Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

brianeharmonjr wrote:

wj350 wrote:I don't know Brian, the $799 price seems in keeping with the other MIM Classic guitars--Players, '50s. 60's 70's, Baja, etc..

Bill

It's fine for the prospective buyer. But for me, as an independent small-town dealer, it's a very short profit margin for us. It seems the MAP prices are coming down and our discount levels are not. We've got a lot more overhead and can't get the quantity discounts that the big box stores get. It just seems that it's getting harder all the time.

That's what I've heard from one of my two preferred dealers. I have one guy that I've been dealing with since I was a senior in high school. I've purchased almost all of my guitars from him and I am always thinking about doing business with him first, before going with someone that I might be able to get a bigger discount from. I'm willing to spend a little more to bypass the big box stores. I can't buy in a place that has no soul. Also, I prefer the idea of not only supporting a good local business, but making sure that I am buying from someone that I can count on to get me the best service at all times. Building a relationship with a dealer that can be trusted is one of the best things that I can ever recommend to anyone.

brianeharmonjr wrote:

wj350 wrote:I don't know Brian, the $799 price seems in keeping with the other MIM Classic guitars--Players, '50s. 60's 70's, Baja, etc..

Bill

It's fine for the prospective buyer. But for me, as an independent small-town dealer, it's a very short profit margin for us. It seems the MAP prices are coming down and our discount levels are not. We've got a lot more overhead and can't get the quantity discounts that the big box stores get. It just seems that it's getting harder all the time.

Brian, ah, I see what you're saying. Obviously I was posting from a buyer's perspective. Your post also helps me understand what I've been perceiving as a somewhat less-than-enthusiastic response on a Baja Tele from a place I've purchased several guitars from in the past.

Bill

That HH Jag is an abomination. It reminds me of a certain disturbing avatar that once graced these pages.

jingle_jangle wrote:That HH Jag is an abomination. It reminds me of a certain disturbing avatar that once graced these pages.

jagextracred.jpg

They've been selling an HH Jag for some time before this new series haven't they Paul-- a CIJ in black I think?

Bill

Worse than this disgusting thing? (considering the fact that it's real)

HAR! Love the 2nd row of slider knobs, PW.

wj350 wrote:

jingle_jangle wrote:That HH Jag is an abomination. It reminds me of a certain disturbing avatar that once graced these pages.

jagextracred.jpg

They've been selling an HH Jag for some time before this new series haven't they Paul-- a CIJ in black I think?

Bill

Oh, yes, but it has chrome Gibson-style humbuckers, not these siamesed dual coils, which look way too busy.

Right, I've seen one at a GC. I wonder if they're going to discontinue that model now that these are hitting the market?

Bill

Bump: Fender now has the new Jaguar and Jazzmaster "Special" online. They're also doing a Jaguar Special with the dual humbuckers. That looks like it's in addition to the Jaguar HH that they've been doing with the stop tailpiece. Something about the bodies just doesn't look right with the tailpiece moved inward. Also, for those that are interested, the official finishes that they have are as follows: Jag Special: Candy Apple Red & Sunburst, Jag HH Special: Olympic White & Sunburst, Jazzmaster Special: Black & Sunburst.

jingle_jangle wrote:That HH Jag is an abomination. It reminds me of a certain disturbing avatar that once graced these pages.

jagextracred.jpg

Put two whammy bars on this one and I might buy it

Well, we got in a black Classic Player Jazzmaster today (after having to send the first one back because of shipping damage). I must say, I am really impressed. The quality on these are pretty incredible. Some great features on these vs. the AVRI JM's. You get a screw in vibrato arm (no more arm-falling-out-syndrome), tune-o-matic-style bridge that rocks with the tremelo, slightly bigger frets, a bit thinner neck, and a bit hotter pickups. Even though won't make enough money on them to justify stocking one, I just had to get one in. I'm a huge Fender offset fan, and it's nice to have something other than strats and teles on the wall. I think they're at least as good as the Japanese JM's.

How does the tone compare with a RI Jazzmaster?