Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I need your advice regarding where to make a purchase.

PM Blues has what I want in stock so has anyone had dealings with them and if so would you recommend?

Wildewood also has stock. I know their reputation is very good from past Les Paul dealings.

Washington Music Center and Dave's are out of stock and my local DFW dealers can't even spell Rickenbacker so what to do?

It depends on how much you're willing to spend for one that's currently in stock. Does it have the finish & features that you want? Is it a price you can live with? Is the dealer reputable? How long will it take Washington Music Center to get exactly the one you want?

Speaking strictly for myself, I'm a pretty patient person. If Washington Music Center can get what I want within what I consider a reasonable timeframe, then my preference would be to wait it out. The money I would be saving makes it worth the wait.

Jeffry,

The prices are all within $50-100.00 of each other.
I'm being told that the wait is approx 5-6 months. WMC advised the same lead time.

Has anybody here dealt with Ed Roman. He's got a black one in stock.

Jim:
There was a recent thread about some problems with a guitar bought from Ed Roman; I suggest you use the Search function under Posts to find it and read it.

My experiences with buying new Rickenbackers have been with Mike Parks. I bought a 360 CW JG and a 730L MG through him, and I was fine with the price as well as the timeline in both cases, but then again, I was in no hurry and could afford the wait (the 730L took something like eight months).

Jim-- You should heed Gary Clauson's warning about buying an instrument from Ed Roman. You would be well-advised to read the thread/posts Gary mentions.

Mike Parks is an excellent choice if you can work something out with him.

One thing I forgot to mention-- The only reason why it is unlikely that I would ever buy an instrument through Mike Parks is because he & I are in the same state. The dreaded state sales tax demon is unavoidable in this instance. I did happen to buy several Ric t-shirts & a sweatshirt, and a set of Schaller strap-locks from Mike a couple of years ago, so I know he's a straight-up guy. But there was no getting around the state sales tax even for what little bit of stuff I bought. It's irritating as hell, but I certainly don't blame Mike. That's just the way it is.

Warning heeded. Thanks........

How about PM Blues? Any experience with them.
They've got a MG and a FG in stock.

Paul and Sean at PM Blues in Rhode Island are very good to deal with. I've bought no less than three Ric's from them within the past 8 months. Never a problem, seems to have plenty-o-stock, and are comparable in pricing.

Jim-Here's one other option-North Coast Music. I haven't bought a Rickenbacker from Gary-But I will say he is a stand up guy. He also offers Vox, Hofner, Gretsch, Burns, Mellotron, to name a few. Great prices too. If you want to drop him an email, send it to [email protected] Good luck in your endeavor!

Jim:
I would have to agree with Scott. Paul and Sean were great to deal with. I purchased a midnight blue 360-6 last January, the price was right, the service has been excellent and neither Paul or Sean used high pressure sales tactics. The best thing I liked about PM Blues was the fact that all the high end guitars are stored in their cases and the original shipping boxes. They do not hang their Rickenbackers, PRS or Gibsons on the store wall. Also I am the ONLY person who has played my RIC. I believe you will be very satisfied with the quality and price if you decide to purchase from PM Blues. Good luck!

I'll just add that I purchased a 360/6 from Gary at North Coast Music and was very happy with the transaction. The guitar was set up very well right out of the box and is a joy to play.