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Rickenbacker crooked pick ups

#141
The fact that the pickup is installed behind a cover is a disingenuous argument. The cover serves no real non-aesthetic function, and it is well-known that a significant portion of Rickenbacker owners remove the cover for both aesthetic as well as playing reasons. Fit and finish should be acceptable for all visible parts of the bass as well as those parts that are likely to be visible within the parameters of what would be considered normal use conditions.
 
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#142
Ric5 said:
There are some people in the world that just hate Rickenbackers ...
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I love them, how does that fit into your assessment of anyone who points out QC and CS Problems? I'm aggravated by these problems BECAUSE I love Ric basses. I admire them so much I'm building one of my own:
The Hossenfeffer Bass Build | TalkBass.com
If I was indifferent to them, I wouldn't care at all. QC problems in MIM Fenders? Don't really care. Criticizing poor QC is reasonable, belittling anyone who criticizes something you hold dear is trolling.
 
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#143
DigitalMan said:
The fact that the pickup is installed behind a cover is a disingenuous argument. The cover serves no real non-aesthetic function, and it is well-known that a significant portion of Rickenbacker owners remove the cover for both aesthetic as well as playing reasons. Fit and finish should be acceptable for all visible parts of the bass as well as those parts that are likely to be visible within the parameters of what would be considered normal use conditions.
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Rickenbacker obviously knows people do it, evidenced by posting instructions on their website on how to easily remove it w/o cracking it.
 
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#144
Robroy said:
I was only addressing the analogy.
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And I, in turn, explained why the analogy you've endorsed is not applicable to the OP. He is disappointed by the installation of a functional and critical component. So, an analogy comparing that functional component (a PU) to an issue of taste (an unattractive engine bay) does not advance your claim.

That the OP enjoys how the PU currently performs is also not a justification for unsatisfactory workmanship or Ric's hilariously prickly customer service. As several posters have noted, the PU might sound even better were it properly installed, and the OP has no assurance that it will continue functioning at all, let alone to his satisfaction. He is wary because the PU is installed at an angle, because that suggests other components might not be correctly installed, and because his experience with Ric customer service strongly suggests that he'll be SOL if he has any subsequent issues with the bass.

Several posters have also noted that the sloppily-installed part is visible once a commonly-eliminated and cumbersome piece of trim is removed. Indeed, the PU cover is so commonly removed that Ric includes a how-to on its own website. It's also tough to find a photo of a musician playing a Ric on stage with the cover installed. if Ric is aware that numerous users remove the PU cover, and actually endorses this by providing a how-to, then the PU must be considered a visible part, not a hidden or "B surface." These facts -- and they are facts -- suggest that the OP has every right to be disappointed with a sloppily installed PU.

You also seem to have a unique definition of acceptable customer service for goods costing well over $1000. To that, you are of course entitled. What, though, is wrong in a customer expecting one of two things: either that a $1000+ instrument is assembled with obvious care, or; that the manufacturer and its dealer address his concern with a modicum of respect?

The OP spent over $1000 on an item that doesn't meet his expectations, period. It is a product of a company that clearly has a rather frosty approach to customer service. So if he is to have any chance of repairing/replacing the item, he has to do it immediately, before there is any question that the PU was sloppily installed at the factory, rather than damaged during his ownership. To me (and others in this thread) these are unobjectionable facts. Why begrudge the OP a chance to have an expensive item built or repaired to his (in my opinion) very reasonable expectations?
 
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#146
Some of The Japanese "lawsuit" era Ric copy basses were widely considered as good or better than OEM Rics, which is reflected in the prices they command when they occasionally come up for sale. The current run of Chinese counterfeits are a far cry down the ladder in quality, unless you buy them through a reputable third party like Logical guitars of Canada. Still not a Ric by any means, but playable instruments. The whole copyright infringement issue has already been flogged to death on TB, no need to flog it more here.
 
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#148
MrAtomic said:
And I, in turn, explained why the analogy you've endorsed is not applicable to the OP. He is disappointed by the installation of a functional and critical component. So, an analogy comparing that functional component (a PU) to an issue of taste (an unattractive engine bay) does not advance your claim.
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Actually it does if, and only if, the function of the component is within specs. And "Killer" tone is within the functional specs. That was my point.
 
#149
Robroy said:
Actually it does if, and only if, the function of the component is within specs. And "Killer" tone is within the functional specs. That was my point.
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Respectfully, no. You have not made a point. You and others have shared your opinion that the OP is being unreasonable in his request that Ric build quality meet his expectations and expenditure, and that he be treated like a valued customer. This opinion has been good-naturedly refuted with anecdotes, experience, and facts from multiple posters, all of which you and others have opted to ignore. No biggie, it's just the internet. I'm sorry to have wasted yours and everyone else's time.

Best of luck to the OP -- I hope you either get the Ric repaired to your satisfaction, or return it for a refund.
 
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#152
Dang it!

Just checked my 37 YO 4001. Pickup is tweaked.

Ugh!

:)


Seriously, When I bought it I remember taking off the cover and seeing this. I vaguely remember a pang of curiosity upon seeing this.

I certainly sympathize with someone being disappointed for not having a flawless instrument after paying good money. If it bugged me enough to write about it I'd probably take it back.

The first bass I ever bought that was entirely flawless, even after a year or so of scrutiny, was my German Thumb NT. The others all seem to have some minor issue of either fit or finish. Really silly stuff. But I have to say that Fender and EBMM have really stepped up their game recently. Beautiful workmanship, at least since 2013.
 
#153
scotch said:
Internet forums battle royale!!!! Who will win the coveted "I won an argument with a stranger award!" this time????
:laugh::D
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My wife's on a business trip and it's been just me and our 2-year-old for a week. Clearly, being with him 'round the clock has warped my perspective. Hopefully I'm not acting too much like him. I guess we need to re-watch the episode of "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood" about staying relaxed. Also I should probably take off the Huggies I've been wearing. I won't, of course, but I should.:thumbsup:
 
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#154
Gilmourisgod said:
The whole copyright infringement issue has already been...
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dfIRv7w.png
 
#156
willsellout said:
A Ric without flaws wouldn't be a Ric. The company doesn't care what you think. They know their basses will sell, so why change anything at all? No incentive. Return the bass and look around for one with a flaw you can live with.
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I think this sums it up, after reading tons of this stuff, and Mr. Halls own replies over at RIC forums, etc.
 
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#157
willsellout said:
A Ric without flaws wouldn't be a Ric. The company doesn't care what you think. They know their basses will sell, so why change anything at all? No incentive. Return the bass and look around for one with a flaw you can live with.
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Why settle for flaws? Really? As a company, why would they accept stagnation and complacency? Why not try to be better (on both the quality and customer service fronts)?
 
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#158
DigitalMan said:
The fact that the pickup is installed behind a cover is a disingenuous argument. The cover serves no real non-aesthetic function, and it is well-known that a significant portion of Rickenbacker owners remove the cover for both aesthetic as well as playing reasons. Fit and finish should be acceptable for all visible parts of the bass as well as those parts that are likely to be visible within the parameters of what would be considered normal use conditions.
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Absolutely agree. And the fact that a "hidden" element like the bridge pickup being put in haphazardly just makes you ask "what else on this bass was constructed haphazardly that I can't see?" Because if one element can be done without care, there's a very good chance it's NOT the only element that was done without care.
 
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#159
MrAtomic said:
Respectfully, no. You have not made a point. You and others have shared your opinion that the OP is being unreasonable in his request that Ric build quality meet his expectations and expenditure, and that he be treated like a valued customer. This opinion has been good-naturedly refuted with anecdotes, experience, and facts from multiple posters, all of which you and others have opted to ignore. No biggie, it's just the internet. I'm sorry to have wasted yours and everyone else's time.

Best of luck to the OP -- I hope you either get the Ric repaired to your satisfaction, or return it for a refund.
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You are correct. Opinions vary.
 

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