Color of the Year discontinued permanently?

[dustymurphy]

I apologize if this question has already been asked and answered, but I couldn't seem to come up with anything via the search function.

Has the Color of the Year option been discontinued? After the Amber FireGlo option I know John Hall said that he wasn't going to do one for '07 because of the backlog of orders (which I understand, I've had a 660/12 on order since Feb. 2006 from POTR) but I just wondered if it was ever going to be an option again in the future or it was retired permantently.

Thanks!
-Dusty

[ric330]

I can't imagine this would be permenant. I think this actually keeps some collectors in the loop. Sparks interest for those wanting something a little different.
I have a 360 AFG on order and it is one I ordered solely for the reason it is a COTY and I like this particular COTY. I certainly hope this idea is not a thing of the past.
I bet you will see it offered in the future.

[brianeharmonjr]

I believe Ben Hall hinted at the return of a COY for 2009. Do a search on here and on the Rickenbacker corporate forum and you should be able to find it.

[dustymurphy]

I have a 360 AFG on order and it is one I ordered solely for the reason it is a COTY and I like this particular COTY. I certainly hope this idea is not a thing of the past.

I agree with you there. I have a '74 330JG that I got really cheaply at a pawnshop when I was 18 because it was rough shape. But once it was fixed up to a playable level, I loved it. I was planning to get a 12-string model for some time, and assumed I would get FireGlo. Then when the AFG option came up I knew that's what I had to have and I ended up getting one. I love the custom color idea and option for the very reason you mentioned. I'd like to get another 330 someday to retire mine due to it's sentimental value to me at this point. It's been a fine recording and touring guitar, but I'd hate for something to happen to it. I kind of wish I had gotten one in one of the COY options before, but I'm going to hold out at this point until they introduce a new COY just because I like knowing that it's unique. I think AFG is certainly my favorite COY option, and was perfect for my 660, but I'd like to have something else for my 330. What I think would look great on a Rick would be a British Racing Green color with gold plastics. I'm sure somebody's mentioned this before, but I just think it'd make a fantastic looking guitar.

[jch]

I've been thinking the same,only i'm a Gretsch nut, so mine woud be Caddy Green with gold guards

[dustymurphy]

Like the Anniversary model green? That would be mighty sharp too. I've only recently got into Gretsches, they were just out of my price range when I was younger (although I adored them) I bought a 6120DSW with full western appointments last May after lusting for one for years. I'm more of a power-pop player than anything, but there was something about those that struck me hard.

I'm dying for one of those G. Love Corvettes, that are green with the white racing stripe. They're just dynamite looking.

[scott_s]

Pardon me if this is out of place (or out of line), but has Rickenbacker considered hiring more people to deal with the backlog?

- Scott

[beatlefreak]

I believe the plan is to have a COY next year. Of course, this is very much dependant upon a significant reduction of RIC's backlog - Which has resisted attempts (so far) to do just that. That is why additional streamlining of models, another price increase, etc. have been implemented. As far as hiring more workers, it's well documented that the biggest bottleneck is the finishing department - Only so many instruments can be finished each week. And RIC is up against California's stringent pollution standards when it comes to expanding the finish department.

[paologregorio]

Why does it not surprise me that CA doesn't let RIC spray more?! California government is one of the most hostile to business in the country. It's a wonder there are any businesses left in the state.

I'd like to see AZ or BG make a COY appearance, or this green:
http://contests.guitarworld.com/girlspi ... essab1.jpg

I'd like to see more colored finishes in general: Blue boy, Sea Green, AZ, Turq, BG. It would be nice to have some more dramatic finish options than are currently available.

[alanz]

As a native SoCalian and a one time LA basin resident I'm here to tell you I'll take clean air rules over nice guitar finishes any time.

[jwr2]

We are buying too many Rics ... if we all sell one and quit buying more then the backlog will go away ... then Ric can make COY instruments, we will like them and we will buy them then there will be a backlog and they will have to stop making COY instruments again ... damn I'm getting dizzy

[firstbassman]

Pardon me if this is out of place (or out of line), but has Rickenbacker considered hiring more people to deal with the backlog?

- Scott

As you probably recall, JH has commented in the past about the difficulty of maintaining skilled employees in the relatively high cost of living environment around southern California.

And, besides, even with more employees I imagine there’s still a limit of how much output a shop can produce.

[phlemmy]

I don't really care about a COY series, but it would be nice if they started doing trim options again.

[jch]

Dusty, i was thinking more along the lines of the Country Club dark green

I'd love to get one of those someday.

[leftyguitars]

I don't really care about a COY series, but it would be nice if they started doing trim options again.

I don't really care about a COY series, but it would be nice if they started doing lefties again.