Luthier for set-up/intonation in San Francisco area??

[pweldon]

Hello people of Ric! This is my first post. I own two Rickenbacker's .. a 330/6 FG, and a 360/12 white with black binding and hardware that I just recently purchased. I was wondering if anyone here could recommend a luthier in the San Francisco area to have my 360/12 set-up and intonated? I have brought it to a couple of shops (I will not name them for fear of getting flamed), but at both places I got the distinct feeling that they were not particularly fond of Rickenbackers for one reason or another. I found myself defending my guitars, saying: "well, I like my Ric quite a lot". I'd feel more comfortable bringing the guitar to someone who can not only appreciate the instrument, but also might have some experience with them and 'want' to work on the instrument.

If anyone has a shop in the area, or single luthier that they would recommend, I would greatly appreciate any/all suggestions.

Thanks much.

[egosheep]

Hey Peter, welcome to the RRF!

Peter's a friend of mine, and I told him he should join up here. Hopefully someone can recommend someone reputable!

[jps]

Hopefully someone can recommend someone reputable!

There is this guy in the SF area, I think his name is Paul Villsinki, or something like that, who has a bit of experience with Ricks.

[Ric_MEL]

First off.. that seems to be kind of a familiar response at a mainstream guitar shop/luthier. Rickenbackers represent an unfamiliar chore for them.

I'm in Portland, OR. I called one of the most highly referred shops in the area < nameless > .. youda thunk I had the plague..

You're in luck tho: You have one of the most highly acclaimed RIC luthiers - anywhere - right in your back yard ( depending on exactly where in the Bay Area you are.)

He's a forum member here: jingle_jangle is his forum ID.. He's Paul Wilczynski ( has his own forum here at RRF -- Reflections of a Curmudgeon: by Paul Wilczynski )

If he has time.. he'd be the guy to go to! I wish he was here in the Portland Area!

Mark

[Kilaen]

I think we all wish Paul was in our backyards...

[pweldon]

Hey, thanks for the replies. I did try to contact Paul. I will try again, as he sounds like the person to go to. Here's to hoping he has the time.

Cheers!

Peter

[jps]

I think I just saw a bald headed guy in my back yard climbing over the fence.

[egosheep]

I think I just saw a bald headed guy in my back yard climbing over the fence.

Was he taking a Ric out of the yard, or bringing one back?

[pweldon]

Thanks for all the replies. I did get in touch with Paul, and will be taking my guitar to him in the next couple/few days. I gather it will be much happier upon return.

Cheers!

Peter

[jps]

Glad to hear this, Peter.

[simer4001]

First off.. that seems to be kind of a familiar response at a mainstream guitar shop/luthier. Rickenbackers represent an unfamiliar chore for them.

I'm in Portland, OR. I called one of the most highly referred shops in the area < nameless > .. youda thunk I had the plague..

You're in luck tho: You have one of the most highly acclaimed RIC luthiers - anywhere - right in your back yard ( depending on exactly where in the Bay Area you are.)

He's a forum member here: jingle_jangle is his forum ID.. He's Paul Wilczynski ( has his own forum here at RRF -- Reflections of a Curmudgeon: by Paul Wilczynski )

If he has time.. he'd be the guy to go to! I wish he was here in the Portland Area!

Mark

Mark, I live in Idaho and Paul has ton a ton of work for me. Don't let the miles deter you from contacting him.

[rickenbrother]

Don't let the miles deter you from contacting him.

+1!

[s4001]

I think I just saw a bald headed guy in my back yard climbing over the fence.

Was he taking a Ric out of the yard, or bringing one back?

A Ric Santa Claus...?