NAMM 2013

[LenMinNJ]

Ben Hall wrote:

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.

Perhaps the Rickenbacker-friendly custom luthiers can fill the gap.

Have you considered a Rickenbacker Custom Shop that allows that handful of independent luthiers to create truly custom Rickenbackers with the factory's approval?

You guys know what guys like Paul and Larry can do, along with a few others. Why not "bless" their custom efforts?

They can keep the collectors and enthusiasts happy. It's a win all around.

[Dom]

Emerging/untapped markets are a good decision in this ecconomic climate. Fill the need first. As much as we all want custom Rickenbackers really how large of a custom market is there? What we fans really need to do is sing their praises everywhere we can, erase the one trick pony stigma, get more recording contracts & get more Rics on stage.

[bitzerguy]

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

Those are prevalent worldwide, not just desert climes.

[johnhall]

Emerging/untapped markets are a good decision in this ecconomic climate. Fill the need first. As much as we all want custom Rickenbackers really how large of a custom market is there? What we fans really need to do is sing their praises everywhere we can, erase the one trick pony stigma, get more recording contracts & get more Rics on stage.

While I understand your good intentions, the reality is that we have more business than we can easily handle and have been quite lucky to be in this position for some years. Honestly, we really don't need anything more than the moderate growth rate that we enjoy.

Unfortunately, many people here simply do not understand what 100% capacity means and the implications thereof in a business. The case for filling in some other important markets, however, is quite compelling for the long term health of the business. A little less in North America (and I think less in England, based upon what I read in this forum) is the right way to go We thought we might bring Australia back online this year as well but that might be optimistic. Anyway, we now have quite simply the best, the most stable, and the most prestigious distributors in all international markets. This will serve us well over the long haul.

[sloop_john_b]

I don't see the need for a Custom Shop when vintage Ricks are still affordable. We're not talking about a '57 Strat here.

[Grey]

It sure would be cool if Rickenbacker could find room to start making amps again... just saying... nevermind...

[johnhall]

It sure would be cool if Rickenbacker could find room to start making amps again... just saying... nevermind...

That's one I can tell you will NEVER happen. It's a different kind of business completely and because they're connected to the power line, carry a very hefty product liability insurance cost. (Most makers run "naked" on this point but quite simply I won't bet my business by not having such insurance.)

Amps are actually much easier to build than guitars but the negatives don't offset the positives.

[collin]

because they're connected to the power line, carry a very hefty product liability insurance cost..

Drats! There goes the 331 reissues.


Very good point though, and to echo John B's statement above -- existing Rickenbacker amps (including vintage with used) are great products, but not exactly expensive, indicating low demand for them. I don't think many of us would realistically even consider amps being produced again.




Ben - thanks for the insight. I think it gives some healthy business perspective for people who may not know the challenges that face your company at present. I think we all have our "dream" reissues or whatnot, but it would be a far bigger disappointment to see the strength of RIC as a company weaken due to the demands of a few of us enthusiasts, rather than what larger markets elsewhere could sustain in the future.

[scotty]

I don't see the need for a Custom Shop when vintage Ricks are still affordable. We're not talking about a '57 Strat here.

Absouletly spot on especially here in the UK as the vintage prices are about par with the new.For example a new C63 is around the £3200 / $5,000 and a 381 is around £3500 / $5500.
I welcome a German/French distributor very much so also.Guitar Guitars Rickenbacker prices have went higher than Irans monkey on a Suborbital Rocket.I mean 4,479.00 / $7,075.80 for a 381 Pfffftttt. Aye ok....
Naturally these figures have nothing to do with RIC i comprehend that it is down to the UK retailer to set the price.

I echo Collins point about weakening due to the demands of a few of us enthusiasts.Lets face it most rickenbacker players are a pain in a r se myself included...

[jdogric12]

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.

+1. I, too, thought your posts in this thread sounded a bit like "neener neener neener," Joey. Plus, a good way to squash the negative talk would have been to post what you knew instead of teasers.

[sloop_john_b]

I think we all have our "dream" reissues or whatnot, but it would be a far bigger disappointment to see the strength of RIC as a company weaken due to the demands of a few of us enthusiasts, rather than what larger markets elsewhere could sustain in the future.

Indeed.

[jdogric12]

hear, hear!

And thanks to Ben for posting a thoughtful meaningful bit of info.

[ajish4]

Freaking guitarists ALWAYS get the new toys!

Actually, I was kinda hoping that 330 SPC would have made it to a production model.
Talk about a VERY sweet looking guitar. IDK where it places with the other RIC guitars, I wouldn't know a 350 from a 310, but THAT SPC just had SOMETHING about it.

IMHO, YMMV, ETC.

Fatman, over & out.

[scotty]

Freaking guitarists ALWAYS get the new toys!

Thats because were better than the bass players

[Grey]

Thats because were better than the bass players

Obviously, we have more strings.