Special 75th Anniversary guitar?
Moderators: rickenbrother, ajish4
-
incubus2432
- Senior Member
- Posts: 4174
- Joined: Sat Jul 17, 2004 11:26 am
-
beatlefreak
- Senior Member
- Posts: 6160
- Joined: Wed Jun 14, 2006 5:45 am
- Contact:
Thanks Kris,
I have to say, that kind of stinks. As a LIMITED EDITION, I'd of hoped it would have AT LEAST come with a certificate to certify its pedigree.
I have to say, that kind of stinks. As a LIMITED EDITION, I'd of hoped it would have AT LEAST come with a certificate to certify its pedigree.
"Freedom of expression is important, but I have learned that people want to know how much you care before they care how much you know."
The only time a bass player gets noticed is when he stops playing.
The only time a bass player gets noticed is when he stops playing.
-
jingle_jangle
- RRF Moderator
- Posts: 22679
- Joined: Wed Dec 22, 2004 6:00 am
- Contact:
Amen, jdog...
Those of us who post have more than a passing interest in Rickenbacker instruments, and many of us attended the RIC75 celebration and took the factory tour.
Those who want more in a 75th commemorative instrument seem to have been non-attendees. (Correct me if I'm wrong!)
I heard a lot of surprised comments on how small the factory was (it is), and how clean, well-organized, and busy it was, too. The workforce is small. They do a great job.
The office staff is tiny. The graphics department is tinier still.
To "make the Rittor book look like a comic book" is an impossible demand of such an organization whose purpose is to handbuild the finest production guitars and basses on earth. If T-shirts are "on the bottom of the list", as JH said a week or so ago, then such a book isn't even on the list. RIC builds stringed instruments, period.
If you want a deluxe case, buy one, for pete's sake. The addition to prices to offset the cost of producing an Anniversary model, might be $500--at the retail level. At RIC's dealer pricing, it will be slightly more than half that. Not excessive. And JH has committed to produce these before the year is up. That is a tremendous workload on top of the backlog that they are chipping away at.
Common sense is the most valuable attribute for anyone who is interested in maintaining the longevity of a small manufacturing business nowadays. To go all out to conform with our culture's overheated promotional demands is the type of whacko thing that runs companies into the ground.
Would we want to see any compromise in the quality of our instruments? The line for whiners, should this ever happen, would be miles one, and one man--John Hall--would be publically pilloried. Leave off one screw or fail to check one circuit, and word would circulate that the quality of Ricks was in the toilet.
Could RIC expand so it could take on a project like a book or an impossibly ambitious commemorative at silly prices? I'd answer that with a question: HOW? Factory's quite busy, land's impossibly expensive, and the knowledge to accomplish either resides in a few overtaxed people.
I can just see this whole thing if Fender were doing it..."Limited Editions" (an overused term if there ever was one, these days) costing thousands more...a "party weekend"? Not a chance. Who even wants to talk with Fender's CEO?
The vintage dealers (not to mention owners...) will be having a field day with these in years to come, taking huge profits on "collectibles" without adding any value whatsoever. RIC and its reputation are creating a thing of musical, aesthetic, and monetary value that no purchaser with ihs/her own common sense intact, will ever lose a cent on!
Let's be glad for what we have...
Those of us who post have more than a passing interest in Rickenbacker instruments, and many of us attended the RIC75 celebration and took the factory tour.
Those who want more in a 75th commemorative instrument seem to have been non-attendees. (Correct me if I'm wrong!)
I heard a lot of surprised comments on how small the factory was (it is), and how clean, well-organized, and busy it was, too. The workforce is small. They do a great job.
The office staff is tiny. The graphics department is tinier still.
To "make the Rittor book look like a comic book" is an impossible demand of such an organization whose purpose is to handbuild the finest production guitars and basses on earth. If T-shirts are "on the bottom of the list", as JH said a week or so ago, then such a book isn't even on the list. RIC builds stringed instruments, period.
If you want a deluxe case, buy one, for pete's sake. The addition to prices to offset the cost of producing an Anniversary model, might be $500--at the retail level. At RIC's dealer pricing, it will be slightly more than half that. Not excessive. And JH has committed to produce these before the year is up. That is a tremendous workload on top of the backlog that they are chipping away at.
Common sense is the most valuable attribute for anyone who is interested in maintaining the longevity of a small manufacturing business nowadays. To go all out to conform with our culture's overheated promotional demands is the type of whacko thing that runs companies into the ground.
Would we want to see any compromise in the quality of our instruments? The line for whiners, should this ever happen, would be miles one, and one man--John Hall--would be publically pilloried. Leave off one screw or fail to check one circuit, and word would circulate that the quality of Ricks was in the toilet.
Could RIC expand so it could take on a project like a book or an impossibly ambitious commemorative at silly prices? I'd answer that with a question: HOW? Factory's quite busy, land's impossibly expensive, and the knowledge to accomplish either resides in a few overtaxed people.
I can just see this whole thing if Fender were doing it..."Limited Editions" (an overused term if there ever was one, these days) costing thousands more...a "party weekend"? Not a chance. Who even wants to talk with Fender's CEO?
The vintage dealers (not to mention owners...) will be having a field day with these in years to come, taking huge profits on "collectibles" without adding any value whatsoever. RIC and its reputation are creating a thing of musical, aesthetic, and monetary value that no purchaser with ihs/her own common sense intact, will ever lose a cent on!
Let's be glad for what we have...
“I say in speeches that a plausible mission of artists is to make people appreciate being alive at least a little bit. I am then asked if I know of any artists who pulled that off. I reply, 'The Beatles did.”
― Kurt Vonnegut
― Kurt Vonnegut
-
beatlefreak
- Senior Member
- Posts: 6160
- Joined: Wed Jun 14, 2006 5:45 am
- Contact:
I have to agree with Paul. While a COA would be nice, it's just a piece of paper. Many times the COA is lost by the time a guitar is resold anyway. Look at the number of RIC Limited Editions that have been on auction recently that have no COA with them. As John Hall states, the Limited laser etched TRC and pickguard, and the color are enough to distinguish the guitar as a 75th Anniversary.
And a case can be bought. When I go to pick up my 75A330, I'm going to see if I can trade in the SKB case for a vintage one (paying the difference).
Wishing for features on a model is one thing. Expecting it to happen is another.
And a case can be bought. When I go to pick up my 75A330, I'm going to see if I can trade in the SKB case for a vintage one (paying the difference).
Wishing for features on a model is one thing. Expecting it to happen is another.
Ka is a wheel.
I can see Paul's point, but I have to disagree that "it's just a piece of paper". For that matter, so are ALL legal documents! I don't think I have to go into each and every important document that is printed on paper.
All of my basses are INSURED. "The more documentation, the better" according to my insurance agent. After dealing with insurance companies here in Florida for 2 FULL YEARS post Jean & Frances (hurricanes to those not in the US) what wasn't documented, I lost on!
I lost THOUSANDS of dollars due to items that we no longer had receipts for. Those thermal receipts fade after a few years.
I've saved almost EVERY CS Ebay auction on paper to PROVE to the insurance companies what they have been selling for JUST IN CASE the unthinkable happens and we flood during a hurricane....AGAIN. I don't want to even think of it being STOLEN! When I showed the documentation to my agent, he asked me "do you have proof that it is a limited edition" when referring to the CS. The next thing he said was "do you have a document to use as proof of it's authenticity"?
I'm probably in the minority, but I'm paranoid. Once burned, twice shy. My certificate, as well as the printed auctions are stored in a large ziplock bag and stored in a small safe.
On another note, those CS models that have sold on Ebay recently, has anyone else noticed that the ones WITH the certificates bring a more money than those without? Not that I'd sell my baby, but for insurance purposes, I'm glad I have it!
I fully agree with you Paul (and don't think I have to sing more praises for the company here) but I'm looking at it from a LOSS prospective. YES, I'm VERY happy I was lucky enough to get one, YES, I'm VERY happy with the product RIC turns out, YES, I'm VERY happy that John & Ben respond to questions. YES, YES, YES...all the above. I think my brand loyalty is obvious. I don't think I had to be at the 75th party to appreciate quality & value.
My fear is what IF something happens to my 75th? WE know what it's worth, WE know how special it is, but 10 years from now, who is going to know what they will be worth? IF the guitar is GONE, what do I show those "insurance adjusters" to PROVE it was a LIMITED, NUMBERED EDITION? In a nutshell, I think the certificate covers my butt in a big way....and you haven't seen my......nevermind
From a layman's point of view, these certificates have been produced MANY times before, I just ASSumed that it wouldn't be a HUGE undertaking to print them up. If I'm wrong, I apologize. Again, from the outside looking in, I don't understand. IF it ties up production, than I can see why, COST, it can't be that I'd imagine.
Anyway, enough. It is what it is. Hopefully, it will be with me for as long as my CS, and longer.
All of my basses are INSURED. "The more documentation, the better" according to my insurance agent. After dealing with insurance companies here in Florida for 2 FULL YEARS post Jean & Frances (hurricanes to those not in the US) what wasn't documented, I lost on!
I lost THOUSANDS of dollars due to items that we no longer had receipts for. Those thermal receipts fade after a few years.
I've saved almost EVERY CS Ebay auction on paper to PROVE to the insurance companies what they have been selling for JUST IN CASE the unthinkable happens and we flood during a hurricane....AGAIN. I don't want to even think of it being STOLEN! When I showed the documentation to my agent, he asked me "do you have proof that it is a limited edition" when referring to the CS. The next thing he said was "do you have a document to use as proof of it's authenticity"?
I'm probably in the minority, but I'm paranoid. Once burned, twice shy. My certificate, as well as the printed auctions are stored in a large ziplock bag and stored in a small safe.
On another note, those CS models that have sold on Ebay recently, has anyone else noticed that the ones WITH the certificates bring a more money than those without? Not that I'd sell my baby, but for insurance purposes, I'm glad I have it!
I fully agree with you Paul (and don't think I have to sing more praises for the company here) but I'm looking at it from a LOSS prospective. YES, I'm VERY happy I was lucky enough to get one, YES, I'm VERY happy with the product RIC turns out, YES, I'm VERY happy that John & Ben respond to questions. YES, YES, YES...all the above. I think my brand loyalty is obvious. I don't think I had to be at the 75th party to appreciate quality & value.
My fear is what IF something happens to my 75th? WE know what it's worth, WE know how special it is, but 10 years from now, who is going to know what they will be worth? IF the guitar is GONE, what do I show those "insurance adjusters" to PROVE it was a LIMITED, NUMBERED EDITION? In a nutshell, I think the certificate covers my butt in a big way....and you haven't seen my......nevermind
From a layman's point of view, these certificates have been produced MANY times before, I just ASSumed that it wouldn't be a HUGE undertaking to print them up. If I'm wrong, I apologize. Again, from the outside looking in, I don't understand. IF it ties up production, than I can see why, COST, it can't be that I'd imagine.
Anyway, enough. It is what it is. Hopefully, it will be with me for as long as my CS, and longer.
"Freedom of expression is important, but I have learned that people want to know how much you care before they care how much you know."
The only time a bass player gets noticed is when he stops playing.
The only time a bass player gets noticed is when he stops playing.
I'd like to see not just a vintage case but a special case with a GIANT RIC 75th logo on the case.
Horseshoe, and toaster pickups.
Checkerboard binding.
Full width MOP inlays.
A special framed certificate of authenticity.
An autographed picture of John Hall, posing with a bevy of beautiful Rickenbacker hot chicks.
A full color book of all the RIC models.
Some cool 75th posters.
How about some bumper stickers, and a free T-shirt.
And last but not least, a special tooled leather guitar strap with the 75th RIC logo on it.
Just kidding.
Horseshoe, and toaster pickups.
Checkerboard binding.
Full width MOP inlays.
A special framed certificate of authenticity.
An autographed picture of John Hall, posing with a bevy of beautiful Rickenbacker hot chicks.
A full color book of all the RIC models.
Some cool 75th posters.
How about some bumper stickers, and a free T-shirt.
And last but not least, a special tooled leather guitar strap with the 75th RIC logo on it.
Just kidding.
Buy it before someone else does.
I agree with you Tony... I can see Paul's point but to an insurance company- that 75th 4003 is just a 4003 with a different color finish and pickguard. How can you place a value on it when you're probably not going to see this hit the secondary market for a while? I think it'll be a long time till we see one of these on Ebay.
"Take the RIC... Leave the cannoli."
-
beatlefreak
- Senior Member
- Posts: 6160
- Joined: Wed Jun 14, 2006 5:45 am
- Contact:
As far as proof that it's a Limited Edition goes, I'm certain that RIC could and would back that up in a letter for insurance settlement purposes if the serial number were provided. That way, there would be no COA to worry about getting lost or destroyed.
A COA won't cost squat to produce with the instruments, nor would it impact production schedules. But it is a company decision. And it is, after all, still a piece of paper. But so many people are talking about being disappointed with the 75th Anniversary editions because there aren't things like horseshoe pickups, special electronics, reviving old designs, etc. Those things DO significantly cost more, and impact production. And a case is a case. You can always buy the one you want - Especially since there's no 75th Anniversary designation on the one that comes with it (thank God).
A COA won't cost squat to produce with the instruments, nor would it impact production schedules. But it is a company decision. And it is, after all, still a piece of paper. But so many people are talking about being disappointed with the 75th Anniversary editions because there aren't things like horseshoe pickups, special electronics, reviving old designs, etc. Those things DO significantly cost more, and impact production. And a case is a case. You can always buy the one you want - Especially since there's no 75th Anniversary designation on the one that comes with it (thank God).
Ka is a wheel.
-
jingle_jangle
- RRF Moderator
- Posts: 22679
- Joined: Wed Dec 22, 2004 6:00 am
- Contact:
For insurance purposes, you have the purchase receipt, until such time as one or two end up selling at collectors' prices.
Something's only worth what it costs. Nobody takes insurance out to cover their emotional attachments.
Has anybody ever heard of special policies for "declared value" or "stated value"? I used to get them on collector cars...there must be something for guitars, too.
Something's only worth what it costs. Nobody takes insurance out to cover their emotional attachments.
Has anybody ever heard of special policies for "declared value" or "stated value"? I used to get them on collector cars...there must be something for guitars, too.
“I say in speeches that a plausible mission of artists is to make people appreciate being alive at least a little bit. I am then asked if I know of any artists who pulled that off. I reply, 'The Beatles did.”
― Kurt Vonnegut
― Kurt Vonnegut
Paul:
You bring up a very good point, "until such time as one or two end up selling at collectors' prices." That's what I had to do to prove it to the insurance company with the CS auctions.
I too would be very interested in a special guitar policy if such a thing exists.
You bring up a very good point, "until such time as one or two end up selling at collectors' prices." That's what I had to do to prove it to the insurance company with the CS auctions.
I too would be very interested in a special guitar policy if such a thing exists.
"Freedom of expression is important, but I have learned that people want to know how much you care before they care how much you know."
The only time a bass player gets noticed is when he stops playing.
The only time a bass player gets noticed is when he stops playing.