That is a funny ebay auction!

heinpete · Post by **heinpete** » Sun May 06, 2007 8:23 pm

RIC is selling a pair of original Schaller Strap Loc pins, not the RIC type of screw thread, no just the plain original.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Schaller-strap-lock-endpins-gold-Rickenbacker_W0QQitemZ250111721137QQihZ015QQcategoryZ7266QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

But most surprising is the fact, that it came out of the "sample bin" as RIC states in the auction text. Now it seems they want to get rid of the exhibit of evidence, that RIC themselves do not take the copy rights (product protection) of others too serious, despite their own policy?
But maybe they bought the right to copy or it was out of patent anyway?

doctorwho · Post by **doctorwho** » Sun May 06, 2007 9:30 pm

old strap pegs with black screws, made by Schaller. Locking section not included. Compatible with any Schaller strap-lock system, usable on any guitar.

This item is NOS ("new old stock") and has not been in circulation. However, it is sold as-is, no returns. Payment by PayPal only, and no sales outside North America. Postage is calculated below, depending on chosen service and distance.

Feel free to write with questions, thanks, and good luck!

Unless the text was edited before a bid was placed, the ad says nothing about the parts coming from a "sample bin" but simply that they are NOS. I see no copyright/trademark issues here, as they are the real Schaller parts, available at various dealers (gold buttons sans screws at $2.67 each, BTW ... what is Dave thinking?).

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Sun May 06, 2007 10:46 pm

"Now it seems they want to get rid of the exhibit of evidence, that RIC themselves do not take the copy rights (product protection) of others too serious, despite their own policy?"

Unfounded and uncalled for in my opinion, Peter. Even if they did come out of a "sample bin" I don't believe for a moment that RIC would offer these on ebay if there was any question as to their right to do so.

Is it not possible that JH or somebody else at RIC cleared it with the Schaller manufacturers first if there were potential issues??

Your last question may indeed answer your first!

heinpete · Post by **heinpete** » Sun May 06, 2007 11:41 pm

"Schaller strap-lock endpins gold (Rickenbacker samples bin)"...that is what the first line in the bold text box of the auction reads...

Howard, I do not accuse anybody, that is why I assumed the most reasonable solution in my last question. It just seems funny to me after following all the copyright threads in the forum for a while.

Anyway, I think that every Ric instrument should have these Schaller pins, not because the origin is Germany, but it is a safe way to prevent these precious instruments from having "accidents". I keep my original Ric pins only for vintage purpose display in a spare part box. Maybe some day I can sell one at ebay for a few hundred dollars, if the EACHBUS goes on like the last 6 months...

heinpete · Post by **heinpete** » Sun May 06, 2007 11:49 pm

BTW: I can trade two locking sections (the part that comes on the strap) in gold for a chrome 4004 knob!

markbass99 · Post by **markbass99** » Mon May 07, 2007 1:07 am

Pete, I might have a couple of chrome 4004 knobs, I'll have to check when I get home from work today.

heinpete · Post by **heinpete** » Mon May 07, 2007 2:09 am

Mark, that would be great. Only one needed. I will send you the Schaller Strap Locks gold in return. I changed the hardware of my 4004Cii to chrome, you probably know, so no more need for gold.

johnhall · Post by **johnhall** » Mon May 07, 2007 5:15 am

I have no clue what you are talking about Peter.

These are genuine Schaller strap lock buttons, right out of Schaller packaging. These were purchased as samples- samples of the strap lock mechanism for the strap, not the buttons- and we have no use for the buttons.

We called them Schaller brand because they *ARE* Schaller brand, just as the auction states. They *ARE* from the Rickenbacker sample bin. What's your problem?

(FYI, our strap lock buttons are produced by Schaller, so we may rightfully call them Schaller brand if we want to.)

Similarly, you'll see some genuine Grover, ABM, Gibson, Bigsby, and other brand name products coming up for auction that have been used for testing.

lyle_from_minneapolis · Mon May 07, 2007 5:49 am

I really don't see what the issue is here.

(insert Twilight Zone music...)

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Mon May 07, 2007 7:14 am

I saw the title, and thought, "Funny Ha-ha". Maybe another batrachian pick-purse, I thought?

Instead, I got "Funny Strange"...

Oh, well, Monday morning.

heinpete · Post by **heinpete** » Mon May 07, 2007 9:11 am

Must have been the Monday, but now I have learned, that Schaller produces the Ric pins!

Sorry about all that fuzz, it's Monday!

So let's watch how high the price for them goes up, so we can have an idea about the value of the vintage pins?

jdogric12 · Post by **jdogric12** » Mon May 07, 2007 10:14 am

yep. I've been known to buy Schaller straplocks at the store and throw away the screws & buttons.

markbass99 · Post by **markbass99** » Mon May 07, 2007 10:44 am

Pete I sent you an email.

shinynewtoy · Post by **shinynewtoy** » Mon May 07, 2007 11:18 am

Jason... don't waste the $$$! StewMac sells each piece individually!

heinpete · Post by **heinpete** » Mon May 07, 2007 7:56 pm

Here in Germany they are 1.80 Euro each , even in gold! The auction is probably coming close to the point where one could get 10 for the same price, of course not from the samples bin of RIC!

I guess this becomes another case of EACHBUS.