Rickenbacker Misconceptions

admin · Post by **admin** » Thu Mar 04, 2004 3:36 pm

Misconception #1 "Rickenbacker guitars are made in Germany." Doh!

While this is understandable, based on the name and the fact that most people know John Lennon got his Rickenbacker in Germany, it is amazing how many guitar enthusiasts I talk to are unaware that Rickenbackers are made in the USA.

jps · Post by **jps** » Thu Mar 04, 2004 3:42 pm

I think the fact that most folks first learned about Rickenbacker because of the Beatles, they think they are made in England or somewhere in Europe.

kennyhowes · Post by **kennyhowes** » Thu Mar 04, 2004 9:33 pm

#2: How to pronounce the name. (See other threads for further discussion.)

bruceglaser · Post by **bruceglaser** » Fri Mar 05, 2004 3:06 am

A very good friend is a semi-pro musician. Runs a recording studio out of his house and uses a borrowed 360/12 on many sessions. He thought Ricks came from England too. His frame of reference, like mine, goes back to February of 1964.

admin · Post by **admin** » Fri Mar 05, 2004 4:29 am

Kenny: Can you say "Knickerbocker?" Sorry I seem to have a "one track mind" and please don't tell me this is a pack of "lies."

spencer · Post by **spencer** » Fri Mar 05, 2004 4:50 am

#3: Rickenbackers are no good for playing leads.

(shut up and suck a strat)

rick12dr · Post by **rick12dr** » Fri Mar 05, 2004 6:07 am

Back in the mid 60s, our local dealer for Ricks, B-Sharp music[yes, the same place that gave Harrison his 2nd Rick 12] used to BS anyone who asked where Ricks were made by saying, and I quote," Only 2[Two???] places in the world, Melbourne, Australia, and Wilshire, England".The constant local banter slamming Ricks was, "all their necks warp, and they sound tinny"....

eatswodo · Post by **eatswodo** » Fri Mar 05, 2004 7:22 am

#4: Rickenbackers all have very skinny necks.

big_g · Post by **big_g** » Fri Mar 05, 2004 7:44 am

#5. All electric Ric guitars are short scale.

jnbass · Post by **jnbass** » Fri Mar 05, 2004 7:45 am

#6: You have to wait a year to get a 4004/5Cii

doctorwho · Post by **doctorwho** » Fri Mar 05, 2004 8:20 am

#7 You can't get the Rickenbacker jingle-jangle out of high-gain pickups.

My 1981 460 BG with high gains is equal to my 1984 325v59 in pegging the intro to "I Don't Want To Spoil The Party"! A guitarist formerly in one of the groups I practice with complained that the 460 was too trebly!

philco · Post by **philco** » Fri Mar 05, 2004 6:49 pm

RIC could easily put an end to the confusion as to where Rickenbackers are made and end the lie that Rickenbackers can't play hard rock lead by coming out with a special model of the 650D called......The Californicator.

squirebass · Post by **squirebass** » Sat Mar 06, 2004 4:24 am

What would that be Phil, a Jetglo guitar, with black parts and skull and crossbones inlays? ;~)
Gnarly Dude!!!!

dave4004 · Post by **dave4004** » Sat Mar 06, 2004 6:15 am

If Ric did that, Ed Roman would be thrilled and give Ric a six-star rating. Maybe even seven.

philco · Post by **philco** » Sat Mar 06, 2004 7:19 am

Model 650T in all Jetglo finish, including fretboard, all chrome hardware with a stylized chrome Rickenbacker logo/lightning bolt truss rod cover (Rickenbolt), a chrome metal lower horn extension (so it doesn't slip off your leg when you are stoned), and a "Schwarzenegger & Crossbones" inlay at the 12th fret (in chrome, with chrome crossbone inlays at other positions). Get Arnold to do an ad campaign: "The Californicator, first choice of every hard rock Terminator". Say it with an Arnold accent.