My noob question: Crushed foam under pickups?

[Renfield]

My 360/12 just arrived from Guitar Center. Pickups are way too low, and the underlying foam is crushed. Bad. Born on date of 8/24.

Is this typical of a new RIC? It is return worthy bad. Doesn't seem like I should have to replace parts on a new guitar.

I'm familiar with the rubber mute pad self destructing in my 4000 bass. But that took years. And I never used it anyway.

George

[Uffingdon]

So are you saying that you’ve loosened the pickup height adjustment screws and the foam pads have remained squashed?

[Renfield]

Hello. Exactly that. After sitting overnight, the foam is still too flat to support the pickups. Especially the bridge.

I had hoped it would bounce back.

George

[maxwell]

Crushed and extruded…. I don’t recall seeing something like that before. It looks like someone really cranked that pickup down.

If you really want to keep that particular guitar, take it to a local Guitar Center and get them to replace all the pads. But they likely don’t have them in stock, and by the time they get around to the repairs your “return window” could be gone….

I’d just get a refund while you can. I think all RIC retailers charge a RIC set price. Check these sellers out and see if anything strikes your fancy. I think you can expect the nice RIC you’re paying for from one of these retailers, totally inspected by knowledgeable and caring people:

https://wildwoodguitars.com/product-cat ... kenbacker/

https://www.sweetwater.com/c4--Rickenbacker--Guitars

[Renfield]

Yeah, both are a mess. If it's less trouble replacing the foam than a return, I'm not opposed to that. Sweetwater shows next delivery for a 360/12FG is out 4 months. Unless it's delayed.

George

[maxwell]

I think you'll have to replace these yourself, on your own dime. The RIC Boutique normally sells these for $5 (the shipping cost would probably be considerable), but they are not in stock:

Find it here: https://boutique.rickenbacker.com/Misce ... _c_18.html

Nearly all shops that sell these are located overseas; about $10 each plus $31 for shipping (on one site).

So, I've used this nice shop before, and what do you know, they have them:

https://haightashburymusic.com/rickenba ... r-pickups/

... for just a buck more than RIC (if they had them.... (Oh, yeah, I wanted to mention that Guitar Center, if they were willing to replace the pads for you, probably won't be able to get them either).

Haight Ashbury states that there is a fixed shipping cost of $4.99 --- I'm betting you could have all 2 or 3 or 4 pads sent ("combined shipping") for that fee.

Sometimes you just have to take care of things yourself at your own expense. It's never the way you want it, but that's the way it is. BTW, this would be a good opportunity to replace your strings with maybe something else, or the same, but you're probably going to have to remove your strings to do a proper pad replacement (safe and convenient).

Check with Guitar Center if you want, see what they can do for you. But if you think you'd just buy these yourself, don't waste any time buying them; they are hard to find in the USA. Maybe get an extra "just in case" -- you'll never get them easier and cheaper than this; I'd buy four (4). Call them to check on the shipping costs, or you can just go through the purchasing steps online; you can back out if you don't like the deal. But why worry about a couple of bucks for a terrific and expensive guitar like yours.... I estimate about $25 total for four pads & shipping, and no hassle. Just be sure you have a really good, well-fitting screwdriver and take your time swapping these out so you don't accidentally scratch the finish (and don't lose any screws).

[Renfield]

Looks like we've narrowed it down to return it or fix it.

No response yet from GC.

I will check with RIC.

Cheers,

George

Update. RIC "customer service" responded by email. The unsigned, anonymous coward representative basically told me good luck.

This is how they treat someone who just bought their product? I don't need luck. I have a receipt. It's going back to GC and I'll never look twice again at a RIC. What on earth was I thinking?

Now that's fixing it.

[kennyhowes]

Was this a new or used guitar?

[maxwell]

Well, that's disappointing.... Rather than returning it at your own expense, maybe there's a GC store nearby where you could take care of business. You can see, I think, that GC is the primary problem. Give it a couple of weeks after you get your refund and maybe you'll reconsider another RIC. Maybe you can find one/something for sale near you so you can check it out first. If you just want a 12-string experience, maybe get a Danelectro or a Reverend.

https://danelectro.com/product/12-string-and-baritone/

https://reverendguitars.com/guitars/?voicing=12-string

[Renfield]

It is a shame. Shameful customer service on RICs part.

Guitar Center was great, Maxwell. Nearest one is about an hour away. The guitar was shipped from stock at a store in Indiana.

Return was quick and painless. They offer a standard 45 day return window. But I couldn't wait another minute to unload this turkey.

The official email support response from the Rickenbacker company was beyond ridiculous. Condescending. Detached. Aloof.

I'll continue to do business with the great folks at GC. But I'll never buy another Rickenbacker product.

George

[maxwell]

I’m sorry I got it backwards. I think I had it in my mind that GC was a culprit, as there is often criticism regarding them. I, too, have had good dealings with them, usually after a purchase, e.g., ordered a used VOX combo, I always have stuff delivered to my local store so I can check the items there; received a VOX bass head instead of the combo; got a refund, no problem.

Well, the 12-string Reverends seem to be well-regarded; plenty of reviews and YouTube videos. They have forsaken their website Forum in favor of Facebook…. but links to specific individual guitars often have an accompanying video demonstration. They have a good website.