Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Anybody here read Guitar Aficionado? It's a relatively new magazine that seems to be dedicated to the proposition that guitars are an accessory to The Good Life--in addition to guitars, they also cover fine watches, jewelry, liquors, cars, etc. I find it a little pretentious, but they often run some good articles amongst the Ferrari and expensive cognac reviews! A while back, they did a photo spread on John and Cindalee Hall's home (complete with Rickenbacker necks for door handles). Cool! Although I'd rather have seen an article on John's guitars...Anyway, in the current issue (with Billy Gibbons on the cover), they do a review of the 381-12V69, with a drool-inducing pic of a Jetglo one. Reminded me of my '72 Jetglo 381 6-string that I used to have. A beautiful guitar, but mine had some playability issues (the frets were about worn out, and I had to replace the bridge and pickups before I could use it--it had been "rode hard and put away wet", so to speak, so I got rid of it. I have since played a couple of the reissues, and they were way better than my '72 was. Proof that Rickenbacker doesn't make 'em like they used to--they make 'em better! Oh--the 12 got a good review...

We usually get all the guitar mags at work, so I'll check the VPs inbox to see if he's got it

I bought one copy of it and I agree - its very pretentious. No way I'd ever buy one again, but its good to see some publicity for the Rickenbackers. They rarely, if ever, get covered in the rest of the guitar magazines I see.

I think the first " Aficionado ' magazine I saw .. years ago.. was " Cigar Aficionado " .. and wow.. indeed.. over the top: Cars.. Brandy.. Watches.. Women.. etc.

Pretentious with a capital " P " .. and the Guitar Aficionado seems to be of the same format.. Celebrities and their guitars..

kind of interesting maybe for a quick flip though if I'm at Barnes & Noble magazine section.. but I'd never subscribe..

+1 though of course on: RIC getting some press. as they're such high quality , unique - instruments..

Ric_MEL wrote:I think the first " Aficionado ' magazine I saw .. years ago.. was " Cigar Aficionado " .. and wow.. indeed.. over the top: Cars.. Brandy.. Watches.. Women.. etc.

Pretentious with a capital " P " .. and the Guitar Aficionado seems to be of the same format.. Celebrities and their guitars..

kind of interesting maybe for a quick flip though if I'm at Barnes & Noble magazine section.. but I'd never subscribe..

+1 though of course on: RIC getting some press. as they're such high quality , unique - instruments..

Pretentious- probably. But also quite successful. The only reason they're getting advertisers like Jaguar, Camacho, Cadillac, Porsche, John Varvatos, and Marquis Jet, along with the best heeled guitar makers, is because they're delivering the subscribers in auditable and certified quantities. They seem to have found a market the other rags have overlooked and/or pooh-poohed.

And December 9th will be a very interesting date indeed if Guitar Aficionado *IS* your taste.

A little pretending can shake some of the tarnish off of a humdrum reality. Not surprised they're doing well.

Good exposure for RIC is good for all of us who own a piece or two.

December 9th.......hmmm. The day after John lennon died 30 years ago. What could it be that is in the works I wonder?

Correct, G.A. does have plenty of pomp, but it also features successful people that are not actually known as axe men, such as Jeff Bridges, John McEnroe and Top Chef's Tom Colicchio. McEnroe's left-handed '59 Les Paul was definitely rare, as was his rare 70s meeting with David Bowie in a hotel. "Rebel Rebel" definitely sounded better according to both men! The magazine is P, which I'd surmise could also stand for "pretty." I've read all issues, or at least perused severely. I'll certainly have another bite. I'm sure Ricks will continually surface, as will Gs, Fs and Grs.

...wisdom

jfine wrote:Proof that Rickenbacker doesn't make 'em like they used to--they make 'em better!

I agree with the first part... hard to agree with the second!!

Boy, you sure know how to stir things up, Tom...

I subscribe and I enjoy the magazine. Its very well done. The only other guitar magazine I subscribe to is Vintage Guitar. I've seen more RICs in this Guitar Aficionado in it's first year of existence than the other guitar rags I used to pick up. Enjoyed the 381/12V69 review.

I agree with the first part... hard to agree with the second!!

Right, and making instruments with dangerous mill equipment like jointers and shapers is much preferable to a totally enclosed CNC machine. And spraying extremely harmful chemicals that cause air pollution is preferable to a coating that puts off 90% less air pollution.

Marvin R. Shanken wrote a review of my '68 Rickenbacker 365 in last month's Guitar Aficionado:

"This guitar wastes absolutely no time at all to reach it's stride. Already this guitar is pumping out flavors: Cedar, Nuts, and honey mixed with a rich cream that brings it all together. I got a little bit of spice in the blend which added to the complexity of it. The guitar is medium in body and the sound is thick and moist. At times i literally wanted to chew on the strings!It made my jaws tingle like when you eat something so wonderful and sweet. I felt my whole body just completely relax and i reach a state of bliss."

octagon wrote:Marvin R. Shanken wrote a review of my '68 Rickenbacker 365 in last month's Guitar Aficionado:

"This guitar wastes absolutely no time at all to reach it's stride. Already this guitar is pumping out flavors: Cedar, Nuts, and honey mixed with a rich cream that brings it all together. I got a little bit of spice in the blend which added to the complexity of it. The guitar is medium in body and the sound is thick and moist. At times i literally wanted to chew on the strings!It made my jaws tingle like when you eat something so wonderful and sweet. I felt my whole body just completely relax and i reach a state of bliss."

Good grief! It's a bloody guitar, not a box of Swiss chocolates! (can I say "bloody" on this forum?)
JimK