Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

An authentic v68 would be next to impossible to build, due to the original inlay material not being available anymore.

A 4002 would be easier in many ways, as it doesn't have inlays, and with a few modifications, like removing the loZ output and using modern hi gain pickups, is mainly an issue of using the old pickup route templates, and dealing with binding.

I agree with Gene, the inlays on my 660/12 are gorgeous.

I'm in for one, for sure! I agree on an "off" color. I'd probably have to sell a kidney, but hey, I've got 2....why be selfish??? I prefer the "S" body style, but I'd go for ANY special edition "forum" model that we'd decide on as a group....maybe we need some type of a "want list" .....check off what you'd like to see on this special edition and see what we come up with, then present them all to JH??

Count me in as well. I have seen the full-width inlay material on the guitar re-issues and LOVED it! And then wondered why can't I get that on a bass, and then fell into a depression...
Anyway, enough about that! I would get in line for that, as I have said many times before!
For me, it would have to have the inlays, checkered binding, maybe the current 4003 neck so that any strings can be used? Toaster pickup and horseshoe configuration. No cap!

My .02: Let Peter mull it over with JH. See if its feasible. Let them decide what version the bass would be. Then let us know and watch as the whole allotment is sold within 2 hours.

Jon Hall will probably comment on this post but cant get up off of the floor from laughing so hard.

Well, laughing aside, I haven't spent any measurable "consumer dollars" on "durable goods" in the last year or so, but I would definitely go for a Forum Edition, whatever we decide ...

Reviewing some of the comments I find myself surprised to see that the fingerboard inlay material is such a major factor for some of you. I've always preferred the dot inlay myself. But then again, I've never seen a "real" vintage Rick in great shape with the MOP inlays.

When you have Scott, you,ll see what all the fuss is about...The inlays on the early 60,s were full and non MOP, similar to the 73 transitional stuff, and agreed, yes they do look good...but put them next to a MOP "sparkle" board and imo there,s no comparison....

I'm in as well. Consider a v64 or v65: Larger horseshoe surround as opposed to the v68... Look at that, I'm talking as if these models exist!

I think any attempt at a custom model will have to use existing parts, machining, and paint color. We aren't going to get custom pickup surrounds. Checker binding is an obvious exception, but it is still in use on a few models.

I have seen the MOP inlays and will someday have a guitar that has them (yes, they are gorgeous), but unless JH can find a source for it, I doubt it will be on a new Rickenbacker. I can't say I'm all that fond of the look of my '73's inlays, in fact they look pretty bad compared to the modern material. I don't know whether the current material would be suitable for edge to edge use.

I wonder how many advance orders JH would have to get to even consider the possibility of a special bass for us.....this is intriguing....

So far I don't see much consensus building towards a single model that would please one and all.

I think it might be better all the way around to research the feasability of a "Rickenbacker Custom Shop". If all potential models can be based on what comes out of existing woodworking templates, that might be the way to go.

Of course, most current Rickenbacker production is at a quality level we only get to see from other manufacturers in their "custom shop" output!

I like the v68 idea ... it was the last year of the horseshoe ... so it would have full inlays, checkered binding, mono output, toaster and horseshoe pickups, walnut headwings, lucite finger rest, and the new truss rod system ... come in the basic 4003 colors and a vintage silver case ...

How about headstock binding? To identify it as a "special" ??