Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Do these protections apply to defunct models that Rickenbacker no longer produces?

As a matter of fact, they do. Even a shape like the 330/340/360/370F, which could be considered "generic", is protected, as it's been used on a Rickenbacker in the past. Now, you could create similarly-shaped bodies (as do both Gretsch and Gibson, and they have for a long time, too), but the second it is coupled with any Rickenbacker feature like the headstock shape, TRC or pickguard shape, or triangular fretboard inlays), it moves into the protected column.

tennis_nick wrote:Have they shut down the Ferrari Body kits? Good Riddance, they didn't look very much like Ferrari's to begin with, and no way will your Pontiac Fiero with a Ferrari looking body be any cool!

And there you have the crux of the biscuit--certain design patents may be gotten around with clever redesign, but how to suggest "Ferrari" without re-creating one, usually leaves you with a kiddycar wannabee.

admin wrote:Richard: Good one. Rekcabnekcir. Almost pharoh-like in name. With the right mind set, time just disappears.

Tut, tut, Peter, I've got just the thing for your fantasy.

Kira: Ha. Ha. I won't buy another of these models as the last time I ordered one from a local dealer he gypped me.

Ba-da-boom!

kiramdear wrote: Tut, tut, Peter, I've got just the thing for your fantasy.

Hmm...looking at that guitar on the right, I now know why a vibrato arm is sometimes referred to as a "wan* bar"...umm...never mind.

better you than me to point that out, Dan

And I've got a name for the one on the left...

Boobycat!

The one on the right is a nine-stringer, too...

Seriously, I saw these at NAMM last year, and could not believe (but, I guess I don't want to admit it--nothing surprises me in terms of bad taste...) that they were actually taking orders for this pricey dreck.

All I can say is, I'm glad real Rickenbackers don't look anything like those...

i see, my appologies. I didnt mean to cause any bad blood or anything!
Im not trying to justify it but all i wanted was a modest guitar for my modest needs. All my heroes play them and i wanted something similar.Im a tad bit scared for a real rickenbacker being only 17! I'd probably drop it! I intend to buy a 330 later on in life! I apologize sincerely guys. Is it to the gallows with me as they say?

No gallows for you Michael..............a keel hauling maybe . Just save up for the real thing. You will be glad you did. Btw I bought my first Rickenbacker at age 17.

winston wrote:I bought my first Rickenbacker at age 17.

I bought my first at 17 as well.

Michael- we are here to HELP you- to steer you towards the real McCoy. This forum is a valuble resource (pun intended!) where you just might be able to obtain, or be pointed towards, an affordable legitimate Ric.

We certainly don't intend to make you feel bad or guilty at all---quite the opposite! It's a tough concept, but Rics aren't really that expensive, and using the idea of a "pirate copy" as a means of instant gratification is a crutch! Just keep your eyes open, keep saving money, and with the economy in your favor, you will be strumming the real thing before you know it.

Don't cheat yourself- you will be much happier in the end.

Cheers,
-Collin

It would be nice if RIC made a less expensive model, but we know they don't have time for that. In reality, is there a true economic alternative for an American Fender or Gibson? I've played some nice feeling Standard Fenders, but all the American models I've played in the stores are much better than the Standard models. It's also easy to say the alternative is to save up and buy the real thing, but some people may not have that option. A five hundred dollar guitar may be all they'll ever be able to afford. (well, my first RIC was $540 12 years ago...maybe there is hope!) There are plenty of guitars to fit that bill, and it would be easier on everybody if the faker companies would try some original designs to secure that sector of the market.

Back when I was trying to decide what bass to buy, I was browsing the G&L page and was surprised by the note that said something to the effect of Telecaster and Stratocaster designs used under license by Fender. I thought about it a moment and figured that, since Fender started G&L, everything would be done according to the law. That may have been the first time I really thought about the legal issues involved in guitar "copying."

I too, bought my first Rickenbacker at 17 (you know which one), are we seeing a pattern, here?