75th Anniversary

squid · Post by **squid** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 4:36 am

I'm dying to buy a new Ric and the only thing that's stopping me is the thought of a delicious "Anniversary" model appearing for orders sometime next year. I'm right on the edge of getting a 340 MID HB VB, but you can talk me out of it by speculating wildly on the super-desirable models that are going to be released next year. What do you think it will be? A new model consolidating 75 years of research and guitar-making experience? A retro model that's been unavailable for years and years? A combination of the two? I'm all ears.

Scastles · Post by **Scastles** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 5:06 am

I've read a couple of posts JH has made on the RIC site. Off the cuff remarks eluding to the return of the 'f' hole and how C series guitars don't necessarily have to be limited to just reissues of the Beatles guitars. Does this have anything to with the 75th Anniversary? Who knows, other than him.

sloop_john_b · Post by **sloop_john_b** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 5:21 am

Each off-the-cuff remark is a drop of honey to our mouths. I'm incredibly anxious to find out what it is.

squid · Post by **squid** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 5:37 am

It sounds like we're looking at the return of a historically important guitar. What are the obvious ones that are currently missing from the line-up? For me, it's the Capri body style or possibly the "F" series, but I'm guessing that they would both necessitate a whole lot of new tooling. A 21 fret 330 or 360 would seem a good bet. A "new style" 360 with an F-hole would be an interesting combo, too.

longhouse · Post by **longhouse** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 6:48 am

My dear Squid... amen brother.

F-series, Capri, or 21 fret models.

sloop_john_b · Post by **sloop_john_b** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 6:51 am

21 fret models would make me extremely happy.

An f-hole on a new-style 360? Hmm...

wim · Post by **wim** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 7:45 am

My guess is 38 Frying pans.

Although 100 year would be a better occasion imho

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 7:55 am

Nobody would buy frying pans. JH is smarter than that!

wim · Post by **wim** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 7:59 am

I think those 38 would sell in a second. even at $2000 or more.
They're supposed to have original 1930's parts as I read.

Scastles · Post by **Scastles** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 8:36 am

Wim, at first I thought you were making a stab at humor. I guess not. I can't think of many who would have any interest in the '38 frying pans.

wim · Post by **wim** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 8:50 am

It's John Hall himself who mentioned that in an interview with GUITAR MAGAZINE back in '95 (could be wrong date) It came down to him saying he has enough original parts left to build 38 of them. But he was saving those for the 75th anniversary.
Personally I don't think it's a bad idea.
There's 6+ billion people. Only 38 75th anniversary frying pans... and after all, the whole Rickenbacher story started with a lapsteel nicknamed 'Frying Pan'

sloop_john_b · Post by **sloop_john_b** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 8:53 am

I definitley would not even have a passing interest in a frying pan.

johnhall · Post by **johnhall** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 9:09 am

I've also stated that I'm thinking these would be better saved until the 100th anniversary. That's one thing I can confirm- these will NOT be available next year.

Scastles · Post by **Scastles** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 9:16 am

Thank you for clearing that up, John.

If you come out with 'em in 2031 it won't matter much to me because the only pan I'll probably will have much use for will have the word 'bed' attached to it.

wim · Post by **wim** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 9:22 am

Excuse me if I caused any confusion.
I didn't know John Hall decided to save them for the 100th anniversary.
It's like I said in earlier post indeed a better idea IMHO.
I hope by that time I'll have some cash around, because I'd surely want one.