Fantasy RICkenball: 4003S

[cassius987]

i like the stripped down 4001s type and love the big clunky hardware. if you strip it down too much and have small hardware, i find it too bare.

I can definitely see where you're coming from. Ergonomics are the main reason I'd want the changes.

[rickenbrother]

I don't want this thread to be an implicit statement that I think RIC is doing something wrong, or that I know better how they should run their business.

So far, I don't think that's the case here. I think it's fine to have a fantasy instrument. The fact that you'd like it to be a Rickenbacker is a compliment to RIC. I'd love to see a checkered binding option for the bass guitars. I'd also love to see a hybrid 4001S/4004Cii, (4 & 5 string versions) which would have the '70's S style body wings, but still have the maple/walnut/maple sandwich. It would have three pickups, the neck pickup just like it is in the 4004's now and the other two pickups in the 4002 configuration. Maybe go for full width inlays and a 4003 tailpiece on it as well.
Being that, I know it would be tough for RIC to add more models and options due to the capacity of the factory and the large backorder. Like JH says in the new RIC video, he likes to take a hands on approach and oversee the guitar building. More models might need a bigger facility, but where? SoCal is one of the most expensive areas of the USA, so moving he factory to a bigger facility somewhere in the area would most likely mean higher costs and I highly doubt JH would want to move the factory far from home. If he moves the factory a considerable distance from where it is, that might be tough for some of the employees to commute to. Some people would be forced to leave their job. Having to retrain a group of new employees would slow things considerably down at first. I've been through the factory a few times. The employees seem like they enjoy working there.
Other than Paul W building the acoustics, the Halls are not going to outsource any guitar building. With the exception of Paul W's work, any guitar building that is not overseen by John and Ben would not be Rickenbackers.

[cjj]

I'd like to see them reintroduce the 4002. And they could open a new factory here in Montana!



Hey, a guy can dream can't he???

[rickenbrother]

IHey, a guy can dream can't he???

Yeah, just keep dreaming on!

[cjj]

Don't worry, I will. Always have and will continue. Hey, sometimes things actually work out...

[Ivan3000]

Us Rick fanatics may like them, but I'm not sure if the general public would, plus...that would probably smite any Vintage RI from ever coming out again because people would just do mods. I would keep the original tailpeice, though.

[rickenbrother]

Hey, sometimes things actually work out.

Yeah, like you're likely gonna get plenty of bitter cold temps and snow this winter.

[ken_j]

... And they could open a new factory here in Montana! ...

It would be easier to add a second shift.

[cjj]

Hey, sometimes things actually work out.

Yeah, like you're likely gonna get plenty of bitter cold temps and snow this winter.

Nah, that was where I lived a year ago. It hardly ever gets below -20F here, unlike the rather common -40 we got there... for the HIGH!

[rickenbrother]

Nah, that was where I lived a year ago. It hardly ever gets below -20F here, unlike the rather common -40 we got there... for the HIGH!

Hey we woke up to mid to uppers 30's a few times in So Cal last week. BRRRRR! As you know, that's almost like being up in the tundra for the average So Cal person. I don't think I could ever live in NYC ever again during the winter after being in So Cal for several years.