Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Err, umm, sorry, I meant to say 'I'll bet the person who buys it doesn't even play.' Phew, I've gotta start previewing my message first.....

Gary

325JL and 36012/V64

collin wrote:
So, while it's in no way a defense of the pirated illegal guitars and their makers...at least Ric can sleep comfortably knowing that no one has successfully replicated anything other than the mere look of their guitars (not to well either..).

Cheers,
-Collin

...which is why uninitiated cheapskates buy them...

jingle_jangle wrote:

...which is why uninitiated cheapskates buy them...

Or...people who simply can't afford a Ric. Granted Rics are great value for money....but they are certainly expensive guitars no matter how you look at it. It doesn't excuse purchasing an illegal copy, but I can definitely understand say- some kid out there who badly wants a Ric or ric type guitar, but can't get their hands on a Ric for under $1500. That's a lot to your average teenager, a copy would suddenly look enticing and they wouldn't be a "cheapskate." just plain poor.

Cheers,
-Collin

It's been removed.

collin wrote:

jingle_jangle wrote:

...which is why uninitiated cheapskates buy them...

Or...people who simply can't afford a Ric. Granted Rics are great value for money....but they are certainly expensive guitars no matter how you look at it. It doesn't excuse purchasing an illegal copy, but I can definitely understand say- some kid out there who badly wants a Ric or ric type guitar, but can't get their hands on a Ric for under $1500. That's a lot to your average teenager, a copy would suddenly look enticing and they wouldn't be a "cheapskate." just plain poor.

Cheers,
-Collin

( I really don't want to be having this discussion again, but) RIC is one guitar company that have protected their trade dress and trademarks from infringement since early days. No matter who buys or sells an unauthorized Rick copy, it's illegal, unethical, dilutes the brand and violates RIC's trademark protection.

In short, it's breaking the law, plain and simple. Let those "poor teenagers" either save their money for the real thing, or buy a cheapo Strat copy or a Squier or other low-priced item. A Rick is a Rick, and a large part of the reason we're here is because of the uniqueness of the brand, in sound, construction, and appearance.

To my way of looking at things, a "cheapskate" is someone who wants the real thing, but doesn't want to pay what it costs, so they settle for the sizzle without the steak. Regardless of intention or condition of wallet.

buzfluhart wrote:It's been removed.

I sent CL a note explaining that this guitar was in violation of a trademark...whether RIC did the same, I don't know, but the result is the same.

I live in Mesa (near Phoenix), and saw this ad. It was also posted on Ebay, but I can't find it now. Must have got pulled there too. Unless he already sold it.

RIC can not only kill any USA Ebay listing on short notice, but can cause a seller to lose his/her account for violation of Ebay policy, which forbids counterfeit items for sale.

To add to what Paul said, there is no good reason a teen would need to settle on a copy instead of a real Rick. Instant gratification is not a reason. There are so many ways for a teen to earn money (deliver papers, mow lawns, shovel snow, weed gardens, detassle corn, etc.) that saving to buy a Rick would happen so much faster than in the past. I would bet a motivated player could earn enough on a summer break from school that they could get a Rick in the fall.

jingle_jangle wrote:[ No matter who buys or sells an unauthorized Rick copy, it's illegal, unethical, dilutes the brand and violates RIC's trademark protection.

In short, it's breaking the law, plain and simple. Let those "poor teenagers" either save their money for the real thing, or buy a cheapo Strat copy or a Squier or other low-priced item. .

Totally man, I absolutely agree. And I'll say again, I do not condone copy Rics in any way.

I can probably sympathize with it because that was once me (sans a copy of course..) it took forever to save enough for a decent 360, and that was before the huge boom in the used market the past couple of years. But it was sure worth it So you're right as well, John. Instant Gratification isn't a good enough reason (well, wasn't for me anyways..)

Anywhoo...I was just saying I can see it/understand it... that's all!

Cheers,
-Collin

My comments weren't pointed at you Collin, just a rant I needed to get out.

jingle_jangle wrote:...detassle corn?!?!?

You ain't from here, are ya? That's one of the great all-time mid-western summer teen ager jobs around. My wife actually did that.

And me? I pulled the green chain. [hint: Left Coast college kid summer job]

JimK

jingle_jangle wrote:...detassle corn?!?!?

Done for controlled pollenation. They do a lot of that in SW Michigan.

jimk wrote:And me? I pulled the green chain. [hint: Left Coast college kid summer job]

JimK

I hope it was hard maple logs bound for Santa Ana!