Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Got mine Tuesday. Nice book. Just good to see a new RIC book in print. Wish there were more.

Manta

stringsncords wrote:Here's a question for anyone who has the book:

On page 111, the John Lennon Limited Edition models are shown; other than the pickguard (obviously!) does anyone know the difference(s) between the 355JL (without vibrato) and the current 350V63?

Just curious....

Thanks, Bob

Bob, good question. IMO, RIC kept producing the 355JL after the Ltd. Ed. ran out. They just called it the 350V63. The entries in the Register indicate that the last of the 355JLs was made in 1992/3 or so, with the first of the 350V63s following shortly thereafter.

More: In Bacon & Day's "The Rickenbacker Book", the following statement appears in the "Reference Section" under Style Seven -- 350V63: "1994-current. Signature-less version of 355 John Lennon discontinued in 1993."

There may be some slight differences known to others more astute in these matters, but to me (and Bacon/Day) they appear to be identical.

The main thing I don't like about the Smith book, IIRC, is that there is no index.

doctorwho wrote:The main thing I don't like about the Smith book, IIRC, is that there is no index.

True, Gary. You're forced to dig out info using the rather lengthy Table of Contents as a guide.

In this one, I like the models timeline and attributes in the back.

That took a while to compile.

Manta

Good book. Just got mine over the weekend. I like the fact that it covers the history of electric 12-strings generally, and not just Rickenbackers.

One thing that does surprise me is that acoustics are kind of relegated to the early years. I may have missed it, but I don't see anything about RIC acoustics in the 2000 years.

Manta

The comments on the "never-ending" JL models could also be echoed about the 660/12 Tom Pertty.

I saw a quote where he was not entirely happy that his limited edition turned into the "garden variety" 660/12 after the allotment ran out.

Whatever feelings he may have, I will thank him forever for designing such a great 12-string.

Ric owns about 90% of the quality 12-string market, though to the company this is peanuts financially. At least we finally have a more playable 12 thanks to Tom's input and Ric's willingness to produce in relatively small numbers.

I have had the book for several weeks now. I was never able to buy the first Rickenbacker book which Bacon wrote, and although I realize much of this new one revisits the same information, it is really nice to have a reasonably up to date version. There were really a lot of things happening with RIC in the '80s, especially in regards to emerging artists who now are considered iconic in their own right and are featured toward the end of this book. It is a very enjoyable read, and with the pics in full color, its great on the eyes as well. Great reference section in the back. Excellent companion to the Smith book.

The book's on the "back" of the R.E.M. fanclub mailer. It's still on my wish list... like so many other books... my list's too long... meh!

mine should be here tomorrow

Got mine last week. I like to read anything on Rics. I'm enjoying it.

fluffy wrote:mine should be here tomorrow

update.... god bless the big brown van!! mine just got here and I'm about 15 seconds into it ..

fluffy wrote:

fluffy wrote:mine should be here tomorrow

update.... god bless the big brown van!! mine just got here and I'm about 15 seconds into it ..

We're a week on... well? I should really get a copy of it... FAST!