New price list effective 12/13/2007

[admin]

Thanks goes to John Hall who has given us a detailed response to our questions and comments regarding the recent price increase from RIC. We all have our theories about how RIC conducts their business, however, how many of us are running a first class guitar company? It is enlightening to hear things from the company's perspective.

John has given us a quick primer in Rickenbacker Production 101 from the practical point of view. While we will naturally view the world from the manner in which it impacts our ability to purchase a Rickenbacker, the reality is that we are only able to own an instrument if RIC is able to continue to produce them.

We are all impacted by rising costs of everyday living. Why would we expect that RIC be any different. I appreciate the time he has taken to comment here. It is my sincerest wish that he will continue to make exceptions to his posting policy on this Forum. When he does, we all learn from his insight.

[epitreture]

I need to jump in here, if only briefly, before I return to my "no post" policy.

We don't raise the price on guitars that are already on order, in fact we still have many on the books awaiting production that will still be shipped at the 2001 prices.

I hope this doesn't mean that these guitars were ordered in 2001.

[nukebass]

We'd have to check with dealers to see if they have any unfilled orders from 2001 (acoustics, maybe?). He may be referring more to the lack of price increase on some models (I only have an idea of list prices from 2005 on) since 2001. One thing to learn here, given the numbers that JH posted with regards to materials increases, is that when RIC ships guitars made today with prices from over two years ago, they stand a chance of making little to no profit on those instruments. The backlog hurts them, too.

[chucksimms]

There's two issues here. For the price increase itself, I'll offer a view expressed by someone on the retail side. One of my bandmates is the manager of a large music store. He thinks it's entirely acceptable. He thinks Ricks have been comparatively cheap for too long. They got in a new 4003 this week and it was gone in two days; sure, they have had a fretless 4003 and a 345 on hand for a little while, but those are much more idiosyncratic instruments. If he can get stock faster than 18 months he'll be happy, and it will sell.
As for PM Blues, that's just not cricket. It is up to them ultimately, but too many businesses I've found this last year aren't looking after the customer. Somebody mentioned CME; after my recent purchase from them I wouldn't ever consider buying from them again, and I'll certainly heed the warnings of others more closely the next time I approach any dealer.

[firstbassman]

Paul W in July 2006:

"...for the quality, beauty, playability, and sheer exclusivity, Rickenbacker instruments are, if anything, underpriced!"

And I believe there was an earlier remark by Paul (that would take me forever to find) giving a figure of around $3,000.

Looks like we're about there.

Apologies, Paul, if I misquoted.

[nukebass]

I just checked Musiciansfriend and they have a 4003 MID in stock for a price of $1950. Not all of their MSRPs have been updated, though. I noticed the 4001C64 models are at the previous price.

[steverok]

Now I wish I owned 10 Rics.

[beatlefreak]

You still can! It'll just cost you a bit more...

[steverok]

A bit more ? I would say alot more. I can see the used/trade market becoming very active. I guess we'll just have to see how the new prices affect inventory, as well as their prices on the used market. I own four Rics, but if I started now, I may not even own one. Oh well, we'll just have to suck it up, or just be happy with what we have - now that's an idea !

[grazioso]

well it comes to the fact that if you want something you either pay for it or not. if it is too expensive too bad it is great benefit of living in usa that you can get guitar on payments from places like musicians friend . as far as pm blues, people you should shop around and avoid shops with attitude like that.

this is very interesting explanation from john hall. now that there was some mention of the export - i wonder how ric corp. is dealing with new european legislation about no led in solder? it has been big trouble for many many companies.

[eatswodo]

I guess the rarity factor for the 650D is kicking in already!

"Thank you for requesting a price from us.

The current Musician's Friend price on the:
Rickenbacker 650D Dakota Electric Guitar Natural (#513610.010)
is $2,879.99."

[steverok]

I was greeted with similar (but not as shocking) horror when I got a quote for a 360 for $2250 from MF.

[epitreture]

I guess the rarity factor for the 650D is kicking in already!

"Thank you for requesting a price from us.

The current Musician's Friend price on the:
Rickenbacker 650D Dakota Electric Guitar Natural (#513610.010)
is $2,879.99."

Finally, for once in my life I was in the right place at the right time. Six weeks ago I bought a LEFT HANDED 650D from a shop in Florida for $1399 !! It looks like it just went up in value !

[steverok]

I recall two years ago a new 650D could be had for less than $700.

[leftyguitars]

Finally, for once in my life I was in the right place at the right time. Six weeks ago I bought a LEFT HANDED 650D from a shop in Florida for $1399 !! It looks like it just went up in value !

Ah, so you got it. I nearly bought that one myself but it would have been too expensive by the time I had shipped it to the UK and paid the import duties & taxes.