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$340.50 Rickenfaker? (Made in China content)

#141
lazerbrains said:
?????

Not sure why the hate. Fender makes the Squire line, yet they continue to sell the heck out of their USA basses as well. I don't think anyone who has a USA Fender bass feels like their USA bass is "polluted" by the Squires.

Not saying that the chinese should illegally make these crappy knockoffs in violation of patents - just wondering aloud why Rick doesn't make their own "budget line".

Also wondering why the mere suggestion gets everyone so bent.....
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Sorry Lazer, no hate intended, just my funny (or maybe not so much) way of stating that I'm glad RIC doesn't cowtow to the lowest common denominator. I have nothing against inexpensive instruments, and in fact I own a couple that I really like. RIC clearly feels that a budget instrument would hurt their reputation. That's why the go after the imposters so diligently. It would be hypocritical of them to claim that they shut down imposters to protect the brand rep, then issue a cheap copy of their own design, wouldn't it?
 
#143
Freez said:
.... That's why the go after the imposters so diligently. It would be hypocritical of them to claim that they shut down imposters to protect the brand rep, then issue a cheap copy of their own design, wouldn't it?
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Actually, the reason is because if they didn't shut down everyone who made copies, then they would lose the legal right to do so and their trademarks (not copyrights, technically) would slip into public domain, and anyone could do whatever they wanted with the designs.
There would be a lot of people trying to pass off copies as the real thing, another downside, and not just bad for the company, bad for the innocent dude who gets scammed by an unscrupulous seller.

Fender and Gibson let it slide years ago and had to fight very hard to get back in a position where they legally own their own trademarks.
 
#145
played a new Ric recently, that was on "sale" for $2000 (Sam Ash). it was hardly worth it in quality/appearance. seemed no better than the new Squier lines. i don't get why the Ric is so sacred, except for the fact that a handful of iconic rockers played 'em. Geddy even gets the same tone with a Jazz. i went on the Ric forum and suggested a "budget line" and the fanboys went nutty about the "quality" and the family's dedication and all that. cudos i spose, but they'd sell a ton more if they made an affordable model. probably the most polarizing basses out there. look great. don't feel so good. and yours doesn't sound like Chris Squire's.
 
#147
Greevus said:
played a new Ric recently, that was on "sale" for $2000 (Sam Ash). it was hardly worth it in quality/appearance. seemed no better than the new Squier lines. i don't get why the Ric is so sacred, except for the fact that a handful of iconic rockers played 'em. Geddy even gets the same tone with a Jazz. i went on the Ric forum and suggested a "budget line" and the fanboys went nutty about the "quality" and the family's dedication and all that. cudos i spose, but they'd sell a ton more if they made an affordable model. probably the most polarizing basses out there. look great. don't feel so good. and yours doesn't sound like Chris Squire's.
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Mine doesn't sound like Chris Squire's because I don't play with a pick, on the bridge pickup (among other reasons to numerous to mention).

And if you can't tell the difference in quality between a Ric and a Squier, then you're right: you probably should be playing the Squier.

I own 1 Ric (bass) and 4 Fenders. The Fenders are all good basses, but a Ric is in a league by itself. And I hope Ric never comes out with a cheap import line.
 
#148
kcole4001 said:
Actually, the reason is because if they didn't shut down everyone who made copies, then they would lose the legal right to do so and their trademarks (not copyrights, technically) would slip into public domain, and anyone could do whatever they wanted with the designs.
There would be a lot of people trying to pass off copies as the real thing, another downside, and not just bad for the company, bad for the innocent dude who gets scammed by an unscrupulous seller.
Fender and Gibson let it slide years ago and had to fight very hard to get back in a position where they legally own their own trademarks.
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Aren't you kind of saying the same thing?
 
#150
Bottom line is when a company is confident with their product they should not worry about copies because the original will stand the test of time.They have been doing it to Fender and Gibson for years.I've been playing for about 40 years and I even own a Ric and a copy but I put Ric elecs in it and have about $400.00 wrapped up in it.Now is the quality as good?No,but it sounds pretty damn good.I see why young players like them because before I was in the working class I would never be able to afford a $2000.00 bass.The problem with the Ric prices,don't get me wrong they are a great bass,is that on ebay people are selling Rics that are beat all to hell for 1500 to 1800 for a 70's which had the neck and bridge problems.I know because I owned 2 of them like that.So when a kid can get a new Ric copy for $300.00 because they are getting it for the look most of the time there you go.I applaud Ric for what they do but spend more time with R&D and your Ric fans.
 
#151
bassplayer8953 said:
Mine doesn't sound like Chris Squire's because I don't play with a pick, on the bridge pickup (among other reasons to numerous to mention).

And if you can't tell the difference in quality between a Ric and a Squier, then you're right: you probably should be playing the Squier.

I own 1 Ric (bass) and 4 Fenders. The Fenders are all good basses, but a Ric is in a league by itself. And I hope Ric never comes out with a cheap import line.
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I have both as well, and I agree.

I can't get to the same tonal places with any other bass I own. and that's coming from non-musicians who have heard me play all my basses back-to-back.

I went on a Fender tone excursion for two years, and wound up back at my 4003 because of that. It's definitely in a league of its' own, not unlike a Wal. But I prefer the Ric sound over the Wal sound any day.

Do I like Fender-style basses? Would I use one? Yes.

I just prefer my 4003 over any of them.
 
#152
Answer me this,would you rather have a little brand new china Ric to goof around with as a project for $300 or a Authentic Ric sharkfin used for $300.I flat refuse to pay those prices thats why I had one made.Plus its hard to play a sharkfin,no strings.
 
#153
bassman28 said:
Answer me this,would you rather have a little brand new china Ric to goof around with as a project for $300 or a Authentic Ric sharkfin used for $300.I flat refuse to pay those prices thats why I had one made.Plus its hard to play a sharkfin,no strings.
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Uh, neither. I'd go to a music store and play one first to find out if I really wanted a Rick, then save up for the real deal. Some people don't understand the concept of patience and are simply seeking instant gratification.
 
#154
They are great basses I'm just looking at economy choices for young players.Like I said I've been playing for 40 years now so pretty much know what I want.This was just for the benefit of young players who can't afford $2000.00.I own 24 basses and did I play everyone before I bought it,no because for instance I didn't get to play ones I've bought on talkbass or ebay because its not possible and thats the chance you take sometimes.So a $300 hit is not that bad when I know for a fact that you can get your money back on resale if you don't like it because there is a market for it.So taking a big chance?Not really.Money is tight out there for younger players so telling them to save up a $2000 seems like a million.I'm not trying to insult or hurt anyone just passing on what I believe. P.S.When I bought my first Ric from Sticks and Picks Music Store in the 70's they were under $900,man that was a long time ago.
 
#155
I don't think Ric care about selling many instruments, I have a friend who owns a music store and Ric actually told him they don't need anyone selling their instruments in Tasmania when he tried to stock them. I agree that it is a part of their almost boutique charm, but it would probably be better if Fender or Gibson bought them out. *dons flame retardant suit*
 
#156
I don't get the Ric hype at all. I played a buddy's - pretty uncomfortable and a really weird sound. And what's with the whole stereo output thing? Seems like it's just trying to be different to be different.

But to each his own I guess - I do dig the body style, but no way I'd every consider paying $1500-$2K for one.

I doubt I'd buy the chinese Ric either but I'd be closer to buying that one than a real one lol! Still I'd like to hear about someones buying experience and how it turned out. And a real review, with the poster holding the bass.
 
#157
bassman28 said:
...When I bought my first Ric from Sticks and Picks Music Store in the 70's they were under $900,man that was a long time ago.
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Tom's Inflation Calculator

I thought this was pretty cool to play with. I am not sure I am using it correctly but if i am $2000 in 2011 is comparable to just under $600 in 1979, so Rics have actually gone down in price since the 70's....:D

Anyways, love my 2010 4003!
 
#159
OK guys,it looks like I'm going to be the crash test dummy.I ordered a black 4003 copy today on a dare from a fellow player( which he said he would buy it from me if I didn't like it)so I will give you a full report with pics when I get it. $320.00 with case shipped.They are going to send me actual photos today so if I get them I'll post.If it sucks its almost as cheap as firewood.
 

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