Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

jingle_jangle wrote:Mmmm...I paid $2100.00 for my new 381 back in '04.

At least these are price increases based on real-world issues, not the sort of extrinsically-based hype of other manufacturers.

In other words, at least with RIC, you get what you pay for in real estate, not smoke and mirrors in a selling atmospehere smelling faintly of brimstone...

But for those who found it difficult to purchase new RIC's before, does it really matter as to why the prices increased?

I empathize with you. But I cannot help but observe that It is the job of finance companies and banks to make it less difficult for a consumer to buy a product, not RIC.

It is, by law in every one of our 50 US states at least, the sole job of every commercial corporation to serve the interests of the stockholders in making the most profit that it is legally possible to make. Lawsuits surround any corporation that would even for a moment try to make the mistake of characterizing itself as trying to make it less difficult to purchase a unit of its production at the expense of maximum profitability.

By the law of supply and demand, I cheer RIC for responding to a perceived increase in demand with higher prices. Unless or until that demand wanes, they have earned it and should enjoy it.

Totally agree, Rickenbacker is a business and lets enjoy the product!

Interesting backdoor take, Elys. I'm still reading between the lines.

jingle_jangle wrote:Mmmm...I paid $2100.00 for my new 381 back in '04.

Mmmm...I still paid only $2450.00 for my new 381 back in mid-'07.

For me, the news release is more remarkable for its intimations of new or upgraded models. The fact that the 350/12 v63 has been "rotated" out of that line-up suggests that something else is waiting in the wings. I assume that the new models will have a 600 body style, or at least be solid bodies. But who knows? Of course, it likely won't be next year in light of the backlog, but it's still an intriguing development. I've enjoyed the 650 and the 380 and I'm looking forward to seeing what's next.

I'll be curious to see what the long-term effects on orders for new Rickenbackers will be, if any. And I wonder if Ricks will continue to remain a relative bargain, assuming that other manufacturers are under the same economic contraints concerning oil-based products, stainless steel, etc.

For me, the sad part is the loss of the 340 and the 370 after exactly 50 years of production 1958-2007 (although you could argue the current style 370 has only been available since 1964). As a fan of 3-pickup Rickenbackers it's a shame to see these magnificant instruments go to the chopping block.

Chris: The very good news is that you can easily have the 330 model modified to the 340 at little cost and trouble.

Perhaps there will be an announcment at NAAM 2008 that will make all of us happy.

Well, if I read the price list correctly the 370/12 is still available. For me at the moment having a 370/6, that option is probably the one I would be interested in at sometime in the future anyway. However it is sad to see the others go. I might have ordered a 650D with the HT vibrato option, but that is my fault for thinking about it too long.

Yeah, I'm kinda bummed about the HT option going away. It would be very cool to have a 650c with the trem one day.

I don't have a problem with supply and demand, or price increases.

I do have a problem with Rickenbacker dangling pretty guitars in front of people for X dollars, putting everyone on backorder for years, and then charging everyone a higher $ amount when they finally ship.

Talking with PM blues today, even though I was quoted a dollar amount, and put down a %20 deposit, I can no longer afford the 660/12 AFG that I've been anticipating for a long time.

This isn't how you do business. If you don't have the ******* guitars, don't ******* pretend to sell them. This price change during an order is immoral.

rickenrocker wrote:I do have a problem with Rickenbacker dangling pretty guitars in front of people for X dollars, putting everyone on backorder for years, and then charging everyone a higher $ amount.

Talking with PM blues today, even though I was quoted a dollar amount, and put down a %20 deposit, I can no longer afford the 660/12 AFG that I've been anticipating for a long time.

This isn't how you do business. If you don't have the ****** guitars, don't ******* pretend to sell them. This price change during an order is immoral.

When last year's price change happened, it was mentioned that guitars ordered previous to that change honored the original amount to the store- whenever they shipped. Are you sure Rickenbacker is doing this?

sharkboy wrote:

rickenrocker wrote:I do have a problem with Rickenbacker dangling pretty guitars in front of people for X dollars, putting everyone on backorder for years, and then charging everyone a higher $ amount.

Talking with PM blues today, even though I was quoted a dollar amount, and put down a %20 deposit, I can no longer afford the 660/12 AFG that I've been anticipating for a long time.

This isn't how you do business. If you don't have the ******* guitars, don't ****** pretend to sell them. This price change during an order is immoral.

When last year's price change happened, it was mentioned that guitars ordered previous to that change honored the original amount to the store- whenever they shipped. Are you sure Rickenbacker is doing this?

All I know is what PMBlues told me, they told me that when there is a price increase, they are always charged the new price for guitars on order.

I have never ordered anything from PM Blues, but I have gotten some quotes from them. One thing I know about that place is they want top dollar, far beyond what I would ever consider paying. Maybe you're doing business with the wrong people.

I don't know. He tried to make it seem like I was trying to cheat him or something. He's refunding my deposit today. The worst part is, I sold my Gibson so I could pay for this guitar, and now I'm left holding myself.