Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

johneek wrote:

TomPettyandHeartbreakersFan wrote:Looks like I can never buy a brand new Ric now.

Ah, well, I've got eBay, and I'm trying to locate discontinued models (1997, 4001V63, 360/12CW, etc) anyway

Jake, don't forget that you've also got this Forum...

Jake, most of the discontinued models are going to cost you the same as, if not more than many, if not most, new Ricks at the new prices.

Did I put enough qualifiers in there, Clem?

I certainly agree that RIC's are some of the best made, and just plain "musical" instruments out there. At least one other MAJOR guitar company is in my opinion, just make oil-painting copies of it's former glory, for people with too much money.

In the past RIC's have been the greatest value on the market. I bought my 2003 360-12 for $900.00! Far less than other guitars of the same, or even less quality. RIC is one of the great family owned companies, and I have the utmost respect for John Hall, and the integrity of his business practices. A price increase was long overdue.

However, the cold hard fact of this, is that while I could once afford to scrape, save, and trade to get a RIC, those days appear to be over. Given the economic class that I belong to, I will not be able to ever afford the 330-6 that i hoped to some day acquire. I will have to guard my 360-12 with my life, because if it is lost, damaged, or stolen, and not covered by insurance - I will be out of luck forever.

I understand why prices need to go up, I do not begrudge RIC the profits they need to pay their employees, and feed their families - it's just that some of us will be left behind. I actually feel fortunate that I was able to get a RIC when I did, and I am now amazed that I own a guitar that is worth as much as it is. I will have to be sure to keep this one, because I will not get a second chance.

Peace.

rob_u wrote:I certainly agree that RIC's are some of the best made, and just plain "musical" instruments out there. At least one other MAJOR guitar company is in my opinion, just make oil-painting copies of it's former glory, for people with too much money.

In the past RIC's have been the greatest value on the market. I bought my 2003 360-12 for $900.00! Far less than other guitars of the same, or even less quality. RIC is one of the great family owned companies, and I have the utmost respect for John Hall, and the integrity of his business practices. A price increase was long overdue.

However, the cold hard fact of this, is that while I could once afford to scrape, save, and trade to get a RIC, those days appear to be over. Given the economic class that I belong to, I will not be able to ever afford the 330-6 that i hoped to some day acquire. I will have to guard my 360-12 with my life, because if it is lost, damaged, or stolen, and not covered by insurance - I will be out of luck forever.

I understand why prices need to go up, I do not begrudge RIC the profits they need to pay their employees, and feed their families - it's just that some of us will be left behind. I actually feel fortunate that I was able to get a RIC when I did, and I am now amazed that I own a guitar that is worth as much as it is. I will have to be sure to keep this one, because I will not get a second chance.

Peace.

Hey Rob,it's all good.I'm in the same kinda situation,I can only afford to have one Rick also.I have a 330 and I'd love to have a 360/12 like you but I can't.Maybe never but thats ok because I think,I got a 330 my friend Rob's got a 360/12.Let's leave some Rickenbackers for some other people,ya know?Sometimes It's cool to have just one of something.Like I only have one girfriend and it's better that way.Much better.

Rob, you never know down the road what you might be able to afford. Some things go up in value, and some come down. Back around 1986 I bought a nice 1973 Les Paul goldtop deluxe for $350.
Looking at the going price for these on eBay and elsewhere now, I think I could sell it and buy just about any new Rick my heart desired (model available, of course.)
You may have such an animal yourself, or may luck into one down the road. Hang in there!

the price increase should help reduce the backlog by pricing people out of the market ...

jwr2 wrote:the price increase should help reduce the backlog by pricing people out of the market ...

Maybe pricing some people out of the market. I'd bet that the guitarist who is serious about getting a Rickenbacker will eventually get one no matter the cost, nor how long one has to save up for it.


JimK

Yeah, I agree not to many will be scared away. There will always be deals around, sales through discount coupons from outlets, etc.. Might make some folks skittish, but I'd think not any more than Gibson or higher end Fender buyers.

Bill

I think its sad to be saying...man I remember the days when I could afford a rick, and im not even 20. Looking at a 650c list being greater than a 660 list only 2 years ago is really sad

Graham, you're too young to see the glass half-empty.

It's half-full, I'm telling you!

arbiter wrote:I think its sad to be saying...man I remember the days when I could afford a rick, and im not even 20. Looking at a 650c list being greater than a 660 list only 2 years ago is really sad

I hear what you're saying, Graham. Point appreciated, point well taken. I remember when I was your age and thought the same thing when it came to musical instruments. It's a natural, normal, and reasonable reaction to recent events. But man, and if I may, there is one thought I can leave with you, brah. You have youth on YOUR side. Clutch it. Embrace it. Don't let go. The process will unfold and you will be there to see it....with a smile on your face. Keep on keepin' on. You will get there. Sorry for this small moment of stream of consciousness. I just wanted to prop your spirits up. Best regards....Goofyfoot.