You're preaching to the choir here. I love my 1940's Bakelite Ricky. I've
brought the subject up here a few times but it doesn't generate too much
interest. I even wrote a letter to Rickenbacker a while back and suggested
they start making the lapsteel again. Someone (Mr. Hall?) was kind enough
to write me back and explain that it wouldn't be profitable as this would be
considered a "niche market". Their position was the advent of the pedal
steel basically killed off the lapsteel demand.
I think a Ricky reissue would be a great seller these days when you consider
the resurgence of the lapsteel in popular music. Artists like Ben Harper
are bringing the instrument into the mainstream again. Fender has reissued
their version of the Champ and I hear a Stringmaster in forthcoming. The
Rick lapsteel was the first and, IMO, still the best of the bunch. I would
only hope that if they ever do decide to reissue this classic, they do it
right. It would be a shame to tarnish the image of such a legendary
instrument with a second rate copy. I'm certain that serious lapsteel
players would be willing to pay a premium price for the real deal. Just
look at the success of the new National Guitar company as proof of this
fact.
If Rickenbacker isn't up to the challenge perhaps they could license a third
party (National???) to build a vintage replica worthy of the "Rickenbacher"
logo. I know I'd be one of the first in line to buy one. (hint, hint)
Post by Keith AdamsIt seems like none of you Ric enthusiasts have experienced the
beautiful sounds of the old Rickenbacker lap steel guitars? The 1 1/2"
horseshoe pickups that were used on their steels is probably one of
the best sounding pickups ever created. Funny how they got it correct
right out of the gate and hasnt really been improved upon since.