Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi. I think I'm going to buy my first Rick bass, but it's a beater. But I don't care. Happy to finally get one. However, the original owner lost the TRC.

I just pleaded with Rickenbacker's Customer Service via e-mail hoping they would understand my situation. I was willing to send in my jack plate or something if that meant anything, but no dice. They need the original TRC. Well, mine doesn't have one, simply put.

I'm pretty upset. Isn't there anything I can do? I don't want to go pay $200-300 for one on eBay. That's ridiculous for a piece of plastic. I just think the bass would look a lot nicer. Isn't there anything I can do? I understand their policy. It makes sense. But it sucks for people like me. First rick bass. Beater bass. No TRC. No dice on getting one EVER apparently.

A TRC is worth whatever a person will pay for it, I'd buy a TRC for a couple of hundred if I needed it, but then again I think paid 300 bucks for a set of Grovers once.

How much does Rickenbacker charge for them?

grahambo! wrote:How much does Rickenbacker charge for them?

I don't know but you have to trade in an old one.

Hmm... well I guess I'm out of luck them. Oh well.

It does look funky without it, but I'd get the bass and keep my eyes open around here, eventually someone may offer a TRC you can afford. They don't always sell for over 200$ There are some nice folks here who will sympathize, I'm betting, with a little patience you'll find one.

kiramdear wrote:It does look funky without it, but I'd get the bass and keep my eyes open around here, eventually someone may offer a TRC you can afford. They don't always sell for over 200$ There are some nice folks here who will sympathize, I'm betting, with a little patience you'll find one.

I'll bet they'll drop in price with the economy the way it is. I've noticed that basses in general are going a lot cheaper and many are not selling at all, and this goes for many non-essential items.

They do pop up on ebay every now and then (about once or twice a month) but they'll set you back $150+ for a raised-letter plastic TRC and somewhat more for a vintage plexi (pre '75). The cheaper item is what you want. With a bit of luck and the lousy economy, you could snag a bargain!

Yeah. I really don't care if it was even genuine *gasp!* I just want a TRC, haha. A blank one would be fine, but of course, it would be ballin' to have it read "Rickenbacker." I'd like to show it off a bit once I fix her up.

I just don't understand how people could pay $150+ for a piece of plastic. I suppose it's BECAUSE of Rickenbacker's policy towards TRC's. Whatever. I don't care if it's vintage, new, raised lettering, or made in China, I just want a TRC to cover the unsightly gap on the headstock...

http://pickguards.us/pgordinst.htm

this place will make a blank as inexpensive as $11. I'm sure Pickguardian, who many of us like will make one for you too.

My understanding is that RIC was charging a $100 exchange fee when you turn in your old TRC.

marc61 wrote:http://pickguards.us/pgordinst.htm

this place will make a blank as inexpensive as $11. I'm sure Pickguardian, who many of us like will make one for you too.

The shape of the TRC is trademarked so no dice on that. Legally, anyway.

jps wrote:

marc61 wrote:http://pickguards.us/pgordinst.htm

this place will make a blank as inexpensive as $11. I'm sure Pickguardian, who many of us like will make one for you too.

The shape of the TRC is trademarked so no dice on that. Legally, anyway.

You can make one for yourself. You just can't (legally) sell one.

grahambo! wrote:Yeah. I really don't care if it was even genuine *gasp!* I just want a TRC, haha. A blank one would be fine, but of course, it would be ballin' to have it read "Rickenbacker." I'd like to show it off a bit once I fix her up.

I just don't understand how people could pay $150+ for a piece of plastic. I suppose it's BECAUSE of Rickenbacker's policy towards TRC's. Whatever. I don't care if it's vintage, new, raised lettering, or made in China, I just want a TRC to cover the unsightly gap on the headstock...

I have a piece of styrofoam I'll cut for you for only 15 bucks that'll say Fakenbacker, it'll cover the unsightly hole,

Well, it's not a Fake Rick, but if the piece of styrofoam said "Rickenbacker," I'd consider the deal, haha.

Hell, if it just said "Awesome Bass Yeah" I'd consider it. Just want the general shape.