Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

marcthemusician wrote: Sat May 17, 2025 11:05 am Hello all

It's funny to say, but Rickenbacker is something of a unicorn in the guitar industry. Very clearly, the company plays by their own rules when compared to other brands. The fact that it has remained in family for so long is a definite benefit, though not necessarily unique. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the company is the insistence of keeping the guitars made in the USA exclusively and not licensing cheaper import models. Being an American myself (and a fairly patriotic one, at that) I appreciate this. Along with a multitude of other factors, all of which have been discussed to death on this forum and elsewhere, Rickenbacker seems to still be running strong.

I'm sure we've all heard stories about dealers taking issue with the way Rickenbacker does business; in fact, distain from dealers is the reason I've begun buying my Rics elsewhere. I also notice the incredible amount of critique Rickenbacker gets from its own customers; indeed, the biggest Rickenbacker haters appear to be the players themselves. This notwithstanding, and not giving it much credence (similar things could be said for other brands), I'm curious how the company is progressing. I see that until a few years ago, John Hall was a presence on this forum and elsewhere (notably the Rickenbacker forum which appears to be defunct). Does the company maintain a presence here, or anywhere aside from social media? I would like to follow along to the company's goings on, if possible. Frankly, the teasing of a possible custom shop in the FAQ page on their site is also alluring (362/12, please!).

Please let me know your opinions or facts. I'm all about learning more of the company. I can honestly say I really love my Rickenbacker guitars, more than my Gibsons or Fender, and I'm looking to be even more of an insufferable fanboy if just given the chance (Put me in, coach!) I do peruse the forum too, so if I'm missing some posts or threads, also feel free to point me to them!

Korladis wrote: Sat Oct 25, 2025 6:52 pm... during Ben Hall's tenure they've reissued the 4005, which I never thought would happen. Still haven't seen one in the wild but I'd like to try one if I ever get the chance.

cjj wrote: Mon May 19, 2025 12:32 am Unfortunately, there's not a lot of action here in recent years. Most of the activity seems to have migrated to the more instantaneous social media platforms.

rickenbrother wrote: Mon Nov 17, 2025 9:48 pm

cjj wrote: Mon May 19, 2025 12:32 am Unfortunately, there's not a lot of action here in recent years. Most of the activity seems to have migrated to the more instantaneous social media platforms.

I wish most of those guys would get sick of the nonsense there as I have and come back here.

jps wrote: Sat Oct 25, 2025 11:11 pm

Korladis wrote: Sat Oct 25, 2025 6:52 pm... during Ben Hall's tenure they've reissued the 4005, which I never thought would happen. Still haven't seen one in the wild but I'd like to try one if I ever get the chance.

I'd like to check out the 4005V, also. The only 4005s I have played have been old ones, like mine, and others at various confluences.

rickenbrother wrote: Mon Nov 17, 2025 9:48 pm

cjj wrote: Mon May 19, 2025 12:32 am Unfortunately, there's not a lot of action here in recent years. Most of the activity seems to have migrated to the more instantaneous social media platforms.

I wish most of those guys would get sick of the nonsense there as I have and come back here.

collin wrote: Thu Oct 23, 2025 2:44 pm One of the best parts about Rickenbacker is that they don't constantly change. It happens, but it's infrequent.