Mastery Bridge for Rickenbackers in the works

[godber]

I'm posting from my phone; can someone post the "Argument Clinic" clip? Thx.

[johnhall]

When Rickenbacker claims the same thing, people rush in to say how great of an idea it is.

I don't see any particular support of the negativity observed in what I posted except for a minor opinion regarding the aesthetics. While I see several things that could prove to be problematic, I did say that I would withhold my opinion until I actually saw and had experience with one.

I also have some opinions about their business plan and choice of markets, but then I've already said I'm no longer sharing my thinking here so 'nuff said. I guess that will preclude me from ever stating here my withheld opinion too, positive or negative, won't it?

[Grey]

I also have some opinions about their business plan and choice of markets, but then I've already said I'm no longer sharing my thinking here so 'nuff said. I guess that will preclude me from ever stating here my withheld opinion too, positive or negative, won't it?

That's your choice, John. I would think that with all your years of business experience you would be used to both the negative and positive side of expressing an opinion. I'm not sure if you're trying to make me feel guilty by implying that you will refrain from sharing your insight with other members of the forum in the future (which seems silly since that is only going to hurt the people who were being positive about it) but I respect your feelings.

My posts have clearly upset John and another member at a time when everyone should be enjoying the Holidays so I will refrain from posting in this thread from here on. I can be contacted via PM should anyone wish to continue.

[jwoodland]

Jesus people it's just a guitar bridge!

First off, Mr. Hall, I greatly admire you and your company and I think it would be great if Ric created a micro department at the factory and started machining metal. It would benefit everyone. I also wish we would have interviewed you for the "Story of Paul Bigsby" book I worked on with Andy Babiuk. If there's a revision I'm calling you... and btw I love my new 660 I bought this year. Great work.

I offer a different option. It's not intended to replace the wheel, it's just an option for some that I have multiple patents on... so whatever Ric, or Fender, or whoever does it won't be like my design. Keep in mind I'm also very traditional when it comes to guitars and have studied them extensively... be it the 15,000 or so I've repaired as a professional full-time luthier the last 20+ years, historical work on Paul Bigsby, http://www.northstreetattic.com, the guitars I've designed for C.F. Martin, etc. I know guitars well. It's all I've ever done. For work, my life. I breathe guitars and I like to think I'm good at product design. MB has taken over my career but I still repair for Wilco and Sean Lennon, only because I enjoy working on guitars. If you don't like my product that's fine too. There's over 10,000 users of my saddle design at this point and millions have heard guitars played on this bridge live and in countless recordings, in case anyone is counting. It works... but it's new to people that have mostly focused on Ric guitars their whole life and I get that. I just want to offer an option and let USERS chime in and say what they feel about it. I don't like being on forums and I hate to say it but you won't see me on here much. But I listen to people and am still a student of the guitar... every luthier is. I don't like talking about electric guitar tonal differences on forums or the mastery site, because guitars are an eclectic experience and unique to the individual. The one thing I do tell people when they ask is what Bill Frisell told me about what the Mastery Bridge has done for him, and that is "it accentuates what is already good about the guitar." I've never used the word "sustain," I hate that word. The response I've gotten from customers so far on the Ric bridge has been great, and I look forward to hopefully making the world a better place, one guitar at a time.

Happy Holidays.

JW

[jwoodland]

A few videos of the offset bridge to check out as well... hope to have some M5 ones soon:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp1AIh2DkI0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABcQEpWL ... r_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgXM_x7l ... r_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06noANJ7rzs

[walker]

You few guys sure know how to take something positive, turn it into a negative, and then grind it to the ground. I guess instead of sharing the future and some of our thinking with members of the RRF, we'll just keep our mouths shut.

On the tip of concentrating on the positive and shelving the negative, remember that the majority of the people partaking in this thread are excited about this news and any other future updates you care to hip us to, John. I think it's safe to say that the majority of us here appreciate your input, especially when you flash us a tidbit of something so embryonic in it's phase that you haven't established a release date yet. People need to understand that there can be many phases in product development, a series of prototypes, design updates and improvements through the testing process. It's unrealistic to demand proof of intent at this phase. So keep up the good work, water off a duck's back, one foot in front of the other and so forth.

[admin]

We come together here for the greater good of talking about the guitar we love - Rickenbacker. In this endeavour, as with most things passionate, we often hold strong opinions about the way things have been, the way things are or the way they might be. These discussions often appear more intense against the backdrop of the holidays - a time when we wish the very best for one another and when disagreement can be viewed as unsavoury. To every season there is a thing. Before I dismiss any point of view different from my own I am reminded that I had the freedom to express my ideas in the first place and to share in the creative thought provided by another. I have tried to take neither of these precious gifts for granted as so very many have been denied the opportunity. Long may you all enjoy good health and the joy of being with those you love for that is what light's the morning star. There is nothing we can't accomplish when joining with one another.

[electrofaro]

You few guys sure know how to take something positive, turn it into a negative, and then grind it to the ground. I guess instead of sharing the future and some of our thinking with members of the RRF, we'll just keep our mouths shut.

Aww, come-on John, because of a few limes between the oranges, doesn't mean we're all sour limes. Throwing a box of oranges away because there's one lime in there would be a waste!

[jdogric12]

Did somebody say "orange?"







Thread officially hijacked.

[electrofaro]

No limes there, Jason!

[admin]

Please tell me about the Airedale that appears in the video. If you need a stand in I could send you one!

[jdogric12]

Sorry I work with CGI dogs only! LOL

The "Headin' South" video was directed by RRF member Johnny Stockman in Chattanooga, Tennessee. We had a friend at our local (Tampa, FL) PBS station shoot us in front of an enormous green screen infinity plane (did I get that term right?) and Johnny went to town with the rest. Needless to say we were overjoyed at the result.

[admin]

Well thanks to those who chimed in here to make so lemonade.

[walker]

Sorry I work with CGI dogs only!

Good man!

[collin]

When Rickenbacker claims the same thing, people rush in to say how great of an idea it is.

I don't see any particular support of the negativity observed in what I posted except for a minor opinion regarding the aesthetics. While I see several things that could prove to be problematic, I did say that I would withhold my opinion until I actually saw and had experience with one.

I also have some opinions about their business plan and choice of markets, but then I've already said I'm no longer sharing my thinking here so 'nuff said. I guess that will preclude me from ever stating here my withheld opinion too, positive or negative, won't it?

John, I can't speak for everyone, but I sure appreciate your input here.

Please don't let the petty arguing here stop you from contributing either - push back at the haters!