Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Why the specials for Japan? Are they more ardent, fervent Rick fans than, say, The Good 'ol USA? How many Japanese bands make it to high profile status worldwide, much less Ric playing bands (read Rickenbacker Ambassadors)? Don't get me wrong, I love that country (been there) and it's people (married one once), I just don't understand the special "favors". No disrespect here, just curious.

Jerry: Through special interest and creativity many things can happen. These unique instruments will one day find their way to other countries, just as the American instruments have found their way to Japan and around the world. In my view, whenever RIC does something unique, we all benefit as members of the global community and as lovers of Rickenbackers.

"The love you take is equal to the love you make."

So...you are implying it's kinda a test marketing thing?

"nothin' to get hung about"

I have no inside information regarding the production of these instruments. Based on the high demand for Rickenbacker guitars and basses, however, I suspect that these instruments will all be spoken for before they get out the factory door.

I was suggesting that this sort of unique offering is a good thing and I guess I am saying "Come Together."

"Its All Too Much".....

They're not "over-runs" of anything.

The Asian distributor made a commitment for 96 special instruments and waited more than a year to receive them without the slightest complaint.

This was not a large order, representing only a couple days worth of production, but we were happy to accept this order based greatly on their long term loyalty, support, and positive attitude.

Other markets haven't been so supportive.

The Japanese band Glay, often using Rickenbacker guitars, sells more records than the current top ten US and British bands combined. Just about every teenager in China has bought at least one of their records.

For John Hall
I know its a huge financial chance to build only a few special instruments for the smaller american market but,have you ever considered offering these special export instruments on a pre-paid special order basis only.So then you are not wasting time and money setting up the tooling to make only a few for the smaller american market because you are already making them for export.I don't want to sound like I am telling you how to run your already very successful company.I was just curious how you approach these matters.Thanks

There was no tooling involved on these, just simple changes in hardware details- we wouldn't have done it otherwise.

The making of the instrument per se is not the problem but the special handling associated with paperwork, order fulfillment, and production of special goods is a major headache. Bulk sales like this do not have this problem in that the paperwork is about the same for one guitar as it is for 96.

China's a huge market!

It would be nice for the forum members to band together and order a special run 4003 like Fender did for their discussion board a few years ago.

Why anyone else's specs but Rickenbacker's?

Just reissue a, oh... I don't know... a '67 spec 4001, with the only options being the colors that were actually available in '67 (or whatever year was decided upon).

Then just call it the "Rickenbacker Forum Reissue" 4001!

I have my deposit ready!

To John Hall:
Thank you for the response.I understand and I am already grateful that the company is still around and making reissues.Dedgoats idea is cool ,but probably more work than profit.I think if such an idea were to be considered a vote system would be cool.There could be a website where someone submites a idea for a guitar they would like to see made and if enough people voted to make the guitar and it was possible both economically and physically(tooling,parts and manpower)it would be done.But that is me dreaming.You have already done a good job with the company and already produced the best reissues availible.This is just an idea.

First we have to ask JH how many basses to make it work, then a poll to decide the Forum bass. Once that's accomplished it's show me the money time. I wouldn't mind the Asian-only basses since the tooling is already there and wouldn't cause too much trouble.

Doh... so much for my first post on this forum! Thank you for the details on this special run of Japan-only instruments Mr. Hall. On a lighter note, I'm mailing in the warranty registration card for my new 660/12 in Montezuma Brown today. This is my seventh new Ric out of nine total!