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Does Rickenbacker Even Care?
Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 8:14 am
by weelittlescot
Hello
I can't help but wonder If Ric can do anything for the Rick lovers in Canada.
I'll never forget the trouble I had getting my 330 (6).
I'm always asked by younger players (20 somethings') where can they try out/ or buy a Rick?
Sad thing is I can't tell them for sure where?
I got mine from steve's Music in TO ('96), but I guess they really don't handle them anymore?
The local store here (Saskatoon) didn't really care if they (or still do) had one in stock.
What can be done to get these guitars in the store?
I've been waiting since '81 to see at least three Rick's hanging in Saskatoon!
So how about it???
Cheers
RJ
Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 8:18 am
by jingle_jangle
Of course Rickenbacker cares. The question seems to come down to dealers.
Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 8:31 am
by red_rob
RJ, "Saskatoon"? Come on pal - you can't just make places up!
Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 8:44 am
by jingle_jangle
It's near Gobbler's Knob, I understand.
Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 9:05 am
by 86kubicki
RJ - I feel your pain. The major RIC dealer in Canada is Long & McQuade, but for whatever reason they don't seem to be interested in stocking Rickenbackers. They don't even seem to be interested in ordering them for you, as I was given a quote on a bass that was about 25% higher than a dealer from the US.
I'm surprised that smaller mom & pop stores haven't taken on Rickenbacker dealerships, but that may depend on the volume that RIC expects from it's dealers. I've always thought that Canada could use an internet based Rickenbacker dealer (if that would be allowable through RIC).
Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 9:42 am
by joepee
It seems Rickenbacker has requirements a company has to adhere to in order to be a Rickenbacker authorized dealer. Not sure what those requirements are, but maybe John Hall could fill us all in.
This way maybe Canada could get more Rics, and I would know what I need to get started on meeting my goals toward my second career: Joe's Rics of San Antonio

Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 9:50 am
by johnhall
Outside North America we use distributors whereas within, we designate dealers as authorized for North America with no restriction on Internet sales. In other words, in Canada, the U.S., or Mexico, any dealer can help you.
Actually, Canadian sales is a topic that coincidentally presented itself this morning and things will only get better.
Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 9:56 am
by jingle_jangle
Joe's Ricks and Bar-B-Cue, it would have to be.
MapleGlo-broiled steaks in FireGlo (rare), AutumnGlo (medium) and JetGlo (Well-done). Take Your Pick of Tasty Ricks!
Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 10:14 am
by jwilli
So, yes RJ, RIC does care.

Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 10:26 am
by 86kubicki
But does JH believe in a place called Saskatoon?
Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 10:28 am
by 86kubicki
By the way, it's great to hear that the new Rickenbacker situation in Canada is going to get better. Over the past few years, pickin's have been mighty slim.
Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 11:33 am
by ozover50
What's Slim Pickens got to do with it? Does he play Ricks?
Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 11:52 am
by 8mileshigh
Hey....London first......Canada second please. Seriously, dealers suck in genaral - well maybe a little harsh. Find a good one and stick with him. Barry at Wing Music supplied me with lots of Ricks years ago. A really great guy. Mike Smith at Ricsrus - great guy. You just need to hook up with the right one.
Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 12:09 pm
by phlemmy
Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 12:28 pm
by ozover50
Great work, Phlemmy!!