Rickenbacker guitar production.

[fireglo67]

OK, let me start by saying that I know very little about the actual manufacturing process of guitars.

I would guess that over the years, as technology has progressed, that Rickenbacker has embraced some of this technology and changed the way that their guitars are produced.

From what I can gather, to speed up production (Hooray!) Rickenbacker are using CNC machines to do a lot of the work, was this work done by hand in the past, or has it always been done by some type of machine?
I know that different woods produce different tones, and even the same types of wood are never identical when it comes to the actual sound of a guitar. But does the way that a guitar is actually made have a huge bearing on the sound and tone of the finished article?
Would a guitar made completely by hand have a better sound and tone than a guitar mainly made by a computer controlled machine, or does it make little difference?
Do you think the fact that Rickenbacker are slightly changing their manufacturing processes will have any bearing on the value of older guitars made in the 'old way'?
I would guess that in theory using CNC machines would mean that there is less room for 'Human error' and so more of the guitars reach the end of the production line, but does taking away some of the human influence also take away some of the individual nuances attributed to a hand built guitar?

Views and comments appreciated.

[beatlefreak]

The CNC machines roughly shape the bodies and necks. Everything else is done by hand, IIRC. The rough shaping has alway been done by machine, but it was not alway computer controlled (obviously).

How a guitar is made does affect the sound onf the guitar. Thinner vs. thicker tops and sides, hollow vs. semi-hollow vs. solid are all going to affect the tone and sustain a guitar has. Some differences will make a big change in tone, others not so much. I doubt that the difference between a CNC cut guitar and one that wasn't would make any difference. As Rickenbacker instruments are largely hand made, I don't think that production differences over the years will affect value.

[fireglo67]

Thanks for that.

So all the individual componants are cut by machine, then assembled, sanded, and then painted/sprayed by hand?

Wow, no wonder there is such a back log.

If Ric need any more hands on deck, I'm pretty nifty with a G clamp and a glue gun!

[deaconblues]

Older Ricks can look a bit different compared to post-CNC Ricks, as this crude comparison shot shows:

untitled copy.jpg

[collin]

Older Ricks can look a bit different compared to post-CNC Ricks, as this crude comparison shot shows:

untitled copy.jpg

Ah, yes- you are right. Especially the sharp angles on the "ramp". Still pretty close though, I guess.

[johnallg]

Rob, the CNC machines are now routing what used to be done with a jig and a person moving the jig and wood through the router.

[fireglo67]

Rob, the CNC machines are now routing what used to be done with a jig and a person moving the jig and wood through the router.

Do we know when the CNC machines were first introduced, and what percentage of the guitar is made by automated machine and what percentage by hand?

The differences in the 360's that Dan posted are very interesting. And those 'nuances' of slight variation in design from guitar to guitar are probably gone forever now that the CNC machines are replicating each new guitar identically to the last.

I think that's where a lot of the charm of those really early Rics lie, those 'quirky' differences of the pre-computer era.

I suppose that using CNC machines opens up new possibilties for Rickenbacker in that a major part of the guitar could be produced 'elsewhere' and maybe then shipped and finished in Santa Ana? That way Rickenbacker could boost production further still whilst still keeping on top of quality control.

[deaconblues]

A few months ago Olivia's had a silver 360 that was shaped pretty dramatically different than a modern one.

JH has stated that he wants to keep Rickenbacker production and jobs in the USA.

[johnallg]

Rob, not sure when RIC started with the CNC routing of the bodies, bass wings, necks, and fretboards. It has been a while now, like a decade(??) - anyone jump in here who knows for sure.

330 Bodies (800 x 600).jpg

Fretboard Routing.jpg

Bass Bodies.jpg

[fireglo67]

I've got a 1998 330/6 Fireglo and I would love to know if it was made in the old or new way.

[1965]

Older Ricks can look a bit different compared to post-CNC Ricks, as this crude comparison shot shows:

Wow, that's a big difference in the ramps!

[fireglo67]

Older Ricks can look a bit different compared to post-CNC Ricks, as this crude comparison shot shows:

Wow, that's a big difference in the ramps!

And look at the postioning of the 'sound hole'!

[Clint]

Older Ricks can look a bit different compared to post-CNC Ricks, as this crude comparison shot shows:

untitled copy.jpg

I've seen just as much variation between newer CNC routed guitars as in this, admittedly crude, example. I think the sharpness/roundness of the edges depends more on the sanding than how the wood was roughed out.

[johnallg]

One indicator of when the CNCs went online could be the late 80s-early 90s larger upper bout wing on the 4003 basses going back to the smaller correct profile. In 1994(??) when they went smaller again could indicate CNC routing of the wings. Someone jump in here with fact and save me from making more of a fool of myself!!

[jps]

Someone jump in here with fact and save me from making more of a fool of myself!!

Not I!