News Flash: End of the Line for Three "C" Models???

[sixtwentytwelve]

This news release just posted on January 15 on the official Ric website:

"We will cease taking orders for the following models following the end of the NAMM 2009 tradeshow on January 18th, 2009:

325C58
4001C64
4001C64S

This change is due to the factory already working at 100% capacity, combined with a plan to offer some additional products which might be considered to overlap with these models."

Note that the January 18 cut-off date does not allow much time to scramble in a last-minute order ....

[beatlefreak]

This is already discussed here:
http://www.rickresource.com/phpBB3/view ... 3&t=386448

here:
http://www.rickresource.com/phpBB3/view ... 2&t=386449

and here:
http://www.rickresource.com/phpBB3/view ... 2&t=386454

[s4001]

I played the C64 bass at the booth. Criminey is that one awesome sounding bass!!! Hard to describe, it's like the unleashed Ric beast with sophistication. The headstock was always a put-off for me, but for tone and playablity like that....

[deaconblues]

There's been a lot of talk about the 4001c64 and c64S, but little discussion of the 325c58.

I always saw the 325c58 as the flagship model of the C Series: it came out first, had the most interesting and unique features, and was arguably the most difficult and debated-over reissue that Rickenbacker has ever undertaken.

IMO, the 325c58 was more accurate than the C Series 4001s and generally better-recieved.

So what do you guys think? Is the 325c58 done for? Will it become the next 1997 or 360v64?

[1965]

I always saw the 325c58 as the flagship model of the C Series: it came out first, had the most interesting and unique features, and was arguably the most difficult and debated-over reissue that Rickenbacker has ever undertaken.

Agreed. To me it's the most iconic of the bunch.

[tennis_nick]

I always saw the 325c58 as the flagship model of the C Series: it came out first, had the most interesting and unique features, and was arguably the most difficult and debated-over reissue that Rickenbacker has ever undertaken.

Agreed. To me it's the most iconic of the bunch.

But wasn't it still rather wrong?

[1965]

But wasn't it still rather wrong?

They're all wrong, but it's still the coolest of the series.

[sixtwentytwelve]

Many Ric fans cited the Kauffman Vibrola as the biggest shortcoming of the 325c58 ... historically accurate, but troublesome and promptly junked by John Lennon for a Bigsby. I'm sure I'm dreaming, but a logical next step would be to reissue the 325c58 in MG and JG with a Bigsby, a complete set of the different knob complements that Lennon used (I think it was oven knobs, radio knobs, Hofner knobs, and then Burns knobs?), and perhaps some electronic wizardry under the hood that would make it easy to switch the pickups between factory and Lennon configuration. "Hope springs eternal ...."

[deaconblues]

Many Ric fans cited the Kauffman Vibrola as the biggest shortcoming of the 325c58 ... historically accurate, but troublesome and promptly junked by John Lennon for a Bigsby. I'm sure I'm dreaming, but a logical next step would be to reissue the 325c58 in MG and JG with a Bigsby, a complete set of the different knob complements that Lennon used (I think it was oven knobs, radio knobs, Hofner knobs, and then Burns knobs?), and perhaps some electronic wizardry under the hood that would make it easy to switch the pickups between factory and Lennon configuration. "Hope springs eternal ...."

I'm actually really glad they reissued the guitar as it came from the factory, Kauffman and all - that's what made 325c58s so cool.

All of those parts are available aftermarket for Beatles fans. Releasing a guitar already tricked out like Lennon's just rubs me the wrong way for some reason.

[simer4001]

Note that the January 18 cut-off date does not allow much time to scramble in a last-minute order ....

Why would Sunday be the cut off day?

[jps]

Note that the January 18 cut-off date does not allow much time to scramble in a last-minute order ....

Why would Sunday be the cut off day?

Because Sunday is the last day of NAMM.

[simer4001]

Note that the January 18 cut-off date does not allow much time to scramble in a last-minute order ....

Why would Sunday be the cut off day?

Because Sunday is the last day of NAMM.

So, who is at the factory to take orders?

[jps]

I believe they mean from dealers at the show.

[simer4001]

So...what about the dealers that weren't there? Are they out of luck?

[jps]

Good question!