Kudos to Rickenbacker for remaining US made and remaining a family business. There is obviously a tremendous amount of love, care, and pride in their fine instruments, history, and innovation. And rightly so. Long live Rickenbacker.
In 1930 the nation is at the top of "electric" with radio being the media and from 1920 -1950 ... big bands! Yes, it's the Jazz/Swing age and the scope was everyone was trying to get instruments which could cut thru the volume of a band full of brass horns. Many ways to do so - amplify it - either mechanically (as National did), build a larger sound box (as Gibson had) or try to mic it into an amp - thus the magnetic pup (Rickenbacker). Ric's mainstay at first was the Hawaiian music target market - thus lap steels and pedal steel which fit in and somehow took to blues and country - however the idea was to hit swing. The 20's mostly saw banjo's - naturally loud enough - still in the rhythm section of a jazz band. The scope however was to cut thru the band.
Folks complainin' about the way Charles looks? His hair? Really? I would never think of that, watchin' something so good and interesting. Thanks, Charles and everyone involved. You guys did a great job.
An amazing walk-through of guitar history and very unexpected, too! Thank you for making this - it is wonderful to see so many rare and innovative instruments gathered together!
The most unique sounding and beautiful of all the electric guitars. Rickenbacker has always been my favourite guitar. My wallet limits the acquisition of all the models I would love to own though. Fantastic guitars, just amazing.
I've wanted a Ric 360 12 since the Byrds came out with Mr. Tambourine Man in '65. Now, I'd still take that 360 12 but would rather have the 370/12 Roger McGuinn model. I absolutely love these guitars. I'd also like a 360/6 string. Both in Fireglo. These are absolutely great guitars.
All those amazing guitars just sitting on the wall, day after day, year after year, ... just waiting to be played and loved. Send one to my house please.
One of the best videos I’ve ever seen, it’s just legen… wait for it… dary ! Rickenbacker is really one of those brands I just dream of, thanks Charles and PG for putting that up :)
"Hi Mr. Hall, thanks for granting us this interview .... sorry if I sound tired, I've been stranded on a deserted island for 8 years and they only just rescued me".
My meme tells you the story.. that's a 1971 360 Deluxe, I bought new in the day and play it almost every day still, it is what I am known for and that's just fine by me... I love this guitar and the beautiful time I have spent enjoying it...
They have indeed been "the same for so long". I get Premier Guitar, Guitar Player, Guitar World and worked in music equipment retail for many years and I can count the people playing Rickenbackers, especially the crucial youth demographic, on about zero fingers. I'm sure a small enough factory would still have problems churning out enough sequined Elvis suits for a few more years too. Hey, I'm a fan, and I'm glad they're still around. I just think they may be driving toward a cliff.
Could cry when I think of some of the guitars I owned in the 70s that I let go. An antique electric Rick lap steel that was in new condition being one of them. (black and white seen briefly at 11:00)
I wish them all the luck in the world. I just look at their lovely instruments, and the (possibly even more) lovely instruments that they no longer make and I can't help but think.......what if?
While I find this video, and this walk through history fascinating, I think it also illustrates Rickenbacker's current weakness. Look at these amazing instruments and all the beautiful models here. I know that it's a real balancing act to run a U.S. business today, but it seems to me that some reissuing, redesigning and a bit of a Rickenbacker "splash" is long, long overdue. And I'm not talking wildly expensive signature models either. How about an all new 481 guitar? And/or a new 4004 bass?
As a lifelong Beatle musician I have found the Rickenbacker sound (and look) to be pivotal in the cultural revolution of the 1960s... (still the biggest decade in the history on mankind)... To quote Mr. Dylan... "in the jingle-jangle mornin' I'll come followin' you!"
I don't care what anyone says, no other guitar manufacturers made a rage of guitars and basses as innovative and as beautiful as Rickenbacker, but I am very bias and jealous 😉💜🎸
These new videos with the speed settings will not play. I'm using google chrome on my mac and I tried to download the latest flash player, but it said "google chrome already has flash and will update when new software comes"
Rickenbacker has stated that they can't handle advertisements with their production backed up as it is. They aren't typically reviewed because they have been the same for so long. John Hall has said numerous times that he doesn't wish for the factory to get bigger, and I'm fine with that. In terms of becoming irrelevant, I don't think we have to worry about that considering the long back order and solid history with arguably the most influential rock band ever.
The hollow bodied basses are indeed 4005 basses. They would probably would come in with new colors and new models but they have enough trouble keeping up with production as it is. Have you ever asked a Rickenbacker dealer what the wait time is to order an instrument from Rickenbacker? Last time I asked the back order was 2-3 years. That's right, years.
He said "4004 series" and I believe him. Regardless, there's obviously quite a following for some of these instruments that are no longer available. It just seems high time to me that they introduce a "new" instrument and it also seems obvious that they come out with updated versions of some of their beautiful instruments from the past. If I ran the company I'd commission Grover Jackson to design a neck for a new 481. Then the 4005 bass and a reasonably priced Jazzbo next!
Was there ever a George Harrison 330 12 string model? I don’t recall seeing one ... if not, there should be - with out George playing that 12 string there would be no Roger McGuinn model ...
It was a 360/12FG, but it wasn't the model used after about 1964 as the default model: the one GH plays in A Hard Day's Night is the original 360/12, now known as 360/12C63 ... model 360, 12-string, Capri style (F would be full-body) and 1963 version.
As a Luthier, I tell some of my customers that Guitars can withstand all but 5 things! Moisture/Dryness/Cold/Heat, and Pete Townshend!! How can the words "Respect", and "DESTROY", be synonymous???
Rickenbackers are near & dear to my heart...someone should take a Ricky Frying Pan guitar and put some Edward Van Halen stripes on it !....widdley-widdley -wow-wow-wow !!!
I would say Rickenbacker's quality is what it costs. I paid exactly as much as I think I should have for my 4003 bass. Is it a boutique instrument meant for me? No, but I didn't $5000 dollars for it. Rickenbacker wants to stay small because they know its good for them as a business. They want to stay small. If they expand their lines and colors their prices will no doubt go up. Expansion is not always good on the consumer and that is what I'm sure they are most aimed to please.
there clearly not "driveing towards a cliff" when i was after my 4003 i went to one guitar shop because i saw on the website they had some in, by the time i got there they was gone, i'm not saying they sell like that everywhere but i disagree with what you said
If, IF, IF ONLY, I Could Get A Pass, The Chance, The Special Opportunity, WHATEVER, to Stand in 'That Room' for 14 Hours & 14 Minutes', I Would Become One of the Happiest RICKENBACKER HEADS On Planet Earth. (Any Reference to the #14 is Mine Alone and has Nothing to do with the Rickenbacker Co.)Just Think about The History of 'The Electric Guitar', the 'Pick Ups' and All the Inovations that This Company has Brought to Our World of Modern Music. Unbelievable---!!! Rickenbacker: Unique-Beautiful-Strange and Totally American. NICE.
Well, I understand quality control and not spreading themselves too thin, but I think Rickenbacker needs to expand a bit. Models, colors, options and availability. The quality of Rickenbacker has never been on par (nor was it meant to be) with boutique luthier type instruments, but their waiting list is comparable? I would perceive that as a problem if it were my company. Is there some lack of skilled workers in this economy? There's a difference between control and control freak.
Why would you Ever stop Checkerboard Binding? When I ordered my Mapleglow in '74 they didt tell me of style change in mid '73..I tried have Sam Ash send it back! Then Afew Yrs Ago it burns up in house fire, So I eventually have money buy Checkerboard Rickenbacher 4001, So I find what I believe to be very rare White Checkerboard 4001 out Japan..I knew you made 1982 Checkerboard for Japan but every 1 I ever saw was Black, But I found this Bass, waited it out, bought it & brougt it to United States..I couldt be happier w Bass but now I have obsession to buy these Checkerboard Rickenbacher Basses..I see now you put Checkerboard Binding on basses here & there, So would be possible to order a 4003 w/a Checkerboard Binding now? Always wondered why ud stop using this design other then labor cost, but rasie price slightly to cover cost because that was 1 of the beautiful parts of the bass & ofcourse when I ordered mine was the style change that has now spanned better part of 50yrs, So just asking😉🎸
I'm a little surprised there is no mention of the forced spelling change of the name. Imposed by A. Hitler in the late 30s, he mandated the spelling to be changed from Rickenbacher to Rickenbacker because the original ch in the name looked to jewish.
I was not a good fit with this company because I pronounced "bass" wrong and during the job interview II told the human Resources guy "Drum solo....." and walked to the bathroom because he talked too much. He said. "If we ever make a 5150 we'll call you."
How much for that late 50's combo 850 at the top of the wall? Oh, everything that I own? No problem. I'll live in a cardboard for the rest of my life if it means that I can own that amazing instrument.
Great finishes back in the early years when his dad ran the company not made as well now I will never buy a new one again finish that never dry wood that’s wet when fabricated necks warp never again
Les Paul was an amazing innovator and luminary, but he did not invent the magnetic pickup. Rickenbacker did. Gibson and Fender have been taking credit for innovations that actually came from Rickenbacker and Paul Bigsby for years.
What the hell was the interviewer mumbling? I could barely understand a word he was saying. And besides, he looked like he woke up from a dumpster and lives just by using drugs...
You don't disagree with John hall, and i agree with John Hall, therefore you agree with me. You have to stop blowing that ganja dude, it's messing with your head!
I wouldn't advocate Rickenbacker expanding like a Schecter, ESP or even Fender. However, I think it goes against your argument that the sprawling product lines from their peers, isolating just the their domestic products, did not raise their prices appreciably. I like Rickenbacker. I like Rickenbackers. But when was the last time one was reviewed in the guitar mags or online equivalent? I fear they are creating a formula for future irrelevance, which I think would be sad.
Kudos to Rickenbacker for remaining US made and remaining a family business. There is obviously a tremendous amount of love, care, and pride in their fine instruments, history, and innovation. And rightly so. Long live Rickenbacker.
Aside from all the amazing guitars, that electric violin is astonishing for something from the 30's
In 1930 the nation is at the top of "electric" with radio being the media and from 1920 -1950 ... big bands! Yes, it's the Jazz/Swing age and the scope was everyone was trying to get instruments which could cut thru the volume of a band full of brass horns. Many ways to do so - amplify it - either mechanically (as National did), build a larger sound box (as Gibson had) or try to mic it into an amp - thus the magnetic pup (Rickenbacker). Ric's mainstay at first was the Hawaiian music target market - thus lap steels and pedal steel which fit in and somehow took to blues and country - however the idea was to hit swing. The 20's mostly saw banjo's - naturally loud enough - still in the rhythm section of a jazz band. The scope however was to cut thru the band.
I have owned 2 electric 12 string 360’s in my life, if you’ve never played one, you wouldn’t understand!
Folks complainin' about the way Charles looks? His hair? Really?
I would never think of that, watchin' something so good and interesting.
Thanks, Charles and everyone involved. You guys did a great job.
When I was Growing up and playing guitar Rickenbacker was an aspirational hi end brand and they still look exclusive.
Thanks for posting !
A wonderful history lesson of a great guitar manufacturer...Long Live Rickenbacker!
An amazing walk-through of guitar history and very unexpected, too! Thank you for making this - it is wonderful to see so many rare and innovative instruments gathered together!
Thanks for taking the time to load the video. Full of good information. Great looking Ricks
I have both Rickenbacker 360/12c64 and 420 and I loved it
The most unique sounding and beautiful of all the electric guitars. Rickenbacker has always been my favourite guitar. My wallet limits the acquisition of all the models I would love to own though. Fantastic guitars, just amazing.
I've wanted a Ric 360 12 since the Byrds came out with Mr. Tambourine Man in '65. Now, I'd still take that 360 12 but would rather have the 370/12 Roger McGuinn model. I absolutely love these guitars. I'd also like a 360/6 string. Both in Fireglo. These are absolutely great guitars.
All those amazing guitars just sitting on the wall, day after day, year after year, ... just waiting to be played and loved. Send one to my house please.
Mr. Hall, thank you for the interesting history!
I'm an old Rickenbacker fan since the 60's.
One of the best videos I’ve ever seen, it’s just legen… wait for it… dary ! Rickenbacker is really one of those brands I just dream of, thanks Charles and PG for putting that up :)
Terrific background on this fabulous collection.
Rickenbackers are truly beautiful instruments. I'm saving up for a 360/12 in Midnight Blue or Ruby
"Hi Mr. Hall, thanks for granting us this interview .... sorry if I sound tired, I've been stranded on a deserted island for 8 years and they only just rescued me".
i love everything in this room!!
My meme tells you the story.. that's a 1971 360 Deluxe, I bought new in the day and play it almost every day still, it is what I am known for and that's just fine by me... I love this guitar and the beautiful time I have spent enjoying it...
14:38 are probably the best looking Rickenbackers I've seen, and they didn't go into production? What a shame!
They have indeed been "the same for so long". I get Premier Guitar, Guitar Player, Guitar World and worked in music equipment retail for many years and I can count the people playing Rickenbackers, especially the crucial youth demographic, on about zero fingers. I'm sure a small enough factory would still have problems churning out enough sequined Elvis suits for a few more years too. Hey, I'm a fan, and I'm glad they're still around. I just think they may be driving toward a cliff.
Could cry when I think of some of the guitars I owned in the 70s that I let go. An antique electric Rick lap steel that was in new condition being one of them. (black and white seen briefly at 11:00)
Love the two I have.
RIC should update their website. They still have guitars on there that were discontinued about 20 years ago
And DEFINITELY update the design in general. It’s very dated
That 650 at the bottom at 0:42 is jaw-droppingly nice.
I wish them all the luck in the world. I just look at their lovely instruments, and the (possibly even more) lovely instruments that they no longer make and I can't help but think.......what if?
While I find this video, and this walk through history fascinating, I think it also illustrates Rickenbacker's current weakness. Look at these amazing instruments and all the beautiful models here. I know that it's a real balancing act to run a U.S. business today, but it seems to me that some reissuing, redesigning and a bit of a Rickenbacker "splash" is long, long overdue. And I'm not talking wildly expensive signature models either. How about an all new 481 guitar? And/or a new 4004 bass?
the bass to the far left of the sunburst is lovely !! at 17:34
As a lifelong Beatle musician I have found the Rickenbacker sound (and look) to be pivotal in the cultural revolution of the 1960s... (still the biggest decade in the history on mankind)...
To quote Mr. Dylan... "in the jingle-jangle mornin' I'll come followin' you!"
A Plethora of info. Thaks for posting.Think i'll go play my Ric 12 string now.
Yep we haven’t had a new model in thirty years but we’re all about innovation
That 4080/12 tho. *drools* Shame you didn't go over that! Geddy is king. RIP LEMMY.
This has been entertaining, have a nice day sir.
Nothing is more metal than a cast iron uprigth bass! \m/
Spectacular! I love it.
Awesome guitars 😁 classic, vintage 🎸
I don't care what anyone says, no other guitar manufacturers made a rage of guitars and basses as innovative and as beautiful as Rickenbacker, but I am very bias and jealous 😉💜🎸
If you're referring to what John called a 4004 in the video, those are actually 4005 basses.
Did anyone else get hot and bothered by the 4003 on the far right at 17:49?
Seriously hot!!!
RED HOT!
Looks like a walnutglo to me with that checker binding
aaaaand never mind, I got a better look. Not sure what it is exactly.
Whoa.
These new videos with the speed settings will not play. I'm using google chrome on my mac and I tried to download the latest flash player, but it said "google chrome already has flash and will update when new software comes"
didnt talk about the paul mccartney basses or limited chris squire bass???
Rickenbacker has stated that they can't handle advertisements with their production backed up as it is. They aren't typically reviewed because they have been the same for so long. John Hall has said numerous times that he doesn't wish for the factory to get bigger, and I'm fine with that. In terms of becoming irrelevant, I don't think we have to worry about that considering the long back order and solid history with arguably the most influential rock band ever.
Love that walnut acoustic at 05:00
It’s lovely looking at them all , but it would be much better if we could hear them , I’d love that upright bass r even just a lay of it !
I think the interviewer burned one on the way over
He definitely woke up on the wrong side of the bed with a need for a comb not a cone 😉
The hollow bodied basses are indeed 4005 basses. They would probably would come in with new colors and new models but they have enough trouble keeping up with production as it is. Have you ever asked a Rickenbacker dealer what the wait time is to order an instrument from Rickenbacker? Last time I asked the back order was 2-3 years. That's right, years.
LOVE Rickys!
He said "4004 series" and I believe him. Regardless, there's obviously quite a following for some of these instruments that are no longer available. It just seems high time to me that they introduce a "new" instrument and it also seems obvious that they come out with updated versions of some of their beautiful instruments from the past. If I ran the company I'd commission Grover Jackson to design a neck for a new 481. Then the 4005 bass and a reasonably priced Jazzbo next!
Maybe some people say fender and gibson, but heyy rickenbacker is perfect from the early day
Why did they skip over the 4080/12?!? WHY?!?
Toots played guitar? I did not know that.
Was there ever a George Harrison 330 12 string model? I don’t recall seeing one ... if not, there should be - with out George playing that 12 string there would be no Roger McGuinn model ...
It was a 360/12FG, but it wasn't the model used after about 1964 as the default model: the one GH plays in A Hard Day's Night is the original 360/12, now known as 360/12C63 ... model 360, 12-string, Capri style (F would be full-body) and 1963 version.
No mention of Geddy Lee's 4/6 Rick?
I'm disappointed.
Other than that, great vid.
Is it worth the price
genius at work rickenbacker
As a Luthier, I tell some of my customers that Guitars can withstand all but 5 things! Moisture/Dryness/Cold/Heat, and Pete Townshend!! How can the words "Respect", and "DESTROY", be synonymous???
360th like, fittingly iconic, lol.
No mention of the importance of George Beauchamp and Paul Barth 🤷♂️
Rickenbackers are near & dear to my heart...someone should take a Ricky Frying Pan guitar and put some Edward Van Halen stripes on it !....widdley-widdley -wow-wow-wow !!!
Me quedo con cualquiera de doce cuerdas!!!(Les sobran muchas ?no?)
I would say Rickenbacker's quality is what it costs. I paid exactly as much as I think I should have for my 4003 bass. Is it a boutique instrument meant for me? No, but I didn't $5000 dollars for it. Rickenbacker wants to stay small because they know its good for them as a business. They want to stay small. If they expand their lines and colors their prices will no doubt go up. Expansion is not always good on the consumer and that is what I'm sure they are most aimed to please.
No doublenecks?
Oh , I Wish....... 🎸👍
there clearly not "driveing towards a cliff" when i was after my 4003 i went to one guitar shop because i saw on the website they had some in, by the time i got there they was gone, i'm not saying they sell like that everywhere but i disagree with what you said
If, IF, IF ONLY, I Could Get A Pass, The Chance, The Special Opportunity, WHATEVER, to Stand in 'That Room' for 14 Hours & 14 Minutes', I Would Become One of the Happiest RICKENBACKER HEADS On Planet Earth. (Any Reference to the #14 is Mine Alone and has Nothing to do with the Rickenbacker Co.)Just Think about The History of 'The Electric Guitar', the 'Pick Ups' and All the Inovations that This Company has Brought to Our World of Modern Music. Unbelievable---!!! Rickenbacker: Unique-Beautiful-Strange and Totally American. NICE.
Well, I understand quality control and not spreading themselves too thin, but I think Rickenbacker needs to expand a bit. Models, colors, options and availability. The quality of Rickenbacker has never been on par (nor was it meant to be) with boutique luthier type instruments, but their waiting list is comparable? I would perceive that as a problem if it were my company. Is there some lack of skilled workers in this economy? There's a difference between control and control freak.
They're not money grubbers yank,
Why would you Ever stop Checkerboard Binding? When I ordered my Mapleglow in '74 they didt tell me of style change in mid '73..I tried have Sam Ash send it back! Then Afew Yrs Ago it burns up in house fire, So I eventually have money buy Checkerboard Rickenbacher 4001, So I find what I believe to be very rare White Checkerboard 4001 out Japan..I knew you made 1982 Checkerboard for Japan but every 1 I ever saw was Black, But I found this Bass, waited it out, bought it & brougt it to United States..I couldt be happier w Bass but now I have obsession to buy these Checkerboard Rickenbacher Basses..I see now you put Checkerboard Binding on basses here & there, So would be possible to order a 4003 w/a Checkerboard Binding now? Always wondered why ud stop using this design other then labor cost, but rasie price slightly to cover cost because that was 1 of the beautiful parts of the bass & ofcourse when I ordered mine was the style change that has now spanned better part of 50yrs, So just asking😉🎸
Hey if he decides to sell the collection I'll buy it from him for £50
Bring back the semi-hollow bass guitar.
22:19
So is that V82?!!?
It’s not v82
❤❤❤
Burnt by the Sun - 'Forlani'. Tell me what you think... :-)
I love them!
They're back, as a new band and about to drop a new album!
You seem upset, i would take John Hall's opinion over MuscleDad420. Awesome name by the way.
8:10 I'll take the one behind Hall's head, right there.
John Hall agrees with me.
George Harrison actually got it sent to get a second pickup on the neck, the more you know
I'm a little surprised there is no mention of the forced spelling change of the name. Imposed by A. Hitler in the late 30s, he mandated the spelling to be changed from Rickenbacher to Rickenbacker because the original ch in the name looked to jewish.
Thanks for the correction. Be nice about it next time. You have a nice voice btw.
I've been told they changed it to Rickenbacker to jump on the WW 1 ace Eddie Rickenbacker's coat tails
I was not a good fit with this company because I pronounced "bass" wrong and during the job interview II told the human Resources guy "Drum solo....." and walked to the bathroom because he talked too much. He said. "If we ever make a 5150 we'll call you."
How much for that late 50's combo 850 at the top of the wall? Oh, everything that I own? No problem. I'll live in a cardboard for the rest of my life if it means that I can own that amazing instrument.
Yes John, here WILL be a market for the 4005, so rev up your CNC mills.
Rickenbarchaeology!!!!
he come from of the Germany it's the real origin of this & they will building and there ?
Great finishes back in the early years when his dad ran the company not made as well now I will never buy a new one again finish that never dry wood that’s wet when fabricated necks warp never again
BRING BACK THE 4005 JOHN!
Hell yes.
Les Paul was an amazing innovator and luminary, but he did not invent the magnetic pickup. Rickenbacker did. Gibson and Fender have been taking credit for innovations that actually came from Rickenbacker and Paul Bigsby for years.
god i'd love to earn one of those beauties or all of them
First view and first comment!! awesome video!!!!
What the hell was the interviewer mumbling? I could barely understand a word he was saying. And besides, he looked like he woke up from a dumpster and lives just by using drugs...
+aDotFromTheFuture Hahahaha. That's what i was just saying. Hahahaha.
Only squares are capable of waking up before noon easily.
hey he's o.k.
those electric violins and bass were from the 1930'.s...you are wrong
Presenter should look presentable at least, not half baked, directly out of bed look.
Too often the word Awesome is easily used... here, it's justified...M
I would do horrible things for a Ric 4005...
You don't disagree with John hall, and i agree with John Hall, therefore you agree with me. You have to stop blowing that ganja dude, it's messing with your head!
You realize it probably sounds like garbage because of the wood?
Les Paul invented the magnetic pickup not Rickenbacker, the more you know.
Incorrect!
where the funk is the bantar !!!!!
@ROBMANOB He's always wasted!
In
I wouldn't advocate Rickenbacker expanding like a Schecter, ESP or even Fender. However, I think it goes against your argument that the sprawling product lines from their peers, isolating just the their domestic products, did not raise their prices appreciably. I like Rickenbacker. I like Rickenbackers. But when was the last time one was reviewed in the guitar mags or online equivalent? I fear they are creating a formula for future irrelevance, which I think would be sad.
I need a slap just presumed it was German, Beatles had been in Germany.......