Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I just noticed that my post total is at 4999 which is a milestone of sorts. For number 5000 I thought I would say something about the wonderful people I have gotten to know over the last 5 years here. I really hope I don't leave anyone out. Some of you are still here and some are long gone but all have contributed to the network of knowledge and the culture that has made this place work so well. There have been great times as well as a few tense moments but despite the occasional adversity, I feel what Peter has built here is truly good and has enriched the lives of a lot of people. I consider many of you friends and I want to say thanks for making the experience here so rewarding for me and everyone else.

The Confluences started by Paul Boyer, Jeff Rath, and Steve Cooper have added a dimension to the forum that take it beyond the superficial interactions found in online communities. Many of us have actually met and maintain social relationships. How cool is that?! I have gotten to know a lot of you personally I am glad for it. If it was not for Paul, Jeff, and Steve getting together with their basses on the Rath couch for a few photos, this forum would not be nearly as much fun. You set the standard. Thanks guys!

Jeff Scott you are a truly great musician and person. Your gentle style and wry sense of humor really make things work here. I look forward to many more years of your contributions.

Despite the fact he is now the law in these parts, Joey Vasco is a major dude. A few years ago I dropped out of the forum while struggling with some personal issues. Joey took the time to write and ask me how I was doing. He is a truly good-hearted guy and despite the fact he carries a load of pad locks ( and is not afraid to use them!) , he truly cares about the people who stop by to share their experiences.

John Allgaier, you are another major dude. You are always quick to help a noob. Very cool. The best part is you have cataloged and stored much of the good information here and can quickly dispense it when needed. Helping is mostly what the forum is about.

Sergio Silva is the all-time champion for spotting fakers and above all is a genuinely nice guy. He has fixed countless forum pickups for little or no money and freely shares his knowledge and expertise. It does not get any better than that. Rock on Serg.

Then there is the technical wizardry of Paul Wilczynski. His repair skills and insight coupled with his truly outstanding finish work have been an inspiration to me. Thanks for the many tips and ideas Paul, they are appreciated more than you know. I am proud to have contributed so much to Paul Boyer's '72 4001 that Paul W. refinished back in 2006. Paul's finish work made my work look so much better.

Two of my favorite basses came to me through Marc Seligman. My '94 V63 and my Redneck were both in Marc's stable only to find their ways to me. Also, I had the opportunity to bring one of Marc's project basses back from the dead a few years ago. It was an experience I really enjoyed and and am grateful to have had. The green boy is still a fond memory. Thanks Marc!!

I also have to mention the border line crazy ideas of Dane Wilder. Dane has conceived and commissioned some of the most radical and ambitious guitar projects I have ever seen. His 8 string bass is one of the best examples of Rick remodeling on the planet. I will never forget Kenny Howes banging out Helter Skelter on that bass during the Friday night jam at the 75th Anniversary bash.

I am in awe of the depth of knowledge possessed by John Williams, John Simmons, and Andy Winters. Vintage Rickenbackers are VERY difficult to understand. You guys made it your business to know the details. The cool part is, you are all genuinely nice guys and you like to share what you know. Thank you all for helping me understand my wacky and wonderful '63 4001. I have learned to embrace its quirks and thanks to you, no longer feel the need to "fix" them.

Then there is Mr, Enthusiasm, Jeff Thomas. He is always in a good mood and always has something nice to say. Even though his tendency to manufacture nouns by prefixing words with "Ricken-" (i.e Ricken-world, Ricken-quality etc.) makes me want to slap him in the head I appreciate the positive energy and the love for the instruments. Jeff lives near me so we have gotten together for mini-confulences a few times. We need to do it again soon Jeff!


My forum adventures have included connecting Peter Levitt with his very rare left handed 4005. Peter's had the worst luck trying to get to Chicago from Yorkshire and then from my place to CME to pickup his bass. Everything went wrong but it made for a very fun thread here a few years back. Peter is a first class guy. Cheers Pete!!

Of course the forum would not be the forum without our friends from down under. Aitch and Trotty, you are the best. I had a blast with you guys during the 75th and I hope to meet up with you two again some time.

The Rickenbacker Crew, John, Ben, Kenny, and Eric. Thanks for all you do. We would not be here if not for you.

There are so many others here who have made my visits here over the years enjoyable. A few of my favorite posters are Chris Pappas, Brian Crisman, Gary Clauson, Melissa Breitsprecher, Jaymi Millard, Ilan Lukatch, Bill Henshell, Jim Glen, Mike Gutierez, John Biscuti, Jason Mendelson, Graham Griffiths, Woody Cross, Todd Bradshaw, Scott Jehlik, Kendall James, Ronn Roberts, Bob Young, Jared Nakanishi, and Kira Moon. There are many others I forgot to mention. To each and all of you, thanks for making this forum a special place to visit. You have kept me coming back for most of 5 years and I truly appreciate that.

I am looking forward to my next 5000.

Congrats Ted. I love reading what you have to say even if it is War and Peace length at times........ like tonight.

Brilliant 5000th post, Ted. Congratulations mate!

The RRF is a better place for your continued contribution.

I thoroughly enjoyed meeting you in Santa Ana at the Rickenbacker 75th. I promise we will see each other again soon.

Thanks and congratulations, Ted. You're on my good list too. I look forward to hearing from you for another 5000.

This is a great community for all the reasons you mention and lots more.

A wonderful post, Ted. We look forward to your next 5000.

Many congrats ted! You are one of the most resourceful at the resource!

Eden.

Congratulations, Ted! Good to have you 'back at the ranch'.

It could be said that my first meeting with Ted in early 2005 was the second unofficial Rick Confluence. I had asked him to have a look at my ol' '72 to see what could be done to restore it. He and his buddy, who will remain "Mr. X," arranged to meet at the local Portillo's (Chicago-style hot dogs), perhaps so we could scope each other out and make sure we weren't some sort of ne'er-do-wells. Of course, we hit it off immediately (even with Mr. X!) and I was invited over to Ted's home/menagerie to view his collection and workshop.

Ted has been invaluable to me and most members of the Forum with his incredible knowledge, comparative observations, and luthier skills. If my book ever gets done, it will have a lot of input and confirmation from Ted.

And Ted, you simply must come "up Nort" once the glaciers recede for a guided tour of my Rickenbacker National Forrest!

Congrats on 5000!

thanks,podnah! and congrats as well. personally when i see a long post come up,i'm like "ooh this is gonna be fun"! as u said, the wealth of knowledge and generally genial atmosphere here can't be beat! hopefully one day i can make it to one of the confluences to meet some of ya'll. rock on!

Congrats Ted and don't disappear for such a long time again!!

Wow, what a post, Ted! Making up for lost time I see.

You have always been an invaluable member here with a vast range of knowledge yourself in all things Rickenbacker. We still wait for updates on your various projects, patiently, as we know how busy you have been these past few years.

Here is to another 5000+

I agree with all of the sentiments expressed here Ted. You are a first class guy and an invaluable asset to the forum here. I am glad to see that you have hung in here even when some of us have started lobbing grenades in various directions!!!
(And not to worry, I have a padlock for Joey's head J/K)

I remember the only 4004 Ci that I have had came through a new fretboard at your place....Much fun!!!!

Stick around for another 5k and enjoy as we sit back and read "war and peace" by tolstoy...

Congrats Ted on # 5000, and thanks for the kind words. Your posts through the years have provided valueable insight in many areas and you are truly an asset to the Forum.

It was great meeting you in California in 2006, and I hope we can get together once again, sooner rather than later...!!

Come to MARF IV, when we have it of course... And give "Mr. X" my best..!!!

Congratulations on 5000 posts!

Great 5000th post Ted.

You pretty much say it all there...

Here's to many more of your valuable contributions to this forum.

Cheers!