Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

It looks like I'll be in the LA area come June, and since Rickenbacker is so close, thought I'd give John Hall a call ahead of time to see if I could stop in, maybe do a factory tour and interview as an article I could pitch to a magazine.

Those of you who have been there, does this sound like a plan?

John, if you're reading this, are you game?

Come on, guys. Not one response?

We're not the ones who can give you an answer!

Works better to pitch the story to a magazine first, get the confirmation from the editor in writing and then ask Mr. Hall or Ben if they'll be around for a tour and interview.

Hi Bob,
In 1996 i wrote to John Hall for a visit to the factory. He wrote me back, that there aren't any factory tours any more !

Greetings

Peter

I have been a huge Rickenbacker fan since my teens. When I did my MBA in South Carolina I went to California for spring break in 1995, just went up to their plant and rang the bell, but they said they couldn't let me in. Of course I was disappointed, but on the other hand why woulnd't they let a complete stranger on their premises, I mean it's a factory and not a museum or state park

I think you have your answer db

Well posting here - on the off chance that someone from RIC might read it - seems pointless to me.

Contact John or Ben Hall directly by phone or by email would be my advice - you will find their contact info on the RIC website...

Either they will or they won't... But I wouldn't hold my breath. lol

Well, I suppose the "official" word can be inferred from the statement on this page on the corporate website:

http://www.rickenbacker.com/corporate.asp

It states:

* Please note that our corporate office is a manufacturing facility only. We do not have a showroom or retail counter, and we do not offer factory tours.

cjj wrote:Well, I suppose the "official" word can be inferred from the statement on this page on the corporate website:

http://www.rickenbacker.com/corporate.asp

It states:
* Please note that our corporate office is a manufacturing facility only. We do not have a showroom or retail counter, and we do not offer factory tours.

I went out there in late '90s, back when we had little more than the Smith book to go on for information. I called the factory to ask about the Rickenbacker museum, but was told that they'd closed it a couple of years earlier. Such a heartbreak for me, the trip wasn't really worth going on anymore....

Good luck!
As for myself, I had emailed Mr. Hall in January 2002 about being in California during that time and asked if I could visit the factory. He said to let him know when I was in town. I got there and got a personal tour of Rickenbacker and the museum. He didn't rush me at all, it was a very laidback tour. As a bonus he asked if I wanted to see all of the Rickenbacker "C" prototypes that had just came back from NAMM. I got to play each one a bit, and he took photos. John Hall was very personable and answered each of my questions, and showed me all of the processes involved in guitarmaking. I will always appreciate his kindness.
Thanks again, Mr. Hall!

Is that you? The same Steve as in this photo?
Missing from the photo are Randy Hawkins and Brian Crisman.

Long time no see or hear from, and I see this is your first post. Weren't you a member a long time ago?

Yes, Jeff, I'm in the photo. what year was that anyway? I was off the forum for awhile.

May 2005. Glad to see you back around here.

jps wrote:

The-Gang-33-1200.jpg

Wow,Jeff, all these basses ! What a nice picture ! The guy in black forgot to change into blue pants for the shooting