Lack of New Product - Enthusiasm Diminished?

stringsncords · Post by **stringsncords** » Mon Feb 28, 2011 3:51 pm

I've been a member of the forum for a few years now, and I've noticed that the forum doesn't seem to be as busy as it used to be.....is the fact that there isn't any "new business" to talk about lately affecting your enthusiasm? Was NAMM a disappointment? Do you think that a forum like ours is a transient kind of thing? Is everyone out gigging? Would some new models and colors get everyone talking again? Or is it simply a down economy putting a damper on RAS?

The factory seems to be doing just fine, and there seems to be more inventory of instruments out there, so it's all apparently good in Rick world....

Just curious.

weemac · Post by **weemac** » Mon Feb 28, 2011 5:56 pm

I don't think anyones enthusiasm is diminished as such..
I think that everyone has just worked that the factory is just doing what it is doing and will release new suprises when it is ready.
There have been some subtle things that have happened though... The narrowing of the 4004 necks has got a lot of folks interested in that model.

On the downside, what may have made a difference is that most folks have a distinct lack of funds and prices have dropped on the used market. Great value that few can afford...

Emac.

elreydlp · Post by **elreydlp** » Mon Feb 28, 2011 7:56 pm

I've noted the same malaise on some other guitar discussion Forums. Other theories have been posited-Facebook has taken over for example. I think the state of the economy mentioned here is one aspect, and the frightful winter weather over most of the nation recently certainly contributes. I think we'll be back to normal come April or May.

Ric_MEL · Post by **Ric_MEL** » Mon Feb 28, 2011 8:08 pm

I would think a combination of all of the above.

There is a static supply of Rickenbacker product that we love.

Nothing new maybe... , but I've learned in my short time here on the forum.. that is part of the equation in how RIC has managed to keep a great guitar available for 60 years.. , at a very reasonable price given the quality, and keep the legend alive ( especially in tough economic times as these ) -- it's the other side of the same coin is- no new product. .just for the sake of "something new" which could present a burden to mfr and market.

I would be perfectly happy to own more of the guitars they currently produce.. so: I already have numerous acquisitions in the queue. .just waiting for me to be able to afford it.

Enthusiasm likely is not down.. there just aren't as many RIC enthusiasts..or as much variation to discuss.

I hear you though on , dreaming about " what could be ".. given that I'm coming from ( and continue to have ) a love affair with the Telecaster. It's available in every combination of: wood, color, fretboard, frets, tuners.. pickups, pots, switches, binding, bridge - and on and on. Great fun to discuss and compare the myriad of options..

Mark

rickenbrother · Post by **rickenbrother** » Mon Feb 28, 2011 8:35 pm

I think it's the economy that has taken the greatest impact on the forums. It used to be every day, several guys would score a guitar. It ain't like that right now, hasn't been in a while! Like other have said, there are diversions like Facebook, Twitter and several interactive virtual world sites.

larsongs · Post by **larsongs** » Mon Feb 28, 2011 9:38 pm

Are most Ric buyers older & have more $$$ to spend on dream Guitars than younger players? Do young players buy Ric's or less expensive Fenders, Epi's etc.?

Glenn

shamustwin · Post by **shamustwin** » Mon Feb 28, 2011 10:22 pm

I'm working more. Not a lot of computer time. Putting money into long-postponed home repairs. Dying to buy a few (more) Ricks.

8mileshigher · Post by **8mileshigher** » Mon Feb 28, 2011 10:40 pm

rickenbrother wrote:I think it's the economy that has taken the greatest impact on the forums. It used to be every day, several guys would score a guitar. It ain't like that right now, hasn't been in a while! Like other have said, there are diversions like Facebook, Twitter and several interactive virtual world sites.

Very insightful.

melibreits · Post by **melibreits** » Tue Mar 01, 2011 12:12 am

I still love my Rics.... but haven't had much to say about them lately, that hasn't already been said. I still pop in here a few times a week, but now that I'm a homeschooling mom, I don't have nearly as much time for chitchat on the forums as I used to have. I guess my only new Ric news is that I've started playing my Ric bass (4001 V63 JG) on my church's worship team, since we've been guitar heavy, but short a bass player... and I'm really enjoying that new challenge. I guess the slow economy could have something to do with people's not posting as much, but for me it is mainly a shortage of time, and not much new to say!

Fretjob · Post by **Fretjob** » Tue Mar 01, 2011 8:48 am

As a newbie (at least to this forum), it appears to be relatively well posted and attended, but for sure most of the wealth of information appears to peak around 2 years ago. Perhaps the longer term posters have nothing new to comment on.

jdogric12 · Post by **jdogric12** » Tue Mar 01, 2011 2:37 pm

Nature's first green is gold...

Clint · Post by **Clint** » Tue Mar 01, 2011 4:42 pm

I think there are two main answers to your question. First, since so many of the members here actually do qualify as Rickenbacker experts, most legitimate questions get answered in the first two or three posts. Secondly, some forums seem to be based mainly on harping and complaining. Maybe we're just better adjusted here.

myfirstrick · Post by **myfirstrick** » Tue Mar 01, 2011 8:20 pm

I'm actually very evolved in several forums. I find this particular forum has the best content with the least amount of "MALARKEY"!! When I need information on anything Ric this is the place to find it. I find the members here are concise and responsive. When talking about available time to dedicate to a forum, I really don't want a bunch of drivel, my opinion. I do like the social aspect, but I have friends, a job, a LIFE, plus unlike some members I still have to practice guitar! Ha ha !

myfirstrick · Post by **myfirstrick** » Tue Mar 01, 2011 8:22 pm

By the way, check my avatar, that's my new " RICKENBARKER!! Cool huh!

Clint · Post by **Clint** » Tue Mar 01, 2011 8:28 pm

BARK ON!!!

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