Chewin' the Fat about Rickenbacker

[marcthemusician]

Hello all

It's funny to say, but Rickenbacker is something of a unicorn in the guitar industry. Very clearly, the company plays by their own rules when compared to other brands. The fact that it has remained in family for so long is a definite benefit, though not necessarily unique. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the company is the insistence of keeping the guitars made in the USA exclusively and not licensing cheaper import models. Being an American myself (and a fairly patriotic one, at that) I appreciate this. Along with a multitude of other factors, all of which have been discussed to death on this forum and elsewhere, Rickenbacker seems to still be running strong.

I'm sure we've all heard stories about dealers taking issue with the way Rickenbacker does business; in fact, distain from dealers is the reason I've begun buying my Rics elsewhere. I also notice the incredible amount of critique Rickenbacker gets from its own customers; indeed, the biggest Rickenbacker haters appear to be the players themselves. This notwithstanding, and not giving it much credence (similar things could be said for other brands), I'm curious how the company is progressing. I see that until a few years ago, John Hall was a presence on this forum and elsewhere (notably the Rickenbacker forum which appears to be defunct). Does the company maintain a presence here, or anywhere aside from social media? I would like to follow along to the company's goings on, if possible. Frankly, the teasing of a possible custom shop in the FAQ page on their site is also alluring (362/12, please!).

Please let me know your opinions or facts. I'm all about learning more of the company. I can honestly say I really love my Rickenbacker guitars, more than my Gibsons or Fender, and I'm looking to be even more of an insufferable fanboy if just given the chance (Put me in, coach!) I do peruse the forum too, so if I'm missing some posts or threads, also feel free to point me to them!

[cjj]

I'd say the best way to find out about the company, etc. is to read through all of the old posts on this forum. Unfortunately, there's not a lot of action here in recent years. Most of the activity seems to have migrated to the more instantaneous social media platforms. And I'll admit, those can be fun, but there's just no comparison to the decades of available information on a forum such as this one.

As for John and others at the RIC factory, they do occasionally post here, but I think they are too busy with other things to spend much time here...

[marcthemusician]

Well, I'll try to keep posting here best I can. I appreciate the longevity of message boards and their more cozy atmosphere. If they are around, I'll keep an eye out for them. I still think they make a great guitar!

[mike_d]

This forum was one of the very first dedicated Rickenbacker sites back in the early days of the internet. I believe I was first involved in the late 1990s and thank Peter for creating this site. There must have been a site meltdown at some point, but this version of the website says I’ve been a member since 2003.

[Korladis]

While I do have my criticisms, I do also kind of admire their insistence on doing things their own way regardless of what other instrument companies do.

While I wouldn't say I'm patriotic, I do appreciate the commitment to keeping the company a single site operation with the factory and company office being one unit. It's old fashioned in a good way.

People complain about the price tag but I was in Guitar Center recently and a new 4003 wasn't really all that much more than USA Fender Jazz, a two pickup USA MusicMan bass, German Warwick, or a Gibson Thunderbird. So in an apples to apples comparison a Rickenbacker bass costs a bit of a premium, but if you look at old price sheets it kinda always has when compared to Fenders.

It's refreshing that they don't really want to grow at all costs but instead just succeed at filling their niche in the market.

[collin]

One of the best parts about Rickenbacker is that they don't constantly change. It happens, but it's infrequent.

But the downside about that is there isn't a constant stream of things to talk about. Those of us who have been on this forum the better part of 20+ years have pretty much dissected the topic from every angle imaginable.

You may not find a lot more conversation here about Rickenbackers these days, but the search tool is a great resource. Dive in and enjoy.

[scott_s]

Hello all

It's funny to say, but Rickenbacker is something of a unicorn in the guitar industry. Very clearly, the company plays by their own rules when compared to other brands. The fact that it has remained in family for so long is a definite benefit, though not necessarily unique. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the company is the insistence of keeping the guitars made in the USA exclusively and not licensing cheaper import models. Being an American myself (and a fairly patriotic one, at that) I appreciate this. Along with a multitude of other factors, all of which have been discussed to death on this forum and elsewhere, Rickenbacker seems to still be running strong.

I'm sure we've all heard stories about dealers taking issue with the way Rickenbacker does business; in fact, distain from dealers is the reason I've begun buying my Rics elsewhere. I also notice the incredible amount of critique Rickenbacker gets from its own customers; indeed, the biggest Rickenbacker haters appear to be the players themselves. This notwithstanding, and not giving it much credence (similar things could be said for other brands), I'm curious how the company is progressing. I see that until a few years ago, John Hall was a presence on this forum and elsewhere (notably the Rickenbacker forum which appears to be defunct). Does the company maintain a presence here, or anywhere aside from social media? I would like to follow along to the company's goings on, if possible. Frankly, the teasing of a possible custom shop in the FAQ page on their site is also alluring (362/12, please!).

Please let me know your opinions or facts. I'm all about learning more of the company. I can honestly say I really love my Rickenbacker guitars, more than my Gibsons or Fender, and I'm looking to be even more of an insufferable fanboy if just given the chance (Put me in, coach!) I do peruse the forum too, so if I'm missing some posts or threads, also feel free to point me to them!

JH has retired, but Ben Hall posts here now and then, along with Instagram and reddit. He seems to be pretty receptive to input, but is still his own guy. I think Rickenbacker's changes since 2006 or so have largely been for the better, so the "haters" don't have quite as much of a leg to stand on, these days.

[Korladis]

Personally I'm a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to the 4003 and so don't really like the move to a single truss rod that can't be removed and the removal of the bridge pickup cover, but I do understand that lots of people complain about the bridge pickup cover.

On the other hand, during Ben Hall's tenure they've reissued the 4005, which I never thought would happen. Still haven't seen one in the wild but I'd like to try one if I ever get the chance.

[jps]

... during Ben Hall's tenure they've reissued the 4005, which I never thought would happen. Still haven't seen one in the wild but I'd like to try one if I ever get the chance.

I'd like to check out the 4005V, also. The only 4005s I have played have been old ones, like mine, and others at various confluences.

[rickenbrother]

Unfortunately, there's not a lot of action here in recent years. Most of the activity seems to have migrated to the more instantaneous social media platforms.

I wish most of those guys would get sick of the nonsense there as I have and come back here.

[jps]

Unfortunately, there's not a lot of action here in recent years. Most of the activity seems to have migrated to the more instantaneous social media platforms.

I wish most of those guys would get sick of the nonsense there as I have and come back here.

[paologregorio]

... during Ben Hall's tenure they've reissued the 4005, which I never thought would happen. Still haven't seen one in the wild but I'd like to try one if I ever get the chance.

I'd like to check out the 4005V, also. The only 4005s I have played have been old ones, like mine, and others at various confluences.

The 4005 plays and sounds great! I was not originally a fan, but the recent reissue has the slim profile 4001s vintage reissue neck. It plays beautifully!

[jps]

Nice to know. Anybody want to float me a loan that will most likely never get paid back?

[8mileshigher]

Unfortunately, there's not a lot of action here in recent years. Most of the activity seems to have migrated to the more instantaneous social media platforms.

I wish most of those guys would get sick of the nonsense there as I have and come back here.

A good point, Joey !! Well said.

[8mileshigher]

One of the best parts about Rickenbacker is that they don't constantly change. It happens, but it's infrequent.

My sentiments exactly, Collin. I think tradition is a strong suit for RIC - and for their thousands of devotees. Not too mention that Rickenbackers are still some of the finest made Guitars and Basses ever !