Trusted rickenbacker sales in the UK

johnhall · Post by **johnhall** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 12:37 pm

As it happens, Rosetti is the strongest of our distributors. They usually have more inventory in their warehouse than any other because they plan their orders very carefully long in advance. They do have a large catalog but that's also what gives them the reach throughout the marketplace that they have.

I also appreciate that Mike is a big RIC fan. What's unfortunate is that he's been given the opportunity to "legalize" his business several times, by bringing it up to the minimum standards required for an E.U. business. By not do so, he and, unwittingly, those of you who have patronized him, have damaged our relationship with those dealers who have made the commitment to run a conforming business. This makes it difficult for us and Rosetti to keep a quality dealer network together over the long term.

But by all means, he's a great resource for used instruments and none of us have a problem with that.

simer4001 · Post by **simer4001** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 2:28 pm

I have always bought new from authorized dealers. But granted that is easier for me here in the US. I have purchased two used items from Mike simply because I couldn't find them anywhere else. I put out the word of what I was looking for and he had them both very soon. He was great to deal with and I trust him. I would do business with him again if the opportunity arose again.

simondohertyuk · Post by **simondohertyuk** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 11:37 pm

Is there any one here who is in the UK who can recommend an auth Rick dealer?

Anthony - I posted that because it's important - and my junk mail address.

Heree hoping

Simon

red_rob · Post by **red_rob** » Wed Oct 25, 2006 1:55 am

I love the smell of my Rickenbackers.

godber · Post by **godber** » Wed Oct 25, 2006 2:48 am

Simon, I have bought three new Rics from Peter Cook's Guitar World and haven't had any problems. The delivery is fast, the prices are good - especially the specials/clearance stock - and I would recommend them. I haven't ordered anything specifically, as I have only bought from the stock they have.
I can't see any 12 string lefties on the site, but I'm sure that they would try to find what you want/need.

http://www.petercooks.co.uk/gtrric.php

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Wed Oct 25, 2006 5:43 am

First time I've looked at his stock in detail. (Where have I been???) Anyone who complains about the high prces of Ricks in the UK, should note that Fender, Gibson, and Gretsch prices are about twice USA prices.

Other notes: He's got a lot of BBs, and they will probably be there for awhile unless someone famous turns up with one. Then he won't be able to keep 'em for long...

$3300.00 for a 75th 4003 is a bit steep, and $3400.00 for a 75th 660 should make us feel pretty lucky here in the States.

Next thing I notice is the silly proliferation of Custom Shop Strats. Fender's Custom Shop--which I have never visited--must be a couple of acres in area, with a whole lotta Masterbuilding (ahem) going on... Sorta dilutes the meaning of "Custom", doesn't it?

He touts his Custom Shop Jeff Beck Esquire Relic as "best playing Esquire out there"...so I guess that justifies the price tag. Here, it's $15K ($11K at Sam Ash)...so in the UK it must be £15K, or $28,000! That is vintage Tele territory. You'd have to be nutz...man, that's a lot of cash for a hit of hero worship and a good setup!

leftyguitars · Post by **leftyguitars** » Wed Oct 25, 2006 7:35 am

Regarding high prices in the UK apart from our import duties and then a further 17.5% "Value Added Tax" on the retail price we also have an extra layer in the sales chain, compared to the USA, who also have their snouts in the trough.

Rickenbacker - distributor - retailer - customer.

Regarding trying to order new Rickenbackers, it is the retailers themselves who tell potential customers that Rosetti aren't the easiest company in the world to deal with.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Wed Oct 25, 2006 8:38 am

Understood. Perhaps it could be said that the average Rick enthusiast enjoys a bit more personal service than the average Fender guy, and Rossetti plays more by the (detached, professional) book...