Ric Undergoes Major Mod

[cassius987]

If he wants to do anything to it, to get what he wants from it, why not?

Thing is, very few people are saying he shouldn't. Most people are just commenting on the wisdom of his choice, not his right to choose it.

[nattiep]

Blanket statement much?

Yes, I'll admit that. I've been here 5 years though (no I'm not trying to flaunt my member time) and I know the snob feeling put off by here. I act that way myself around people who think my bass of choice is a bad choice.

Dane mods his quite well and no one complains. In fact, many admire the mods he does.
I know I admire his mods beyond measure.

I think Dane's mods go over better with the Rickenbacker community because he sticks to already established aesthetic and style that people are accustomed to. Pickguards, 4002 pickup spacing, potato head stocks. No big holes are drilled and no MM pickups are installed. But then again nobody mentions resale value first thing to him either, like most do when every any other rickenmod comes up.

I think you as well as others perceive comments as complaints and don't give any measure of consideration that they are just comments.

Comments. It depends on the kind of comments. Comments such as "NOOOOO!" and "you just butchered a perfectly good instrument" I see as complaints. Perfectly good for one person may not be the same for someone else.

It's not like everyone is dogpiling the guy.

In fact, the reverse is more true. Everyone seems to be dogpiling RRF and Rickenbacker... and me for trying to maintain civility when there is no fairness in the counterpoints by "your side".

I will admit that I am most likely overreacting on the backlash. I'm not gonna lie about it to keep "my side". Just as I and a few others have said before though, if this was done to a cheap Fender, or even a MIA Fender nobody would complain. Rickenbackers seem to have this aura of untouchability around them. I feel this way about my 4001 even though I want to change it up.

Dogpiling RRF and Rickenbacker.. guilty as charged. I've had my complaints about the forum and I've taken them up with Peter before. Some of the things though can't be changed such as the elitist attitude I sense here. They're guitars guys. They sound a little different and they look funny. That's it. Big deal.

I had some respect for some members over at the forum this started at and because of this, I've lost most of that respect due one of the guys there almost always trashing the RRF. I had known he hadn't liked RRF but after this episode I've become acutely aware that his white whale is the RRF and he'll hunt for the whale until his dying breath.

Why did this happen? Likely due to history and specifically because some folks can't let anything go. This is not a huge issue here. The counterpoints and animosity toward the RRF and Rickenbacker is just disproportionate to the comments that have been used.

If I can guess who you're talking about (names won't be mentioned) this was another modder who did things that couldn't easily be fixed back to normal. He didn't want it normal though and all anyone worried about was keeping something stock. People get mad. Simple as that.

It's very likely that this is a hypersensitive topic and everyone who's commented "in the extreme" (myself included) is commenting on perceived meanings and not on actual intentions.

God save us all from our own stupidity at times...

I apologize for getting all uppity about this. I personally don't like the mod (the colors are off) but it's his bass and I will defend what he did to it to the very end.

If he wants to do anything to it, to get what he wants from it, why not?

Thing is, very few people are saying he shouldn't. Most people are just commenting on the wisdom of his choice, not his right to choose it.

What is unwise about making ones instrument represent them and what music they make?

[cassius987]

What is unwise about making ones instrument represent them and what music they make?

That's assuming that the mod actually results in that; it could just as easily flop. And that was my major concern, but it appears not to have done that. Nevertheless the criticism from an earlier perspective still applies and shouldn't be labeled elitism.

[ajish4]

I have to agree with Scott.

We get a LOT of bad press if you will, as does the company.

Nate, I have no idea what has caused you to sour on the RRF.
I can remember some of your early posts. If I remember correctly, most folks treated you very well and seemed kind to you. Sorry something happened, but you obviously have some issues with the some folks here.

As far as the "MOD", it looks like well thought out, well executed, and will probably play pretty well. Not my cup of tea, but he has every right to do what he likes with his guitar. I'm just not a MOD guy, I like STOCK everything...Just me, when I worked on cars in my younger days, I wanted to keep them strictly factory too, so it must be a genetic flaw!

Elitist? I don't think so. I think many of us wait a LONG time, sometimes years (I know I did) saving, waiting or working for a RIC. Many would see the same thing on the Alembic or any other quality guitar site...they just aren't cheap and most folks have to put in their time and sweat to attain one. Sometimes, to see someone "mod" what many of us equate as a quintessential guitar, its like petting a cat against the grain!

I'm also member of TB. I've found some really nice folks there. I generally stick to the Peavey posts only because of the utter volume of outright bashing of the RRF. I just don't get it.

I've said this before, I'll say it again...the RRF goes out of its way to HELP out its members, especially noobs...God knows, I've sold some RICS DIRT CHEAP to help a member attain their "dream". Timing was just right, I had picked up a few good deals, and I was glad to help someone attain their "dream bass".
Many folks have done the same and MORE for me! I've seen parts AND knowledge change hands freely, folks fixing other members pickups or guitars for free, folks driving MILES to check out guitars for others, sometimes even shipping abroad to help folks get their guitar or parts...and THAT is just the beginning. I can go on and on, but sometimes it just falls on deaf ears. Enough already with the attacks...I've NEVER heard of or SEEN this type of community ANYWHERE ELSE. I can personally say my life has been greatly improved by being a member here. The friendships formed here will last for years.

I just don't get it. Ok, so we like our RIC's....... GUILTY...., it rubs some folks the wrong way to mod one, ok...they have EVERY right to voice their opinion as the guy doing the modding, no?

Ok, end of RANT...Joey, feel free to edit as necessary...I THINK I edited myself to keep it on the up and up.

[harrek]

I've said this before, I'll say it again...the RRF goes out of its way to HELP out its members, especially noobs.

I'll attest to this. It was this site that got me more in tune with my Rick and bass playing in general than anything else
I have read. I've never gotten any flack, attitude, or any bad vibes from anyone. I've made alot of great contacts and hope
and expect to continue to in the future. I really enjoy reading the wisdom, comments, jokes, and banter here.

[Grey]

I just don't get it. Ok, so we like our RIC's....... GUILTY...., it rubs some folks the wrong way to mod one, ok...they have EVERY right to voice their opinion as the guy doing the modding, no?

Of course, that's a double-edged sword. Using Free Speech as a pivot for your arguement is great, except that by that same token I have the right to voice my opinion on... other people voicing their opinions. It's a bit round-a-bout but you get what i'm saying, right? It's my opinion that alot of Ric owners tend to take a very elitist attitude, and it's not just me that thinks this. There's a reason alot of people think that way about Ric players, a generalization dosen't appear out of thin air.

I waited, saved, and earned my Ric for 5 years, but that's MY guitar, and the fact that I know it's going to be well-loved in my hands is enough for me to take an open view on what other people will do with their guitars.

[cassius987]

There's a reason alot of people think that way about Ric players, a generalization dosen't appear out of thin air.

Generalizations quite often do.

[Grey]

There's a reason alot of people think that way about Ric players, a generalization dosen't appear out of thin air.

Generalizations quite often do.

You can tell yourself that if you'd like, but it dosen't change the way things are.

[s4001]

Definitely not to my liking, either. But is there anything to this mod that isn't reversible (or at least cover-up-able)?

I think the rout for the MM is too big to be covered with a bridge surround.

[Tarrbot]

There's a reason alot of people think that way about Ric players, a generalization dosen't appear out of thin air.

Generalizations quite often do.

More accurately, generalizations aren't often correct or else every rapist would be ____, every serial killer would be ____, every racist would be ____ and every Rickenbacker owner would be _____.

Generalizations are based on misconceptions and falsehoods and have been since the dawn of time.

You can tell yourself that if you'd like, but it dosen't change the way things are.

How are things? In the spirit of not generalizing, how are things truly? Be specific because we wouldn't want anyone to generalize here and characterize things the way they aren't.

Comments. It depends on the kind of comments. Comments such as "NOOOOO!" and "you just butchered a perfectly good instrument" I see as complaints. Perfectly good for one person may not be the same for someone else.

I think you'll find those on the original forum and not this one.

I will admit that I am most likely overreacting on the backlash. I'm not gonna lie about it to keep "my side". Just as I and a few others have said before though, if this was done to a cheap Fender, or even a MIA Fender nobody would complain. Rickenbackers seem to have this aura of untouchability around them. I feel this way about my 4001 even though I want to change it up.

I think you're right but this wasn't a cheap guitar or even a new guitar that was cut up. I am 100% for any mod that makes sense and in his eyes, this makes sense. Go J Hud. I think it's awesome. Please sell to me first if you don't like it so I can mod it without inwardly crying that I've cut up a clean guitar.

But... with that said. I could easily cut up the Gibson SG Robot I got earlier this year from Jason. I think I'd be crazy to do so but given that it tunes itself and if I had another mod that would warrant gutting it, I would do so.

It's a tool. But... so are cars and people mod the jankers out of them and some of them are insane (I'm thinking of you 20" gold plated rims on a $300 Ford Pinto).

I apologize for getting all uppity about this. I personally don't like the mod (the colors are off) but it's his bass and I will defend what he did to it to the very end.

I apologize for sounding too critical if that's the case. I think I've been civil but sometimes I push the limits and don't realize it until someone says, "Ouch!"

Thanks for responding.

[cassius987]

You can tell yourself that if you'd like, but it dosen't change the way things are.

Considering I'm not on either "side" of this one I feel pretty well-suited to comment on "the way things are" and the idea that everyone who said anything less than positive about this bass is an elitist is a joke.

There's a reason alot of people think that way about Ric players, a generalization dosen't appear out of thin air.

Generalizations quite often do.

More accurately, generalizations aren't often correct or else every rapist would be ____, every serial killer would be ____, every racist would be ____ and every Rickenbacker owner would be _____.

Generalizations are based on misconceptions and falsehoods and have been since the dawn of time.

I think many generalizations really have come out of "the thin air" of people's minds whether schemed or subconsciously, rather than just developing as unfair stereotypes with a grain of truth in every case. But to list the reasons I think that would be OT and political/cultural.

[Grey]

How are things? In the spirit of not generalizing, how are things truly? Be specific because we wouldn't want anyone to generalize here and characterize things the way they aren't.

Even though your comment is obviously sarcastic, i'll respond to it anyway.

I've been around enough forums to see the general antagonisim generated twords the stereotypical up-tight Rickenbacker player. If you honestly think that's not the general view the community outside of Ric Fan-Forums at large takes then you either don't get out into other forums much or just don't want to see it. I stand to gain nothing on either 'side' of the arguement so I have no reason to try and spin the facts, that's just the way it is. Now is that accurate? Well, that's up for debate, often people tend to judge the many by the few, however the whole point of my origional arguement was that typically, it's how people see Rickenbacker players. Our Ric's are "too holy to touch" and alot of Musicians roll their eyes at such a thing. You can call them un-educated on Ric's or whatever else you want, it's irrevelant. Thats how we as a community are percieved at large.

Is that something that should bother me or anyone else? Well I guess that's up for debate and depends on the individual.

[rickenbrother]

Okay guys, I think that's enough here.