Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Trés Mellow wrote:Have you tried the Rich-e-Split? I got one and am pleased with the quality. It's made with excellent components and adds no noise to my signal. I was also going to make one myself, but it doesn't cost a whole lot more than the parts to build one.
http://www.rich-e-split.com

This was posted in the marketplace section recently and was wondering if many other RRFers have tried this Rich E Split device out ? I note that it is a plastic enclosure, not metal.

The original box is ridiculously expensive, and this one is still too much, IMO.

What do you think the total cost is for three jacks and a plastic box? Five bucks?

Especially considering you could just buy a splitter cable...

Rich likes that it has his name on it.

deaconblues wrote:What do you think the total cost is for three jacks and a plastic box? Five bucks?

Cost isn't the question...the question is, who would pay $40 to have one ready to go.

A little disappointing that it's a plastic box and not metal.

I have a couple of these (one gig-ready, one as a backup):
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rapco-Horizon-P ... 0872123664

I appreciate the feedback, as well as the criticism. I agree, the Rich-E-Split box isn't the answer for everyone. If you have the patience and ability to build your own it's one way to go, and also splitter cables are an option. With the original Rick-O-Sound box no longer available, short of an insane price (used), I simply offer just one alternative that is pre-made at a reasonable price, and is guaranteed.

People all over the planet have chosen Rich-E-Split for their Rick-O-Sound, and many more have gone another way (including not using ROS at all). The bottom line is that I love my Rickenbackers, and Rick-O-Sound, so I'm proud to be part of the culture. If I can help in some way for other Ric owners to enjoy their prized instruments even more, that's my main motivation.

Welcome to the RRF!

Perhaps you can consider offering a model in a metal case to add shielding and durability. Maybe even add an optional switch to reverse which pickup goes to which output. Or even a switch to tie the two together to make em mono...

Oh, sorry, just me being a Techno-Nerd™ again...

kennyhowes wrote:

deaconblues wrote:What do you think the total cost is for three jacks and a plastic box? Five bucks?

Cost isn't the question...the question is, who would pay $40 to have one ready to go.

A little disappointing that it's a plastic box and not metal.

Re-reading my original post, I should have added "I would!" after "ready to go" - I was implying that Rich's time and labor are certainly worth the $40.

The only thing about the plastic box I'd be worried about is durability onstage, getting stepped on and whatnot.

Hi, new Rich!

Thanks for the welcome - and the ideas! For the standard model Rich-E-Split box I chose plastic for a couple of reasons: 1) since it is not a "stomp box" with foot-activated switches or controls, it doesn't get stepped on much. I have mine velcro-ed to my pedal board in the corner away from the foot controls. Plus the plastic box is pretty tough, and I fully shield the interior of the box with conductive foil tape. And 2) my parts supplier didn't have a lot of good metal box options for me. Plus they were expensive and I really want to keep the price to the customer down.

I have, and do, make custom versions that address a lot of the mods you suggested. They are one-off units, as everyone wants something a little different, so they never become part of the product list. As some folks have mentioned, the cost of just the parts is much less than the retail. The rest is my time and effort. I'm a perfectionist, so my wife says I'm selling each box at a loss. From that perspective I suppose she could be right. But she's also the one who says "You have too many guitars - you can only play one at a time". I own only two Rickenbackers, but someday I certainly would like more. Sound familiar?

FWIW, I just placed an order for a Rich-E-split box to replace the inexpensive wye cable I've been using. Hopefully this box will reduce some of the noise.

Plus, Rich is a local Oregonian and a Duck fan, so he can't be all that bad!

I bought one of the boxes also and like it alot. No issues here.

My Rich-E-Split and custom TRS cable arrived yesterday.