NAMM 2013

[rickyfricky]

Every year the NAMM thread comes along, and every year it gets ugly.

Carry on.

*Reaches for more popcorn*

Well done Rob, I reckon you are just about IBTL

I think this is the first NAMM thread I've commented on, and it's been a whole lot of fun so far (at least for me).

I'm already looking forward to next year's NAMM thread and I have a whole year to think up and execute new projects so there's actually something to discuss as I assume there will again be no new RIC product to talk about given John Hall's video comments.

By the way, as everyone seems very interested in model naming conventions, I am officially designating my two 1993's as model
1993/12SPCED2013WY....snappy eh?

Eddy -- you can make me a 4005 in Eggplant Glo for next year's NAMM thread if you're looking for projects.

I would humbly accept . . .

[k43rover]

Eddy -- you can make me a 4005 in Eggplant Glo for next year's NAMM thread if you're looking for projects.

I would humbly accept . . .

Oh Mama...looks like I've opened Pandora's Box here! Next please as I need to come up with a top 5 short list to discuss with William....

[rickenbrother]

Okay boys, be nice! It would be nice to get back to the NAMM 2013 topic.

What is there to talk about? We covered the 350MC, you told us that wasn't the name of it, didn't follow up, and here we are.

So getting back on track, what's the name of it?

Geez John, with ALLLLLLLL your knowledge of guitars, I figured you'd be one of the first to figure exactly why it's not a 350MC. I'm disappointed in you!

As far as my statement in quotes in concerned, I just wanted the bickering to stop. You guys that want to continue to shoot flames, carry on. It won't be me that gives you the, "Time-out".

[cassius987]

I'm a bit boggled about how badly people want RIC to come up with something else "new" (in the form of... another 1960s reissue) to make them give them more of their money. Not saying it's wrong or right, I just don't get it myself.

[rickyfricky]

I'm a bit boggled about how badly people want RIC to come up with something else "new" (in the form of... another 1960s reissue) to make them give them more of their money. Not saying it's wrong or right, I just don't get it myself.

Excellent point Joshua.

Maybe for me it's about wanting what I can't have . . .

[sloop_john_b]

Geez John, with ALLLLLLLL your knowledge of guitars, I figured you'd be one of the first to figure exactly why it's not a 350MC. I'm disappointed in you!

I wasn't born with knowledge; in fact, I owe most of what I know about Rickenbackers to the members of this very forum, yourself included, who selflessly answered my stupid questions and freely shared information over the past seven years.

For the first time in YEARS, we have a potential new model from RIC that has many of us chomping at the bit for information. It's really cool that your privy to information that the rest of us pissants aren't, but next time, why don't you refrain from gloating about it?

This forum is based on good fellowship, kindness and sharing information.

[rickenbrother]

I gloated about it?! Oh geez! I should have stuck to my guns and never posted any pics.

[RIC_FACTORY]

For what it's worth, we did finally sign on with a full fledged German distributor and transition over from Shinseido to Yamano in Japan which should increase business there. We have also discussed "special" models for France/Benelux since they have been often ignored. I should also point out that things are not entirely smooth with an important distributor in another crucial, but weak, market in Europe these days.

The 350V89 model? Well, the realization that MC has a sig model with someone else came as quite the last minute surprise to us (and was not what we were led to believe). Stay tuned.

I realize that RIC finally penetrating the German market and expanding a bit in the French is of no consequence to the folks that clamor to see a new re-issue or something else entirely new altogether. But, believe it or not, not everybody out there that has ever wanted to play or buy a boring old 330 has done so (you might say that we are still "spreading the gospel.") We are operating a relatively small, family owned manufacturing company based entirely in the USA in one of the most hostile business climates in the world--California. We live under heavy environmental regulations and are now under the shadow of Obamacare. This company has been in business for 82 years and we do what it takes to carry on. In this case, we've determined that expanding our brand into other (foreign) markets is what we need to do to survive. If we have to do that at the expense "new things" for collectors and enthusiasts that are bored with our line, then the criticism we take from folks on this and other forums is the price we have to pay.

[sloop_john_b]

Thanks for the update Ben.

[bitzerguy]

Well spoken Ben. That seems to run in the family! Here's to another 82 plus years through intelligent, well planned moves coupled with the small business/family values you embrace. Many of us appreciate that on a level that cannot be expressed on a forum.

Now about that 350V89... if your looking for someone to sign it... The Dean Signature model. Err... wait...
That guitar is the hottest thing to come from Ric since, well... the new Ruby! Oh yeah, and all those spectacular one offs that keep popping up.
I'm a fan.

[RIC_FACTORY]

The neck is something else, screams 12 string model... I decided to bring it at the last second so the local forum members could check it out and I could get some feedback. I will let them speak to that. Those "MC" models were built in a haste right after Thanksgiving to have done before Christmas and I am extremely proud of the effort our people put forward to meet the deadline.

As much as I would love to leave the monotany of our current lineup and do a proper RM re-issue and perhaps 5 string bass model, I really enjoy the fact that people in previously unserviced regions will finally have access to our guitars. I also look forward to the special models for France and Benelux, we have yet to figure that one out, but once we do, it will happen fast.

[jps]

As much as I would love to leave the monotany of our current lineup and do a proper RM re-issue and perhaps 5 string bass model, I really enjoy the fact that people in previously unserviced regions will finally have access to our guitars.

This is great news!

Belated Happy Birthday, Ben!

[cassius987]

5 string bass model

Cool! Paul W. might have some helpful suggestions after working on my bass.

[epitreture]

We are operating a relatively small, family owned manufacturing company based entirely in the USA in one of the most hostile business climates in the world--California. We live under heavy environmental regulations and are now under the shadow of Obamacare.

RIC would certainly be welcome in Texas, a very friendly business climate.

[johnhall]

RIC would certainly be welcome in Texas, a very friendly business climate.

We've looked there before. Too many rattlesnakes. At least here we can see the two-legged ones crawling up from a distance.