Rickenbacker Luthiers Australia

[GGomez]

Hi All

Any recommendations for luthiers who you with trust with your pride and joy capable of making mods. Preferably anyone who specialises or authorised by Rickenbacker.

Thanks

[Ratwax]

Hi Gary,

Unfortunately, I don't believe there are any RIC authorised techs in OZ. When CMI Music were (again) briefly the distributors for Aust, around 5 years ago, I asked if they had recommended repairers, and the answer was 'No'.

With regards to capable luthiers and technicians, it can depend on what you want to do and the scale of the works. Apart from asking here try also the Rick Resource Facebook Group. Otherwise reach out though your local retailers and community of musicians to find people you could talk to. Ask for pics of completed work, and decent luthiers would also be able to supply references.

Best of luck.

[collin]

Depends what you need.

The best tech for Rickenbackers in Australia is Piers Crocker in Sydney, he's done a lot of restoration and repair work.

[GGomez]

Thanks for the heads up on Piers.

I’m thinking of buying a mapleglo 4000 and modding/ customising it. New paint job, maybe getting some crushed pearl inlays, old style pickguard put on if it was possible.

Just wanted to try and do something different if there was the capability at home.

[gellkeller]

Gary,

I have had Frank Grubisa work on several of my Rickenbackers (50s, 60s and 70s) and have found him excellent. He can be quite busy but well worth the wait.

He is very familiar with Rickenbackers and I think you will find some comfort in the headstock design on his Grubisa Merlin 12.


Piers is also very capable, just don't bring up RIC as the conversation might turn colourful.

[GGomez]

Thanks for that.
sounds like there’s a bit more to the story with Piers
Been trying to look into them both. Are they both based in NSW

[gellkeller]

Piers is located at Five Dock and Frank is in Dulwich Hill which is the Inner West of Sydney.

If you google "Crockenbacker", it should be readily evident how the issues between Piers and RIC exist.