NAMM

[atomic_punk]

Remember how excited we used to get around here during NAMM week?

[sloop_john_b]

I feel your pain, Steve. The years when they introduced Blue Boy and Blueburst, I was glued to the computer during NAMM weekend, desperate for pictures and info! We've just gotta give 'em time to reduce that backlog.

Anyway, I'm still excited around NAMM time, but for other brands. Did'ja see those Sonic Blue Musicman basses?

[86kubicki]

Did'ja see those Sonic Blue Musicman basses?

[cheyenne]

I didnt want to jump on that boat, ...but... I've been seeing ALOT of cool stuff from MM.

[s4001]

Anyway, I'm still excited around NAMM time, but for other brands. Did'ja see those Sonic Blue Musicman basses?

Yep. The retro white pickup cover was neat. I'm glad they've got gloss necks, too. I tried the neat pointy bass they have with three pickups, but was disappointed in the few usable tones I could get out of it. Stingray is still their king.

[cassius987]

EBMM is pumping out some cool stuff now, definitely. Regardless, I'm glad RIC decided to just focus on the bread-and-butter. I think it's probably a more sustainable option, in terms of getting out from under the backlog, than trying to introduce yet another new iteration of the RM1999 for a few years.

[atomic_punk]

I DID see the MM stuff....great stuff! Makes me almost want to buy another 'Ray, but no 5vers in that bunch, so it is a little easier to resist.

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing, how excited I was to see the COY and what it was going to be, it was an exciting time! Just was missing all of that

[jps]

I didnt want to jump on that boat, ...but... I've been seeing ALOT of cool stuff from MM.

I played a Big Al at the Markbass booth. Interesting bass with the "radio" buttons for the pickups.

[nukebass]

I feel your pain, Steve. The years when they introduced Blue Boy and Blueburst, I was glued to the computer during NAMM weekend, desperate for pictures and info! We've just gotta give 'em time to reduce that backlog.

Anyway, I'm still excited around NAMM time, but for other brands. Did'ja see those Sonic Blue Musicman basses?

I've got no dog in this fight anymore, but five years seems pretty reasonable to reduce a back log. By the same token, Fender always introduces variations on the same guitar (how many different Strats and Teles are on the market?). Imagine if RIC modified the 330 a little every year and introduced it as a new model line. I could see where that would get a little annoying.

Their current line up is pretty comprehensive, I think. They cover the vintage vibe market well and have a handful of more modern models. You have a few color options and don't get bogged down in random options. It would be nice to see some new RIC ideas come to market, but I don't think it would be such a bad thing if they decide to mostly maintain the current lineup even when the back log gets reduced.
Just my opinion

[VRICKY63]

The BIG AL just flat works for me. Wish I had the $$$$. That is one killer bass !!!!!

[cheyenne]

+1 on the Big Al..

[cassius987]

I've got no dog in this fight anymore, but five years seems pretty reasonable to reduce a back log.

Big company-sized demand + small family-owned company not looking to expand = pretty severe backlog.

[ilan]

Fender always introduces variations on the same guitar (how many different Strats and Teles are on the market?).

Leo Fender named the ASAT guitar as an acronym, Another Strat, Another Tele.

Speaking of Fender, here is something very un-Fenderly that their Custom Shop built for a celebrity customer.

[turlu]

You must admit that in these days and ages, any company must develop and be innovative in order to survive. It is rather interesting to see Ric posting that they have nothing new to offer, in a plain and simple writing !!!! I agree they must reduce the backlog and I also agree they should not increase production over quality of the products. They are indeed in a position that many companies out there would like to be !!!

[sloop_john_b]

I DID see the MM stuff....great stuff! Makes me almost want to buy another 'Ray, but no 5vers in that bunch, so it is a little easier to resist.

Actually, they're making the "Classic" Stingray as a 5'er and a Sterling as well!