Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

1971 Ibanez catalog scan

1973

1974

1975

1976

wow, they even did a 480 copy.

Where these authorized by Rickenbacker?

Oh, god no! RIC sued to put an end to importation (or perhaps even manufacture) of these lookalikes, and many are dubbed "lawsuit" basses. RIC pursues these "Fakenbackers" to the point where they get eBay to remove them from auction as they are "counterfeits." You see them pop up on eBay once in a while, but usually within a few days the listing is "invalid item."

I'd be embarrassed to be seen with one of these babies. They look rather odd to me, not sure why.

Makes me suspicious of Ibanez management.

(SHHHHHHH!!!! Hey,let me know if they make a "Lemmy". I'll buy one and take pictures of me setting it on fire at the next gig. Then I'll get some great photo's of Brian chasing me with a baseball bat. Big Fun!)

I find that generally a flashlight will do........DOH!

I wonder if Gibson and Fender also sued?

They did, Dave, that's how these guitars came to be known as "lawsuit" models.

From Wikipedia:
In the early 1970s Ibanez began making guitars that were almost exact copies of popular models by Gibson, Fender and Rickenbacker. Using somewhat cheaper materials and greater automation in manufacturing, they were able to sell these guitars for a significantly lower price than the originals. The low price combined with the relatively high quality of the guitars made these models very popular. Many guitar aficionados feel that the early- and mid-70s mark a low point in the quality of guitars from the major manufacturers, which helped contribute to the popularity of the Ibanez copies. These guitars have become known as "lawsuit" guitars and have become somewhat collectible.
The actual lawsuit referred to was brought by the Norlin Corporation, the parent company of Gibson guitars, in 1977, and was based on an Ibanez headstock design that had been discontinued by 1976. Ibanez settled out of court, and by 1978 had begun making guitars from their own designs.

Many of the guitars produced by Ibanez back then were truly fine instruments. The copying thing was unfortunate and it should not take away from the fact that the Gibson copies were often better than the originals. Some of their thru-neck Rick copies were pretty dang close.

Wow, I had one of the '76 2880s in natural back in '76 actually, and it sounded and played excellent. Wouldn't mind having it now, just to dick around with. I also recently played an Ibanez 70s Precision copy and it was great.

they where not bad.....
i had one it was a good bass.
not a ric but for the 200 bucks it was great

Your Honor, I believe my civil rights are about to be violat.......BOINK!!!! Lights out. Funny how a flashlight can either put you into, or take you out of the darkness.

I suppose for a young lad these copies may serve a purpose as they are obtainable to those on a limited budget. Considering where they are built, I'm sure they are fairly well put together. It just seems strange to me to buy a copy. Just get a nice Ibanez.

It would be like putting four very talented Japanese fella's in a band and have them tour as "The Beetles". They could play the same songs, might even do some parts better, and ticket prices would be reasonable. I'm pretty sure I could get tickets at the door. "The Beatles", I think my chances of getting tickets are not so good. (Yea,yea,yea, I know life has left us only two. That would be plenty)

Now if Toyota decides to build a copy of a 1967 Chevy Corvette convertible, 427 big block, I'm in!

well i had it at 19...
now i'm 34 i just got my ric and they are not in the same realm.but it was a cool bass at 19... lol

Off the bass topic...I have a '70's Ibanez Hummingbird copy. Sounds terrible.

If it's any consolation, a friend of mine has a genuine 70's Gibson Hummingbird, and it's awful. Even with a fresh set of strings, it sounds dead.