Here is a statement by Mr. Hall on the Ric web site dated 3/31/07.
If we're selling everything we make and not keeping up with the backlog as it is, why would we change anything?
And those 300 series guitars currently represent just about 98% of the electric 12-string market; a businessman would have to be brain dead to change something on a product like that.
When we have the capacity would be the time to look at ideas for additonal sales, not before.
I dont believe add a new bass will help matters at Ric, but I'm not Mr. Hall LOL
Mitch(again) - I just read the thread on the Rickenbacker.com site. It's taken a little bit out of context.
Someone asked why don't they make a Capri-style body with a 660 style neck. Mr. Hall was responding to that. Point being that they're selling the heck out of the guitars, why mess with success?
That would not preclude adding another bass to the lineup. The CSII should be interesting (whoops, I let the cat out of the bag)ha ha
It will be a 4004 style body with dot neck and the 4004 tuners. The body hardware will feature the brand new design tailpiece bridge with a pair of hi gains and a traditional pick guard and treble pickup surround with cover.
Early next year, the end of 4003 production will be announced and the the model 4006 will be introduced.
Features will include a 4004 style body in a maple / walnut sandwich construction, shark fin neck inlays, new style CB binding and all of the goodies from the 4008