** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 2:59 pm

I think it's a great book! And I got a new, softcover copy of it earlier this year from Amazon. So, it is still very much in print. And I too would like to see an updated version, Peter.

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 3:12 pm

Mine sits on the coffee table, right next to Gruhn & Carter's "Electric Guitars and Basses". Bacon and Day's Rickenbacker and Gretsch books will be added shortly.

Crikey! There'll be no room left for my Rickenbacker mug soon!!

Wonder what are considered the 'definitive' books on guitars, anyway?

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 3:29 pm

I have an EKO beatle bass, sounds good but needs major work. I also liked the Smith book, learned a lot about them from that book, I also have the Bacon and Day book but haven't looked at it that much, after all there are no basses in it.