Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I have both books too,i like the Smith book.

I remember ordering it back in 87 from Centerstream Publishing in CA,
thinking i was clever,as the shops here hadn't a clue about Rickenbackers,they'd never get a copy.
It was already in the shops two weeks by the time i received my copy!

But i got a nice letter from Ron Middlebrook with it, so i was happy!

That Rittor book has some lovely pics,pity its so expensive.

Don't forget that we will all have to be purchasing the Rick bass book currently being written by forum member Paul Boyer (bassduke49) when published.

ken_j wrote:Don't forget that we will all have to be purchasing the Rick bass book currently being written by forum member Paul Boyer (bassduke49) when published.

I look forward to buying a copy of that.

I look forward to SEEING it, myself. Progress is glacial. I'm really hung up on getting complete and accurate historical information. I've sent out questionnaires to several people in the know, but there's still not enough solid info from even top experts. RIC has authorized a new reference and given its author complete access to company files in exchange for proper archiving of the information. Until that reference is finished, access to the info is limited. In the meantime, I am still set on producing an accurate reference on Rick basses (only), and it is unlikely that my interested publisher will take the book without RIC's increased help. If it comes to it, I will self publish, similar to what John Minutaglio does with his Value Guide, annually updating info as it comes to light. This may mean having some paper copies or electronic copies for purchase. Too early to tell. Vince Gallo is talking about making a book on early Rick basses, but I don't know of the status of his project. Lots of good intentions here, but not enough to make a book at this time. But, hey! I'm still young; I'll be 60 next may, so there's plenty of time!

paologregorio wrote:Hmm, looks like I'll be buying both...

That's exactly what I did.

jps wrote:All three are necessary . If you can read Kanji, great, but the wealth of photographs in the Rittor book is not to be usurped (for now).

"usurp

Pronunciation:
\yu̇-ˈsərp also -ˈzərp\
Function:
verb
Etymology:
Middle English, from Anglo-French usorper, from Latin usurpare to take possession of without legal claim, from usually (abl. of usus use) + rapere to seize — more at rapid
Date:
14th century

transitive verb1 a: to seize and hold (as office, place, or powers) in possession by force or without right <usurp a throne> b: to take or make use of without right <usurped the rights to her life story>2: to take the place of by or as if by force : supplant <must not let stock responses based on inherited prejudice usurp careful judgment>intransitive verb: to seize or exercise authority or possession wrongfully."

Maybe some other word would be better.

Peter, I like the avatar. I see you're a Royal Twit fan, too.

Thanks for all of the info everyone! I appreciate it!

I hope you can get your book done in the near future Paul B; I've been a guitar player for most of the time that I've played music, but I started out on bass, and unlike a lot of folks, I went from a P-bass to a Rickenbacker 4001, and loved it, and my eyes bug out, figuratively speaking, to this day any time I chance upon seeing someone play a Rick bass live.

Hey Paul, if you want to check the books out before buying, I'll lend you mine.

Thanks!

collin wrote:The Smith book was authorized by the factory, so it's filled with photos from RIC's archives, though many of them are in B&W.

Both were "authorized" by the factory and were done with our full cooperation. Both are also now terribly outdated and there were no second editions of either to correct the inevitable errors.

collin wrote:The Smith book was authorized by the factory, so it's filled with photos from RIC's archives, though many of them are in B&W. It has a LOT of really great pics of old 50s era stuff (Capri's especially) and early Ric history, plus more current (to 1987) models.

I find the "Experimental 4001S from 1967" on page 205 very intrigueing. Anyone seen/have better pictures of this bass? As I have two FL's now and really like playing Fretless non lacquered Ebony boards better than lacquered ones I'm thinking about modifying my '79 4001 JG FL into something like this....

btw: I have all four books (also counting the value and reference guide) and like them all.

berth wrote:I find the "Experimental 4001S from 1967" on page 205 very intrigueing. Anyone seen/have better pictures of this bass?

I too, love that bass. At the 75th anniversary factory tour I wanted to see that bass but it went walkabout!

Did you ever figure it out, John? I sure hope so.

jps wrote:

berth wrote:I find the "Experimental 4001S from 1967" on page 205 very intrigueing. Anyone seen/have better pictures of this bass?

I too, love that bass. At the 75th anniversary factory tour I wanted to see that bass but it went walkabout!

Did you ever figure it out, John? I sure hope so.

Maybe the museum's curator was giving it a "polish". Does he play bass?

That bass is now in the Ric museum, safe and sound.

Where was it at that time? John thought it was there, and when he did not see it he checked the polaroids of the instruments going to MOMM for the exhibit, but no, it wasn't there either!!! So, he was not sure of it's whereabouts at that time.