Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

There are some hardcore Ric artists out there who I've seldom - if ever - seen holding another kind of guitar.

They often to groups that have topped the charts worldwide... yet my feeling is that they'll never get a signature model. Shall we start a list? Here's two from me to begin...

Per Gessle (Roxette)
Miki Berenyi (Lush)

I think Mary Chapin Carpenter should get a signature model.... I'd be first in line to get a blueburst 620 or 620/12 just like hers!

I also think Geddy Lee should have gotten a signature 4001 a long, long time ago.... It still makes me mad that there is a Fender Geddy Lee signature bass out there, and it doesn't even cost that much--it seems like Geddy's selling himself cheap on that one....sort of a Fender marketing ploy for all those Geddy Lee wannabe's out there (but at least it's not a bad-looking instrument...). Although his incredible talent is obvious on whatever bass he plays, Rush's music sounded the best when Geddy played Rics, IMHO.

What's more amazing to me in Roger McGuinn's new Martin 7 string limited edition acoustic simultaneous with his endorsement of a new Epiphone Byrdland electric.

All of this coincides with the release of his new album "Limited Edition" which is being promoted as a return to his Rickenbacker roots "at the request of his fans".

I'm confused.

Let's see,

Pete Buck --> assuming he's been approached about this before.

Miki B from Lush --> Not sure she's widely known enough for a sig model, although I would love one. Apparently she considered switching to an ES/335 12 at some point.

Geddy--> Yeah, that one is a bit weird - but apparently the G-man is a diehard Jazzer now.

Who else out there would have the name recognition these days to make a sig worth it? Most of the type of music I listen to, that has Ricks, is indie-pop, alterna, college music type stuff. This is not what moves album sales these days, with a few exceptions.

Maybe the guys in Radiohead? I am guessing they would reject a sig model opportunity because it's too "corporate" or something. This is a band in which the frontman forces the rest of the group to "reinvent" itself every album, to avoid cliche. But what do I know?

How about Dave Gregory, formerly of XTC? Surely one of the best 12-stringers in recent memory, with a good deal of respect in the guitar world.

"it seems like Geddy's selling himself cheap on that one....sort of a Fender marketing ploy for all those Geddy Lee wannabe's out there (but at least it's not a bad-looking instrument...)."

I've heard good things about the Geddy Lee Jazz Bass, so I'm wondering where that comment comes from.

Mike Rutherford. To me the early Genesis music is the best and the Rick sound helped define that music. Listen to Battle Of Epping Forest for a classic example.

Hey Tom,

As nice as it looks, I've heard bad things about the Geddy Lee J-Bass. Jeff (Rath), can you chime in?

John (McKelvy), yes of course! Where was my brain at 2am... Peter Buck is a very obvious one! I'd be really interested in a PB special. I think a lot of us would, eh?

How about John Fogerty of CCR?

You know, I can feel some petitions coming on

Huh??

Roger, I love ya and I could deal with the hat, but now an epi?

McGuinn

Is that 12 string a few strings short of a full course?

Seven string

NOt sure what would be different about a Pete Buck special other than a trucker's bimbo pick guard and TRC?

edit: I just forgot a few blindingly obvious potential endorser/endorsees from the world of britpop.

1. THe bass player from the Stone Roses, used a 4005 on at least their first album. Call it a 4005c89 - complete with Psychedelic paint job to reflect the album art, just like on the original bass!

2. The bass player for Oasis, who uses another 4005. The same guy also used 330's extensively with the band Ride.

To bad a 4005 reissue would probably retail for aroun 6K

3. Paul Weller and his bass player.

You show McGuinn he can't do this to Rickenbacker, JH. I suggest a 370/12 with all vintage appointments and onboard compressor, but without Roger's signature. That'll show him who's boss. Right gang?

Make mine mapleglo. I believe you have the shipping address. And don't thank me for the idea, it's the least I can do for Rickenbacker and its pride.

You show McGuinn he can't do this to Rickenbacker, JH. I suggest a 370/12 with all vintage appointments and onboard compressor, but without Roger's signature. That'll show him who's boss. Right gang?

Wow, quite the attitude toward Roger here.You might as well tell him you got a petition to get the Byrds together and that you won't take no for an answer.Got news for you, in case you haven't figured it out yet; No one moves McGuinn to do anything he doesn't want to do when and if he doesn't want to do it.And last I heard, He'd disconnected the compressor in his sig guitar and was using a Pod.You go, Roger...