By the way, making belt buckles out of the "GLORIOUS R" is such a fine idea, musically and aesthetically!!! (How about belts that look like the 330/360/4005 fingerboards with 6 or 4 strings to match?)
Yeah....wear it as a chrome belt...I like that.
Perhaps Marvel Comics would make a new series similar to Superman and call it Rastafarianman or something equally stupid....haha
Kind of reluctant to put a flame to this firework again.... lol.
But I did say I would update you good people as to what happens regarding the Broken "R" tailpiece. I have been in touch with dealers in Sydney, still awaiting stock, and with Rickenbacker's Service people (as well as John Hall, thank you John) still awaiting a response from them, although the serial no. does I believe indicate the guitar was built more than five years ago. Mind you remember I have never "expected" anything from anyone, just thought it was a major bummer such a sturdy and big piece of my guitar breaking in the case for no immediately tangible reason, especially considering the respect this guitar receives.
Well it continues.... all this time I am playing a Washburn, a Yamaha and a Fender, and enjoying them all. Two of them alot older than my Ricky which I can't wait to get back up and jangling.
Board members have been very helpful, thank you all, especially Mike Perez (cheers Mike, keeping my eyes peeled mate).
Gypsy Dave.
Just got my new (to me) 1991 381/12 FG Wed, bought off ebay and mint. Came with the Pyramids detuned for shipping. To my horror, shortly after getting it up to concert pitch the R tailpiece exploded. If you think popping a string will startle you, this is a real cardiac test.
Despite the hefty feel, it sure looks like broken pot metal. I will try to take a picture of the broken cross section stems with my digital camera.
Think I'll be a little gun shy about tuning from here on out. BTW, I did not notice any scratches around the stems beforehand - looked mint. So be careful.
I don't know what caused yours to break, but (a) you bought a 12 year old instrument (b) it has relatively high tension strings and (c) it should never have been detuned for shipping.
I had already read Mr. Hall's and all previous posts before posting mine. Regardless of what the alloy or process is, the broken cross section does look like the pot metal out of a broken cast figurine.
As far as the age of the guitar, I have an even older 1980 340/12 with the R tailpiece and have never had a problem.
Don't get me wrong here, I love Rics, and in no way would suggest that Ric should be responsible for this used guitar with who knows how many previous owners, and maybe it was scratched and I didn't see etc. I also agree that it should never have been de-tuned (I did bring it up slowly). I've already learned my lesson - next time I'll buy new (if I can find one);.)
My only purpose in posting this was to add my voice to the original guy that this his was not an isolated incident.
Kinda reluctant to re-open this thread..... but well I am not getting any younger, 34 going on 7.... just want to say THANKS to dudes like Miguel Perez I am rocking on the Rick again.... to John Hall and Rickenbacker, where are you guys? I was told a new bridge would be sent as a courtesy, mailed you a few times, and with my serial no. contacts details etc.
Not digging, just wondering, is one on the way, let me know as I almost moved recently (decided against it in the end, love this area and can "just" afford it...) and would hate to miss the piece being delivered. This guitar is a work of art as well as an amazing musical and writing tool... thanks John and team... and you know what... the black R I now have looks GREAT with the binding etc.... try it, it could be the Gypsy Dave signature model which would also feature a removed bridge cover... just gets in the way of my playing style.
Cheers everyone
Dave.
