Have we become jaded?

[winston]

As far as I know there have been no leaks or rumours emanating out of RIC for some time. Perhaps they are going to spring a huge surprise on us. That would be nice.

[rickenbrother]

We'd have to wait until NAMM if there were any surprises.

[egosheep]

Thomas,

Backlog aside for a moment: I will presume that you, like me are not privy to any marketing research to see if re-tooling for an F model guitar is even viable. I would bet however, that RIC has looked at this model at some point in the past and has considered the potential start up costs. If they have indeed considered reintroducing this model, I would suspect that the results were not favourable, otherwise we would have seen some evidence of their resurgence.

This is a general observation and not made to anyone in particular at this juncture: Let's not second guess RIC or try to tell them how to run their business. It never goes over well with their management.

I'm sure you're right, and I'm not second guessing how the company is run. At the same time, what could the harm be of dreaming and discussing the "what if's" and "why not's"? Lot's of us have a wish list of things they would love to see from RIC and other companies as well. It doesn't have to be taken in a negative context, because it isn't intended as a criticism. Although we may not be privy to the inside information that makes or breaks these kinds of decisions, that's also true of world news. We don't always know all the facts, but you can still have a discussion about it.

Sometimes if we start talking about how we wish we could see so-and-so model or such-and-such feature, it's sometimes seen as being critical towards RIC or JH or insensitive to the current backlog situation when in reality these things are just fun to discuss. Maybe they will never happen, but it's just no fun to say "nothing new is going to happen while there is a backlog, so there's not a point in discussing it."

About the F model, I suppose my point was, if it was looked at and there was determined to be no market for it, it would not be produced. And if it was determined that it would be a popular model, it would not be produced, due to an inevitable increase in the backlog. This is the circular dilemma I was referring to, and you can replace "F model" with any number of other things depending on what your preferences are.

[paologregorio]

One can always dream!

Joey's 4004 is awesome! It's amazingly light as a feather, easy to play, and sounds huge! This is coming from a guy who loves the 4001 & 3 basses. The wider, flatter neck shape is pretty cool, easy to play. I'm not wedded to any specific neck shape, so long as it plays nicely.

[winston]

At the same time, what could the harm be of dreaming and discussing the "what if's" and "why not's"? Lot's of us have a wish list of things they would love to see from RIC and other companies as well. It doesn't have to be taken in a negative context, because it isn't intended as a criticism. Although we may not be privy to the inside information that makes or breaks these kinds of decisions, that's also true of world news. We don't always know all the facts, but you can still have a discussion about it.

Providing such a discussion is not argumentative, is not inflammatory and does not break the rules of the forum in any other respect, those of us who manage this board would certainly not have a problem with such an approach.

My comments were and are not intended to stifle discussion. We simply need to be careful to couch our wishes for certain features or products in such a manner that they do not provoke negative responses from our membership.

[electrofaro]

At the same time, what could the harm be of dreaming and discussing the "what if's" and "why not's"? Lot's of us have a wish list of things they would love to see from RIC and other companies as well. It doesn't have to be taken in a negative context, because it isn't intended as a criticism.

Of course we shouldn't forget the recent one-ofs they did - discussing "what if"s might provide them some ideas for more of those.

[jdogric12]

Something to keep in mind: Most of us long time anoraks here ARE NOT RIC'S CUSTOMERS!!! Many of us here are into vintage ones, and yawn at the thought of a 2009 330 FG or a 2010 4003 MID. (Exceptions need not chime in! )

If RIC says the costs aren't worth it, they're right! The one-offs were an excellent way to deal with the very limited demand for something different. Reading this forum definitely skews your view. I'm sure there would be a very limited demand for F's or 4002's or whatever else you could dream up. Just look at how few RRF CD's and calendars get sold! If people won't cough up $20, would they fork over $2000? $3000? $5000? No way Jose!

I have lots of other things going on my life right now that have taken my attention away. I just got married, moved a thousand miles away from my birthplace and home of 32 years, started a new job, and (sadly) had to leave my band behind and start whole new musical projects. So, everyone has their own story. And as has been said here many times before, this forum is more about friends than guitars; I really only stick around to keep up with them. Remember, too, most good things are fleeting!!!

For me, the magic is gone. For someone who just joined and posted how much they love their 2010 360/12 FG, it's definitely still there. And good for them! I was over the moon when I got my first Rick, a 1991 360/12 FG. In 1996.

[nukebass]

I think the increseased availability of guitars at dealers is more an indication of the economy and the increased prices. I know at the current prices, if I was in the market for a new guitar, I wouldn't buy a Rickenbacker.

I don't think it is a bad thing if RIC doesn't introduce anything new at NAMM. There are plenty of models to choose from that would cover most needs. As a consumer, the continued discussion of the backlog is disappointing, especially since we've been hearing it for years, but that's part of life. We choose to buy the products or not. I have probably bought my last (new) one so it doesn't really impact me directly.

[simer4001]

Has the backlog been reduced any?

Apparently. You can actually find Ricks in stock at dealers, so it would seem that at least some headway is being made.

I'm not convinced of this. I have a feeling many people ordered RIC's and then when it came time to purchase them they couldn't afford them. I say this because I know a local dealer here that had a problem with having instruments ordered and then when the instrument was delivered the person couldn't afford the instrument.

[cjj]

Well, that would tend to help with the backlog, wouldn't it? If people stop buying, orders will decrease, and production will catch up with the reduced demand. As I recall, that was part of the reason RIC had a price increase a while back...

[johnallg]

Not jaded, just realistic. Great post, Jason.

[winston]

I bought my first Rickenbacker in 1966. It was a 1961 FG 375 OS. I bought my second one later that year. It was a 1964 FG 360/12 NS. I currently own a number of Rickenbacker guitars and basses.

I am happy to report that the magic is still there for me. They are great instruments.

[simer4001]

Well, that would tend to help with the backlog, wouldn't it? If people stop buying, orders will decrease, and production will catch up with the reduced demand. As I recall, that was part of the reason RIC had a price increase a while back...

I just think that orders are still being placed. Heck, if you have two years to pay for it order as many as you want. Just some dealers have inventory because after the order is filled they aren't being picked up. My point was that I don't think orders have stopped.

What do I know?

[Danotron]

They do surprise us from time to time.

I remember the return to full width inlays. That seemed to come out of nowhere. The first few pictures posted here were very exciting (at least to me) and I remember the first time I saw them in person. I couldn't take my eyes off of them. Same with the thinner, more vintage style headstocks.

I'm primarily a Vintage guy too, but those changes led me to buy a new 360 in 2009. Plus I'm still hopeful the 360c63 6 strings(in Jetglo no less) that appeared in Japan last year (again, I was surprised) might find their way to a few of my favorite stores over here.

I believe we should wait and see what happens before we declare "nothing".

PS.
For the record, I know I would buy a "F" series guitar, so they would for sure sell at least 1.

[winston]

For the record, I know I would buy a "F" series guitar, so they would for sure sell at least 1.

I would be sorely tempted too.