What Artist Is Deserving of A Signature Series?

admin · Post by **admin** » Fri Oct 18, 2002 7:00 am

While I expect that most famous artists using Rickenbackers have been approached by RIC to endorse a Signature Series, who should have a Signature Model that hasn't got the nod thus far? Present endorsements are likely to rule out some, but who is deserving nonetheless. Paul Kantner and Geddy Lee would be on my list. I understand that the instruments they play are already represented by the current models offered, but still consider them worthy.

leftybass · Post by **leftybass** » Fri Oct 18, 2002 9:05 am

Peter, I agree wholeheartedly on the two you mentioned--I owe alot to Geddy Lee, and so does Rickenbacker for that matter---he was the Guv'nor of the 4001 for quite sometime.

I have always wondered why Mary-Chapin Carpenter hasn't had a signature series 12-string....

Maurice Gibb has played many Ricks through the years as well.

How 'bout a Rick Nelson Acoustic??

ALSO: re-issues of the Combo 850, 4000 ('57-'60) and the 360F....just for the heck of it!!!

admin · Post by **admin** » Fri Oct 18, 2002 9:52 am

I am sure that RIC would find our thoughts amusing at a time when they are likely swamped with trying to meet the demand for the "C Series" instruments. I do agree that Mary-Chapin Carpenter would be a fine choice. A Rick Nelson acoustic is also interesting or a Sam Cooke model? To be honsest, I have no idea how much Nelson or Cooke used their Rickenbacker acoustics, however, I think that a signature acoustic would be a novel idea and is worth exploring.

shiraz · Post by **shiraz** » Sat Oct 19, 2002 5:41 am

Just like Susanna Hoffs, Mary Chapin-Carpenter DOES NOT deserve a signature series guitar. Can you name a single distinctive part played by either of them. I actually like MCC, I just don't thing she merits a signature Ric.
A Marty Willson-Piper signature 370 or 1997 would be a viable guitar. My number one choice for a sig Ric.
A Peter Buck 360 perhaps.
A Johnny Marr 360. Fireglo with black hardware, nameplate, etc.
Interesting topic.
Cheers, Noel

rkbsound · Post by **rkbsound** » Sat Oct 19, 2002 7:54 am

I thought Johnny Marr played mostly through a 330. What 12 did he use primarily? 360 for that? Buck or Marr deserve on for sure, and we've been down the Buck road before. I can appreciate his unwillingness to have his name on one. Now that I just got my "Buck" copy (sans sticker), I'd have to buy another if his name appeared on one.

I thought Mitch Easter always banged out a great, classic Rick sound. I don't know that his name would sell enough guitars to warrant it, but he is tremendously, tremendously underrated. Or maybe just under-known! I'd buy one with his name on it, too.

ted_williams · Post by **ted_williams** » Sat Oct 19, 2002 9:03 am

Although he no longer owns it, the first time I saw the Church live, Marty Willson-Piper was playing a 366. That would make a cool signature model.

corey · Post by **corey** » Sat Oct 19, 2002 10:05 am

You know Peter Buck's name would sell a lot of Jetglo 360's

Considering Peter seems to prefer the Danelectro 12 string guitars to what is currently offered with the Ric 12's (for all the reasons we've discussed here) perhaps a newly designed 12 string 300 series instrument with Mr. Buck's name on it would make R.E.M. fans and Ric 12 string fans alike happy.

It would seem to make sense for Ric to use a well known Ric player's name to ensure good sales of a new design that they might be a little unsure of (even though we all know we'd order a newly modified Ric 12!).

For the record, I think Susanna Hoffs was deserving of her signature series.

steve_hall · Post by **steve_hall** » Sat Oct 19, 2002 4:14 pm

Okay all you '80s hair-banders. There is one person beyond all those folks who does deserve a RIC Signature guitar---John Fogerty. After all, his 325 still makes that Bayou sound that not many other folks can replicate. His music has lasted over 30 years. Plus, a guitar with his specs and his name on it would sell like apple butter in the autumn.

ricnvolved · Post by **ricnvolved** » Sat Oct 19, 2002 5:30 pm

I'm all for the John Fogerty nomination. But didn't he significantly alter the electronics on his 325? My understanding is that Fogerty wasn't especially fond of the original RIC pick-ups and quickly replaced them with something else. Anyone know the full story on this?

rkbsound · Post by **rkbsound** » Sat Oct 19, 2002 6:37 pm

Seems like all the more reason to offer a J.Fogerty guitar!!!!

headbanger · Post by **headbanger** » Sat Oct 19, 2002 10:55 pm

How about a Daniel Johns model? He playing a plain ol' 360/12FG lately.

squirebass · Post by **squirebass** » Sun Oct 20, 2002 3:44 am

Who is Daniel Johns? Is he any relation to Elton?

corey · Post by **corey** » Sun Oct 20, 2002 12:18 pm

Although I'm not a fan, a John Fogerty signature model would make a lot of sense and sell well. It doesn't matter if John messed around with the elctronics and pickups in his most famous Ric - so did Roger McGuinn and to a lesser extent, John Lennon.

steve_hall · Post by **steve_hall** » Sun Oct 20, 2002 1:05 pm

I believe that with his Ricks, J.F. turned the Rick back into an American instrument. Don't get me wrong-I Love what the Brits did with the 325s and the Rose-Morris issues. However, I feel that John did a lot to bring Rock music back to its roots. His instument is something entirely unique. RIC cannot even deny this. Therefore, in favor of my orginal statement, let us get that Signature J. C. Fogerty Rick. Please, Mr. Hall!?!?

gaboik · Post by **gaboik** » Sun Oct 20, 2002 5:23 pm

Let us not forget Jimmy Vivino from the Conan show. He plays what looks like an old 360 MG that sounds fantastic.