johnhall wrote:The cat's eye sound hole and the shark fin inlay are characteristics of the Mittenwald School, of which Roger was a graduate, and you can see these designs on guitars made in the 1890's. (The shark fin then was really a rectangle, diagonally bisected into black and white sections, giving the fin shape.)
That's very interesting - I'm convinced I have read that Charvel had to license it for the Surfcaster. I'll have a dig & see if I can find it...
antipodean wrote:Interestingly, my Chandler 555, which predates the controller by many years, has "Authorised by Rickenbacker International Corporation" stamped on the back of the slotted headstock. This generic promo pic tells the story:
I think these, with their pickguard shapes, look much like Paul Barth designed Magnatones, which predate Capris.
Agree 100%. They almost look like they were made from the same patterns! (Which, of course, is not possible...)
Isn't the headstock a la classical guitar that is under RIC license? I think I read that somewhere on the RIC website. Maybe that's what is authorised by RIC.
Uhh, I'm not sure about FredeRICK's of Santa Ana, but I've got a couple of suggestions for additional products, not all music related. Actually, I'm kinda surprised that RIC didn't build/sell the JangleBox, or work with any of their signature artists on a 'learn to play like' series of books, videos, etc. (which would co-promote the brand and the artists).
In my opinion, RIC does wood and finish very, very well. How about other products that would showcase their talents in this area; electric solid (or semi-hollow) violins, stand-up stick basses, (now you're gonna start to laugh) high-end pool cues, pool table cabinetry, piano cabinetry, high-end music boxes.
It would make my life a bit easier if I could say to my wife, "Yeah, I just got a new guitar, but check out this music box I got for you!!! It's FireGlo, just like my guitar! And it plays 'Listen to her Heart', too!" I don't think the thong would quite get the same result.....
beatbyrd wrote:Uhh, I'm not sure about FredeRICK's of Santa Ana, but I've got a couple of suggestions for additional products, not all music related. Actually, I'm kinda surprised that RIC didn't build/sell the JangleBox, or work with any of their signature artists on a 'learn to play like' series of books, videos, etc. (which would co-promote the brand and the artists).
In my opinion, RIC does wood and finish very, very well. How about other products that would showcase their talents in this area; electric solid (or semi-hollow) violins, stand-up stick basses, (now you're gonna start to laugh) high-end pool cues, pool table cabinetry, piano cabinetry, high-end music boxes.
It would make my life a bit easier if I could say to my wife, "Yeah, I just got a new guitar, but check out this music box I got for you!!! It's FireGlo, just like my guitar! And it plays 'Listen to her Heart', too!" I don't think the thong would quite get the same result.....
Just the ramblings of a wannbe idea man .....
Rick does everything involved in guitar manufacturing, very well...
For the record, RIC is running at close to max efficiency just working to fill orders and reduce backlog. Over the last couple of years, they've cut back on specials and options and put entire models on hold in aid of this goal. And they should expand a product line into anything not in their line of work? Not likely.
I think it's a sound idea to concentrate on a few models which do well, and work on eliminating the backlog. I doubt anyone here would want see Ric go bust or become just another Fender or Korg brand
'67 Fender Coronado II CAB * '17 1963 ES-335 PB * currently rickless
