Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I've just returned to Australia after spending two weeks vacation on the East Coast of the USA, based in New Jersey. I had accumulated a number of vintage Rickenbackers over the past year and my buddy in NJ had been baby-sitting them for me. I was like a kid in a candy store when I arrived and each guitar was much better than I had expected.

My '72 4001 bass arrived whilst I was there and I had the pleasure of watching the UPS man unload the package from his van!

During my stay I visited Pick Of The Ricks, New Jersey Guitar and Bass Center, Nothing New Music, Guitar Villa in PA, Mannys, Rudys Music Stop, and Sam Ash in NYC.

You can probably imagine how concerned I was at transporting seven guitars back to Australia. Ultimately everything worked out far better than I could have hoped for...Qantas only charged me US$90 excess baggage and Aussie customs waived me and my son through without charging us any duty or tax. I could hardly wipe the smile from my face! All guitars arrived without any damage too.

Anyway, here's some shots of the recent additions and the expanded collection.

Beautiful, Darren.... You have a fine collection that could make any of us jealous! All those wonderful sounds just an arm's reach away!

All that Fireglo looks beautiful from here Darren!

Glad to hear they're all landed safely. There's no duty on guitars anymore, it used to be 5%. Did you pay any GST?

What an amazing collection, I'd be really proud of owning something that!

Just wondering, since you were in NYC, is there a store I should definitely visit? I'm going to be there at the end of the month and I want to try out a Rickenbacker

Melissa, thanks for your comments....a lot of blood sweat and tears has gone into building up my collection. I'm still after a Capri...does anyone want to sell me one???

Gerry, I was not charged any GST at all. I'll contact you offline later today for a chat.

Patrick, I would suggest you visit W48th St which is within two blocks of Times Square. Mannys, Rudys and Sam Ash are all next to, or across the street, from each other. Between them they had about ten Rickenbackers. Enjoy your visit!

Hi Darren, and welcome back to Oz to you and Jeremy. Now that's what I call three dimensional wallpaper!! That's your office, yes?

Glad you had no dramas with customs, etc. Seems they aren't too fussed with second hand goods these days - in spite of their value!!

A beautiful collection - very carefully researched and put together, too. Simply magnificent!!

I just received notice that the 1997 I purchased from Mitch Berger will be arriving today..... yew bewdy!! With any sort of luck the 360V64 will check in today also..........

Looking forward to catching up soon!!

Aitch, now make sure you post plenty of pictures of your new babies!

Thanks Darren!

That I will, Melissa. The battery in the digital is fully charged!!

What about Mandolin Brothers?

Congratulations Darren.

Man, I've had to pay a LOT of import duty (US to UK) in the past...

Fantastic Darren. I would, however, worry about any and all shots called to the end pocket. Lounging on the love-seat could also be a challenge. Thanks for sharing the collection.