Didja all see the news?

[simer4001]

No thanks.

How's it different than the Laguna? I appreciate that they're finally trying something (semi) new, but I didn't think the Laguna sold that well, so why revisit it?

Because it was a Laguna. His is quite different because it is offered in the more poplar models.

[jps]

I wonder how they would handle the backlog with this new model with only 60 workers....

I don't see how this would extend the backlog, as it just comes down to grabbing walnut vs. maple for the bodies, and maple vs. CR for the fingerboards. Other than using a different species of wood all else is essentially the same. However, this simple change of woods used makes a very cool difference in the instruments, both in looks and I would think, tone (I am in the camp that feels wood does influence tone & sustain, for what that's worth); something to look forward to, for sure.

[sloop_john_b]

I wonder if the oil finish is more time-intensive than the new UV finish? I seem to remember this being a contributing factor in the discontinuation of the Dakota & Sierra.

Edit: From here: http://www.rickenbacker.com/news_item.a ... ews=recent

The models 650S and 650D have been cut due to elimination of the oil finish process and in anticipation of updated models.

[edski]

I wonder if the oil finish is more time-intensive than the new UV finish?

My buddy who is making my custom told me that the oil finish takes about 1/3 the time as a normal finish, but that's just him.

[JackTheRipper]

Unfortunately, I didn't go this year but a co-worker snapped this with a cell phone.

Bass.jpg

I saw the walnut basses/guitars at NAMM yesterday. IMO, they look better in person than I expected. I would agree that a black pickguard, TRC and binding would look better. And I'm not really a fan of the maple neck, but the bass does look good.

Not sure if there is any extra maintenance due to the finish. I asked the rep on hand and he didn't know for certain either.

--jack

[Malchik]

Not sure if there is any extra maintenance due to the finish. I asked the rep on hand and he didn't know for certain either.

The oil will wear off over time. I had a used 650D and the finish was pretty much worn off. The wood had some greying where it came in contact with body moisture.

I applied more tung oil but was never happy with the results. The tung oil you buy in stores are cut with a solvent so they it cures like a lacquer. If I knew what I know now I would have scrubbed the guitar down with oil soap and applied Tru-oil like a how Musicman finishes their necks.

[Chris P]

I'm just back from the NAMM:)

[necrobacker]

love the maple neck...............but, im alergic to nuts ........ .............lol

[heinpete]

...ey RIC, are you (Wal) nuts! Where do you get all the trees from?

[johnhall]

...ey RIC, are you (Wal) nuts! Where do you get all the trees from?

Well, when my dad Hall moved to California in 1914, they lived on the corner of Oak and Walnut streets in Santa Ana. I know my grandma was still picking Walnuts there in front of her house in the 60's so maybe they came from there . . .

[jps]

Old growth walnut would be really nice!

[marc61]

It's a very impressive bass. I'd love to hear the sound, especially acoustically. Hopefully I will find a way to buy one

[Roberthathaway]

So does anyone have them for sale and/or when are they expected to be available for purchase ?

[manta]

Pick of the Ricks is taking orders for the "W" Series now. GC has a You Tube vid that also says they can be ordered. On the GC vid Ben Hall says he is hoping April-May for the first batch to come out.

I use pure tung oil on my 380 and apply it with an old pair of nylon stockings, which helps buff the finish. Do it every 6 months and it stays shiny and new.

[johnhall]

The new formula for these has a little bit of polyurethane in it which extends the time greatly before any maintenance is needed.