Hello
I am new to posting on forum so bear with me. Need some information on Rick Acoustic guitars.
Thanks
JKL
Rick Acoustic Story
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jingle_jangle
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"...pricey. Very Pricey."
Compared to what, Sheena?
You COULD get a factory-built, mass-produced, robot-painted, bolt-neck, generic Taylor (admittedly a well-made, consistent-of-tone, somewhere-between-a-Camry-and-a-Lexus of a guitar) for about the same price as one of my handbuilt and hand-finished Rickenbacker acoustics. Other comparisons also come to mind; no matter, Rickenbackers continue to stand solo.
How many Camry/Lexuses does Taylor make in a day? Hundreds, judging from what I saw when I took the tour a bit over a week ago. Taylor does make a line of handbuilts; due to their high factory burden and labor costs, their "Select" line begins at twice the price I get for my Rick acoustics, and can easily top $10,000.00--for a bolt-neck guitar.
I complete one to two per month. That takes care of exclusivity/collectibility. Judging from the words of Mr. Hall himself and those few who have taken delivery of one of my recently-built examples, quality and playability are excellent, as well.
Compared to what, Sheena?
You COULD get a factory-built, mass-produced, robot-painted, bolt-neck, generic Taylor (admittedly a well-made, consistent-of-tone, somewhere-between-a-Camry-and-a-Lexus of a guitar) for about the same price as one of my handbuilt and hand-finished Rickenbacker acoustics. Other comparisons also come to mind; no matter, Rickenbackers continue to stand solo.
How many Camry/Lexuses does Taylor make in a day? Hundreds, judging from what I saw when I took the tour a bit over a week ago. Taylor does make a line of handbuilts; due to their high factory burden and labor costs, their "Select" line begins at twice the price I get for my Rick acoustics, and can easily top $10,000.00--for a bolt-neck guitar.
I complete one to two per month. That takes care of exclusivity/collectibility. Judging from the words of Mr. Hall himself and those few who have taken delivery of one of my recently-built examples, quality and playability are excellent, as well.
“I say in speeches that a plausible mission of artists is to make people appreciate being alive at least a little bit. I am then asked if I know of any artists who pulled that off. I reply, 'The Beatles did.”
― Kurt Vonnegut
― Kurt Vonnegut
... quality and playability are excellent...
I'll testify to that comment !!!
I've had my Jingle Jangle built 730S LH for three months now and I still haven't come off of Cloud 9. Is it also absolutely the best guitar that I've ever held in my hands. Whenever my friends and/or family have played it (or least tried to play it, remember it's a lefty), they generally had to pick their lower jaws up off the floor.
'96 1997 LH MG
'98 360 LH MG
'00 360/12 Carl Wilson LH FG
'07 730S Shiloh LH
'98 360 LH MG
'00 360/12 Carl Wilson LH FG
'07 730S Shiloh LH
Compared to what, Sheena?
Compared to, for instance, a handmade, one of a kind, very high quality luthier's acoustic project made in Russia. On the other hand, wood is much cheaper here, as are some other things...
Or compared to popular Rickenbacker electric models.
Nothing will get you dead quicker than being deadly serious about yourself.
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jingle_jangle
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I doubt that Mr. Lyons lives in Russia, Sheena. However, I do not doubt that luthier-made instruments are less expensive in Russia where the craft is old but the market is still developing. I am not familiar with the quality or playability of these, as you are not familiar with these attributes of my own-built guitars.
I don't believe that Mr. Lyons sought any sort of a comparison, however, in his initial simple question.
My comments in response apply to the USA and the countries on the planet where there is a market and enough disposable income to make the purchase of one of these a feasible proposition.
Rickenbacker electric models are made by a much simpler process, a good portion of the rough preliminary work of which is performed by CNC machines; if the acoustics could be built this way, Rick's acoustic shop would be booming, I have no doubt, instead of on hiatus.
I don't believe that Mr. Lyons sought any sort of a comparison, however, in his initial simple question.
My comments in response apply to the USA and the countries on the planet where there is a market and enough disposable income to make the purchase of one of these a feasible proposition.
Rickenbacker electric models are made by a much simpler process, a good portion of the rough preliminary work of which is performed by CNC machines; if the acoustics could be built this way, Rick's acoustic shop would be booming, I have no doubt, instead of on hiatus.
“I say in speeches that a plausible mission of artists is to make people appreciate being alive at least a little bit. I am then asked if I know of any artists who pulled that off. I reply, 'The Beatles did.”
― Kurt Vonnegut
― Kurt Vonnegut
Well, i didn't make any comparisons in my initial comment either. And, as i mentioned in my previous post, Rickenbacker acoustics are expensive in comparison with Rickenbacker's most popular electrics, too. And would it be fair to say that at the moment, requesting an acoustic from you would be the only way to get a new one?
As far as "quality and playability of these [luthier's projects made in Russia]" are concerned, they are really good. We have a great acoustic school (the only proof i have, though, is a small vid i may share in private), albeit we're no good at electrics. But that's a kind of an off-topic, methinks.
As far as "quality and playability of these [luthier's projects made in Russia]" are concerned, they are really good. We have a great acoustic school (the only proof i have, though, is a small vid i may share in private), albeit we're no good at electrics. But that's a kind of an off-topic, methinks.
Nothing will get you dead quicker than being deadly serious about yourself.
Hi Sheena! As my personal testimony, I put down deposits on not one but two of Paul's handbuilt acoustic guitars some time ago, for several reasons:
1. The ones I had seen that were completed and in the hands of their new owners were without a doubt the finest quality I had ever seen, besting anything I had seen previously from the former RIC factory (hey, RIC had to get someone to carve Lemmys so they took their acoustic builder offline to carve
).
2. No one I have ever seen before could paint as well as Paul. Period.
3. For the quality of the product, the painstaking attention to detail, and the artistry involved in the subtle details of PG and finish technique, these Rickenbacker acoustics now being built under license from RIC by Paul Wilczynski are a bargain at the price. Nowhere else in our traditional Western markets could you find this level of quality for twice that price or maybe more.
So I think they are not pricey, instead, I believe I am getting quite a good value for my money, for these masterpieces of luthiery from Paul
All that being said, Sheena, your link to the photos may have told the author of the thread everything he wanted to know. Anything further, let him ask directly himself
1. The ones I had seen that were completed and in the hands of their new owners were without a doubt the finest quality I had ever seen, besting anything I had seen previously from the former RIC factory (hey, RIC had to get someone to carve Lemmys so they took their acoustic builder offline to carve
). 2. No one I have ever seen before could paint as well as Paul. Period.
3. For the quality of the product, the painstaking attention to detail, and the artistry involved in the subtle details of PG and finish technique, these Rickenbacker acoustics now being built under license from RIC by Paul Wilczynski are a bargain at the price. Nowhere else in our traditional Western markets could you find this level of quality for twice that price or maybe more.
So I think they are not pricey, instead, I believe I am getting quite a good value for my money, for these masterpieces of luthiery from Paul
All that being said, Sheena, your link to the photos may have told the author of the thread everything he wanted to know. Anything further, let him ask directly himself
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, and sit in with the band whenever you can, to keep your chops up!
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jingle_jangle
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...Although the photos do not mention the wider variety of colors and options which I can offer, because I'm in essence a custom luthier.
Sheena, your initial comments begged the question about point of reference, which I then asked in order to ascertain your perspective on this.
In fact, acoustic guitars with the sort of rarity, quality, and playability which Rickenbacker acoustics offer, are more commonly seen in the US$10K and up price range.
Sheena, your initial comments begged the question about point of reference, which I then asked in order to ascertain your perspective on this.
In fact, acoustic guitars with the sort of rarity, quality, and playability which Rickenbacker acoustics offer, are more commonly seen in the US$10K and up price range.
“I say in speeches that a plausible mission of artists is to make people appreciate being alive at least a little bit. I am then asked if I know of any artists who pulled that off. I reply, 'The Beatles did.”
― Kurt Vonnegut
― Kurt Vonnegut
Ok, peace? I just meant the price of these isn't low. And my perspective is based on what i know & have experienced. BTW, IIRC, the 760J (mentioned in the list) is a rare bird?
Elys, i have no reasons not to believe you, still these are way out of my price range.
Elys, i have no reasons not to believe you, still these are way out of my price range.
Nothing will get you dead quicker than being deadly serious about yourself.
I had no idea about any of this. Is everybody talking about the acoustic guitars on Rickenbacker's product list, or have these become something else altogether, in terms of how they're made, sold, etc.? Sorry, I'm not very articulate today! What I mean is, how does one get one?
The guitar- road to ruin?
Yes, Mitch. Today, the only way to get a new Rickenbacker acoustic guitar is to contract with Paul Wilczynski for one. He asks only for an upfront deposit of $2250 per guitar (I sent him $4500 for two - a 6 and a 12). Then, you are assigned a build month. He can build any Rick under the license except the Jazzbo he has said. Any custom feature must be a feature normally available on a Rick acoustic sometime during Rick's history. There are lots of options, so the final price is dependent upon the options you order. I have my eye on some acoustic designs I spotted in an original 1968 Rick catalog myself, too
Here is a link to an acoustic that Paul built for somebody in a past thread (the one on the left), except it is too greenish for my tastes and it is definitely not my choice for top wood IMHO, plus it lacks those classy and beautiful rosewood sides. My two will be the same model in appearance and optional headstock purfling, etc, just a better color and some other slight differences to improve the top wood:
http://www.rickresource.com/cgi-bin/discus/show.cgi?tpc=162095&post=353384#POST353384
Here is a link to an acoustic that Paul built for somebody in a past thread (the one on the left), except it is too greenish for my tastes and it is definitely not my choice for top wood IMHO, plus it lacks those classy and beautiful rosewood sides. My two will be the same model in appearance and optional headstock purfling, etc, just a better color and some other slight differences to improve the top wood:
http://www.rickresource.com/cgi-bin/discus/show.cgi?tpc=162095&post=353384#POST353384
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, and sit in with the band whenever you can, to keep your chops up!
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8mileshigh
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I always thought John's acoustic was stunning? Paul did a great job there, The Aquaglo is a little different and sets it apart from other Ric acoustics IMHO? Each to his own I guess? It is useful though to have other colours out there, in order to make your own perceived improvements. Go for it Mitch! You won't be disappointed.