The W Series

[cassius987]

I wonder what the chances are that the W Series (or something like it: natural wood, oil finish, possibly atypical woods like walnut) announced at NAMM would become standard line-up. So many of my (bassist) friends who have largely forgotten about RIC went nuts when I told them they could get one of the new models with an oil finish. Apparently in spite of the cost savings oil finish is very appealing to many. What do you all think?

[T28]

I think I have one on order so selfishly don't care if anyone else buys them or not.........

Seriously, JH said initial sales were through the roof but that it would be repeatable sustained orders that would determine whether or not it became a regular product offering. I loved the look, feel and weight of the one I played around with at NAMM. I would assume at worse case it will sound like a 4003 and at best, the sky is the limit. I am excited enough that I broke my rule of no more basses (cause I truthfully have too many already).

[Skiptracer]

I love this series. I'm tempted by the 4003. It looks so good in Walnut and I love the maple board.

[johnhall]

These have sold far beyond our wildest expectations, however, at this point these are all dealer or distributor sales. While it's really gratifying that they've all supported us so enthusiastically, what really matters is how quickly their customers buy the models.

If it was based on the sales so far, we'd be crazy not to keep these in the line. However, much more important is how well the players receive the line and that will push that decision off for awhile. The bass in particular has done very well.

Amazingly for us, first deliveries will begin next week and there are a ton moving through the shop right now. Given the first ordered, first shipped principle we adhere to, the initial shipments will be to four US stores, then Germany, France, and Italy. Then deliveries will again resume into the US and Canada, all small and medium sized dealerships . Asia comes next and finally, Guitar Center will receive shipments against their very large commitment.

[Ontario_RIC_fan]

Well done John! I am pleased that they are selling. They are indeed beautiful....

[johnallg]

Yeah, that is really good. Must be really satisfying to have a successful launch. I would suspect the dealers are in touch with what their customers want/like, so these initial orders should move easily for them. Timing of reorders should be telling.

[manta]

Great looking guitars John. I think you will find many players picking up various "W" series models. This kind of innovation doesn't happen often and people will want at least one of them, be it 6, 12 or bass and the two guitar styles as well, in their arsenal. Thanks for the updates. For the 6/12 models I think players may like the neck action of the oiled wood. Looking forward to getting my 330W when it comes to POTR.

[cheyenne]

So who got the NAMM bass?

[johnhall]

So who got the NAMM bass?

It's off to Germany, along with the rest of the W's, for the Music Messe exhibition in Frankfurt. It will ultimately end up at a store in Germany, Switzerland, or Austria.

[Pearlwhite67]

Any w series on their way to the uk john? 330 in particular.

[johnhall]

Any w series on their way to the uk john? 330 in particular.

YES, absolutely. They're right at the beginning of the list for the 330W and will get their 4003W's right there along with the Germans.

I can also add that Australia is now also on the list for some W Series instruments (along with a nice, wide selection of other goods). However, it could be closer to summer before these filter down to the stores.

[cassius987]

For the 6/12 models I think players may like the neck action of the oiled wood.

I think that, and the oil finished fingerboard, is what's turning my bassist friends on too.

[antipodean]

I can also add that Australia is now also on the list for some W Series instruments (along with a nice, wide selection of other goods). However, it could be closer to summer before these filter down to the stores.

But it is summer down here!

[cjj]

I can also add that Australia is now also on the list for some W Series instruments (along with a nice, wide selection of other goods). However, it could be closer to summer before these filter down to the stores.

But it is summer down here!

I was just going to say that!

[xpitt]

It's off to Germany, along with the rest of the W's, for the Music Messe exhibition in Frankfurt.

(March 12th til 15th)

Will you be there, John ? Will there be a RIC booth in Frankfurt ?
You said some time ago that RIC won't attend the Frankfurt fair any longer.
Which booth then will the W-instruments be exibited at ?