Next C-Series instrument.....

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Wed May 17, 2006 4:24 am

I know my numbers are not "spot-on", Rob, but the reasoning and process are how manufacturers consider this type of thing. I am not provy to RIC's decision-making process when it comes to items like this, but I'll bet that reason rules the roost, and you can hear the numbers crunch far down the Hall.

red_rob · Post by **red_rob** » Wed May 17, 2006 4:34 am

Absolutely Paul - your analysis of the situation is, I'm sure, pretty much exactly the way it works.

I was initially wondering if the reason for such decisions comes down solely to the very real issues you described, or (for some other models at least) because RIC just don't like them and don't want to produce them again!

Because if it's the latter, there's a slim chance of persuading him...

shamustwin · Post by **shamustwin** » Wed May 17, 2006 5:08 am

It's fun to imagine and/or wish for that special Rickenbacker.
I hope we can all do that from time to time without upsetting anyone.
I think for the most part we all realize it ain't going to happen.
Of course, we can always find some super-talented craftsmen to customize existing Ricks!

webhead · Post by **webhead** » Wed May 17, 2006 12:53 pm

Well, on another note, they could offer an updated Light Show axe as a limited thingy.....

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Wed May 17, 2006 1:04 pm

Limited production items take as much R & D as full-on production stuff if they are to satisfy their purchasers. So the numbers stay roughly the same, but the bottom line gets sillier.

In the end, RIC is in business, not to make a killing for its stockholders or some get-in, get-out investment group, but to make a steady profit doing what they've always done well.

That means assessing the risks and controlling them. Steady hand on the tiller and keep the customer satisfied.

Jerry's right--it's a good scenario to use the few of us who are out there working on these instruments, to create or to re-create the guitar of your own personal dreams. Guys like Dale and I can react quickly, deal with you in a personal manner, and hopefully give you exactly what you want at a fair price.

When was the last time you had a chance to get something designed and/or built specifically to your tastes without having to mortgage your soul to get it? Usually, only the very wealthy are lucky enough to enjoy this privilege.

Apologizing if that sounded like a sales pitch...but it is sound reasoning.

leesh · Post by **leesh** » Wed May 17, 2006 1:08 pm

Paul, You are absolutely correct!

That's why I am so antsy to get enough saved up to send you my 325. I picture the reactions of people on shows like "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" and I just know that would be mine once you worked your magic.

shamustwin · Post by **shamustwin** » Fri May 19, 2006 5:22 am

Personally, I think a "Paul W." or "Dale F." customized/refinned Rick will be a highly sought after collectable in about 20 years' time!

simer4001 · Post by **simer4001** » Fri May 19, 2006 6:00 am

Do you think it will take that long?

karl_teten · Post by **karl_teten** » Fri May 19, 2006 7:36 pm

I agree with Jerry. Especially with Arnquist's name on them.

studiotwosession · Post by **studiotwosession** » Mon May 22, 2006 4:23 am

The other option RIC has, of course, is to prepare to make some special models should time one day allow, be them reissues or whatnot, guitars some people want and which haven't been available, produce them when things get slow.

And if it was, say, making some sort of guitar or bass reissue, how hard could it be? They've already made the guitars once.

Sooner or later of course the economy will slow down. It might take years to get there. But who knows, they may find the time to do it, like the factory factory refinishing offered in the past.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Mon May 22, 2006 4:37 am

"When things get slow"...is the operative phrase here.

studiotwosession · Post by **studiotwosession** » Tue May 23, 2006 4:31 am

I guess that means there could be an upside to a recession?

ben_hall · Post by **ben_hall** » Sat May 27, 2006 4:05 pm

No... more... C... Series... PLEASE.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Sat May 27, 2006 4:54 pm

...thus he ends all of the overly optimistic speculation...

simer4001 · Post by **simer4001** » Sat May 27, 2006 5:59 pm

Well, knowing this board as well as I do, I don't believe it will stop anything. In fact I'll bet we see some more suggestions. Sorry Ben!