If you had to change just one thing

[johnallg]

* treat my staff to lessons on how to treat non big ticket customers with courtesy and respect.

Yeah, that one had me perplexed also....

[johnallg]

<snip>

Anyway, I read this stuff, understood what was going on between the lines (personal attempts at axe-grinding), and bought my first two Ricks in one week. I've never given any of this naysaying more credence than it ever deserved, nor will I lend it any unmerited dignity by repeating any of the details here. I've also never looked back until now, to those negative posts by obviously troubled minds.

But now, it occurs to me that there has possibly been some minor lasting damage done, in that there's a possibility that RIC's reputation has been seen by some as being customer-unfriendly. I think that this is more a function of the end-user's attitude, than of the company's. There are people out "there", who will seize upon any opportunity to cast RIC in a negative light, because of a personal vendetta of one kind or another, and this will, more often than not, result in malicious rumors or small things being blown way out of proportion.

<snip>

I don't see it as being a case of Rickenbacker mending their fences with their customers (actually, as I've said before, the customers are the dealers; we're the end-users), but rather of taking the comments of a few damaged characters, and putting them into their proper perspective. Every legend has its detractors; the more legendary, the more nutcases and stalkers come out of the woodwork.

Very well stated Paul. My dealings with RIC have been very positive. I believe it is all in the way you approach the situation and also how well you understand just what the manufacturer's responsibilities would be in regard to that situation. I myself believe those who feel the need to detract had a situation where personal expectations did not mesh with manufacturer responsibility.

[jaymi]

Of course, the easiest way for me is to just buy used...that way it is never an issue...

[brammy]

Nice 370, though..... and though its not on topic, I've always thought that George looked great with John's 325

Meanwhile, Ringo shows the boys how to REALLY play guitar

[dog]

This is a recent example of great customer service through the forum that was squashed by a couple of responders. I was surprised that Ben even took the time to provide an answer, only to see suggestions and comparisons come from it.

I'll shut up now.

[nukebass]

I didn't see anything out of place in those responses, dog. Maybe I'm looking at it from a different perspective, though. I don't think there's any harm in offering suggestions as long as it is done in a polite manner. It is good to see a bunch of basses dominating the backlog. Maybe they'll start showing up more in popular music!

[deaconblues]

So the backlog is the BASS PLAYERS' fault!!

[dog]

Well Ryan, maybe I do take this too seriously. And, none of the replies were actually inflamatory. My only thought was that Ben's reply was only to give a cheerful answer and provide information that is not normally available. Replies like "I don't doubt that binding is difficult, but even Fender and Gibson do it on some models" (read...and they're not behind) and, "I absolutely hate the binding", do not encourage participation by Ric's staff, which I would like to see more of.

Yes, we are to blame.

[jps]

So the backlog is the BASS PLAYERS' fault!!

[cjj]

So the backlog is the BASS PLAYERS' fault!!

Of course it is!

But what would be the point getting a new guitar if your bass player didn't have anything decent to play???

[kiramdear]

Maybe the bass players could all lend each other their backup ricks until all the guitars are caught up on. There must be enough 4003s, S's, laredos and cheyennes for everybody by now, and with a clever little redistribution plan ...

[jaymi]

Maybe the bass players could all lend each other their backup ricks until all the guitars are caught up on. There must be enough 4003s, S's, laredos and cheyennes for everybody by now, and with a clever little redistribution plan ...

so you;'re going to be the first and send me that nice bass of yours?

[kiramdear]

Maybe the bass players could all lend each other their backup ricks until all the guitars are caught up on. There must be enough 4003s, S's, laredos and cheyennes for everybody by now, and with a clever little redistribution plan ...

so you;'re going to be the first and send me that nice bass of yours?

Well, so much for that idea.

[brammy]

customers are the dealers; we're the end-users

I've heard that said a few times, and I just have an innocent (I swear!) question.
I understand that RIC sells to dealers who then sell to us, but isn't that statement a distinction without a difference?
... or at least without MUCH of a difference?

ps: It's ALWAYS the bass players fault... except, of course, when it's the drummers fault

[jps]

ps: It's ALWAYS the bass players fault... except, of course, when it's the drummers fault

I always thought it was the lead guitards fault?