An E-Mail I sent to Rickenbacker

kbhag · Post by **kbhag** » Fri Dec 10, 2004 5:39 am

I just wanted to share this with everyone. I hope others feel the same as I do.

Hello,

I’ve written to you in the past concerning your product offerings. At present, you do not offer any “Vintage Series” bass. I’ve seen the C64 and don’t like it. The upside down headstock feature is un-attractive. As the New Year is approaching, I would like to encourage you to market at least one Vintage style bass. I would like to give you my thoughts:

Bring back the 4001 V63
Offer a limited edition 4001 “Rose Morris” 1999 Bass with finger rest! (in fireglo only)
Offer a 1963 type 4000 bass.
Offer a 1968 type 4001 with the checkerboard binding/horseshoe/toaster. (Include a finger rest)
Custom Shop basses to include certain features, CS neck profile, 4000 body, checkerboard binding etc.

I offer you my thoughts because I’ve been searching the used market for a V63. After careful consideration I refuse to pay a premium for a used instrument that could be available as new. Clearly there is a market for this type of guitar. It’s my hope Rickenbacker will be able to fill the need.

Respectfully,

Kenneth

henny · Post by **henny** » Fri Dec 10, 2004 5:59 am

Sounds alright to me, you're well within reason as a Ric player + customer to voice your opinions.

However, as much as I share your sentiment - I don't think it'll come to any avail...

..YET, at least. I give the c64 FOUR more years of production, until sales become so dry that they need to revert to another V-series bass that will supplement the steady 4003 sales. Only then will they think about what to do.

In my opinon of course.

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Fri Dec 10, 2004 6:10 am

Ric has a substantial investment in the C64 bass ... they will keep making them and selling them for a while to recoup that investment ...

the v63 is a nice bass it would be nice to see new ones made again ...

ya I like that finger rest too ... I am going to have a few of those made and put them on some of my 5 string ric basses ...

I don't think you will see 4000 single pickup basses made again ... pretty much any 4001/4003 becomes essentially a 4000 bass with a flip of the toggle ...

a v68 bass with checkered binding and the finger rest and a nice slim strong neck ... I like that option ... but I'm not sure ric will do that ... and if they did it would be costly ...

if they do bring back the v63 it will probably cost more than it used to ...

I don't think John Hall wants ric to do custom shop work ... the wait time is already long enough for new instruments and that would make it longer ...

hey we can dream and ask for cool stuff ...

I'd like to see a bass with the 620/650 body shape ...

philipharris · Post by **philipharris** » Fri Dec 10, 2004 6:56 am

I'm a C64 fan, and apart from the headstock issue it really is a superb bass. I'm acquiring a V63 next week so will have the chance to compare. However, much as I agree with your sentiments on vintage options - particularly re a "V99RM" - I very much doubt it'll fly commercially for JH. WE can dream, I suppose.

Anyone know/guess the sales of C64s, as against V63s, per year? I have never seen a C64 in use (apart from me!) and have only seen one in a dealer over here in the UK.

bottom4 · Post by **bottom4** » Fri Dec 10, 2004 7:41 am

Ric has a substantial investment in the C64 bass ...

I know that RIC has made that statement referring to the tooling required to produce this bass. I wonder why that is. I've played a C64 before and for the record really thought it was a great bass, but I haven't had the opportunity to have one side by side to my V63. With the exception of the headstock - which is just a left handed headstock and I guess the electronics(?). Aren’t they same bass - an S series bass - no?

incubus2432 · Post by **incubus2432** » Fri Dec 10, 2004 8:40 am

I would love to see a "custom shop" option but I can't see it happening....especially with the long waits on production instruments.

Just to have a "checkerboard binding" or "hardware reverse" option would thrill me

mmmmmmm......non-yellowing white with checkerboard binding and chrome hardware....I'd order two.....mmmmmmm

jnbass · Post by **jnbass** » Fri Dec 10, 2004 9:04 am

while we're deaming, and since Mr Pappas will probably never sell me his 4005, bring back the 4005 FG!

jnbass · Post by **jnbass** » Fri Dec 10, 2004 9:05 am

oops-dreaming, not deaming.

Lousy MS keyboard!

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Fri Dec 10, 2004 9:12 am

thast oh k i dohnt tipe 2 gud either

henny · Post by **henny** » Fri Dec 10, 2004 9:24 am

Thanks Jwr2, reminds me of the infamous AOL-er translator!

http://ssshotaru.homestead.com/files/aolertranslator.html

henny · Post by **henny** » Fri Dec 10, 2004 9:25 am

Or, should I say:

"THX JWR2 REMINDS ME OF DA INFMOUS AOL-AR TRANSLA2R!!!11 OMG LOL"

Hah, cool.

kbhag · Post by **kbhag** » Fri Dec 10, 2004 10:38 am

I would like to keep my thoughts in a positive vein. The market for 4000/4001 type basses must be narrow. I understand that every change a manufacturer makes to their product costs money. However, EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN!!! Very soon the live music scene is going to EXPLODE again, Guitar, Bass and Drums will be the foundation instruments and Rickenbacker really has an opportunity to get in on the ground floor (again!) The classics never get old. Really, if the market is as limited as I believe it is, custom options would be the way to go, just offer the things we all know would be asked for: Checkered Binding, Dot necks, Horseshoe PU's, Toasters, Slim Necks, (CS Profile?), Factory Original Thumb rests, Walnut wings and offer any paint finish previously done by Rickenbacker. I don't feel that long waiting times would be a factor for the customers that would take advantage of such an opportunity.

Kenny

bottom4 · Post by **bottom4** » Fri Dec 10, 2004 11:17 am

Checkered Binding, Dot necks, Horseshoe PU's, Toasters, Slim Necks, Factory Original Thumb rests, Walnut wings

I take all of the above - nice choices Kenny!

cheyenne · Post by **cheyenne** » Fri Dec 10, 2004 11:46 am

I like the look of the V63 better than the C64, but until I actually see and play a C64 in person, I cant honestly draw any conclusions on it. They seem very nice though.

I agree with the frustration involving limited "vintage choices" of basses. Just look at the available "V" selection of guitars.

ricosound · Post by **ricosound** » Fri Dec 10, 2004 12:17 pm

Scott, this is a good point. I visited one of the few Rickenbacker dealers for new gear in town a while back and they were not well versed in basses; with none in stock. The literature on hand spoke little of basses. I have an older Rick Vintage catalog with lots of guitars, and the V63 listed as the only bass. Maybe there's more call for guitars by volume or one model bass does it all. Think of the days when 4000, 4001, 4002, 4005, 3001, 2030, many I forget, all available at the same time.