Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Then I guess it's between you, Hall, Paul and a wall.

Lefty4001 wrote:Then I guess it's between you, Hall, Paul and a wall.

WTF is that supposed to mean? Was that supposed to be witty?

Right that's it....you two go and stand at opposite ends of the forum.

It's really only between Hall and Paul and Al, of course. Paul does these amazing builds because John Hall says he can. That's about it except the beautiful results.

I don't think anyone questions Paul's talents. I do think it'd relevent to discuss this instruments pedigree. That's been the norm around here since this Forum has been around, although many new to this forum don't get that.

I was in a guitar store in downtown SanDiego in 1980 when Geddy Lee's guitar tech came in with a giant guitar case. He was getting some last minute problem fixed, don't know what, but the guitar geeks (me among them) were freaking out. I'd left my 79' Jetglo at home while I hitched across country, used to go to this guitar store cause they'd let me noodle around a little on the Ricks until the boss came back. I was going to the Rush concert that night, so I asked him if I could see it, he opened the case, there it was, Rick double-neck. He had modified it pretty heavily, badass bridge for the bass, controls taped in place, etc., and it was beat up, a real road guitar. He wouldn't let me touch it, but dang it looked heavy!It was so cool watching him play it on a couple songs that night.

aceonbass wrote:I don't think anyone questions Paul's talents. I do think it'd relevent to discuss this instruments pedigree. That's been the norm around here since this Forum has been around, although many new to this forum don't get that.

I agree. Not taking anything away from Paul. He's one of the best I've seen with Rick style guitars. More power to him. What I don't get is how rabid people are towards anything that isn't 100% factory made on here, but for some reason, Paul gets a complete pass and is practically held up on a pedestal.

Cool story, Alexander!

teeder wrote: but for some reason, Paul gets a complete pass and is practically held up on a pedestal.

Given Paul was the official Rickenbacker acoustic builder for a number of years, I don't find this at all puzzling. I have always assumed that he has an ongoing dialogue or an understanding with RIC re these special builds for three reasons:

- His close relationship with RIC;
- His unimpeachable integrity; and
- The absence of any sign of displeasure from RIC regarding these special builds.

Did anybody consider Al might have been referred to Paul by JH? Just throwing that out there....

I know of one individual who actually worked for RIC in Santa Ana who's work is just as good as Paul's, that has been slammed here to the point that he's no longer a member. Even if JH sanctioned this build, only about a quarter of it was built by RIC, which isn't enough, by JH's own standards to make it a Rick.

OK, I'm lost here. It isn't a Rickenbacker because it didn't come from the factory? My PW built RIC acoustic was also built outside of the factory but I have been assured by all involved it is the genuine article. I think Kira is right. It doesn't appear John H. has asked the owner to take the Rickenbacker TRC off of his instrument. So That seems to indicate all parties involved are OK and happy with this restoration.

Where is Paul? I haven't seen him around here in a very long time.

He's probably working on guitars and avoiding kerfuffles like this.

I had some e-mail correspondence with him the other day about a guitar project I want to do so I can attest he's alive and well.

He's got my 1956 400 Combo too!