Originally Posted By: flatcat

I was just looking at the "Rickenbacker 4001" and noticed that the headstock is upside-down. On a real one, the little curl is on the top, not the bottom.

That's because, I'm sure you know, the headstock shape is the one thing that is trademark protected.

Originally Posted By: flatcat

Also, a dot neck?!

Also, the fretboard in not finished, like with Rics. Bot might be better in this situation.

Anyway, I just looked that Ric over and a few thoughts:
I wanted to see if it was neck through, like a Ric. It is stated that it is but I couldn't see the lines/wings, except on the headstock. But you should be able to see them on the back of the body. On the order page, there are two options: 2 or 3 piece body ($45 up-charge for the 2 piece), with 3 piece as standard. That can't be with a neck through (well, it could be a million pieces but I think you know what I mean). That doesn't mean a 3 piece body that is glued in isn't ok, just not the same as a Ric.

Oh, I just saw that they have a neck-through option for $40.

On the picture on the website, the body is obviously basswood. It's a good wood and I like it for bass, but it's not a Ric, which is maple. The do offer a maple "body" for only a $20 up-charge, but who knows what you'd get. The concern I would have with basswood is neck dive.

The other up-charges are curious, to say the least. The fretboard wood options are interesting.

So, with options for Ric type construction and wood, up-graded pots, and a case, it costs $1,028. Take off a $120 coupon but add on $115 for shipping and you have $1,143.00, not exactly the sale of the century.

You could buy one direct from china at AliExpress for around the $300-$400 mark (shipped....maybe less, I didn't look or ask but have dealt directly with China in the past) and do the upgrades yourself and NOT have the Ric logo on it.

You know, it seems pretty obvious that this company is involved with the manufacturing and possible the QC is good. But there are already companies that do this and for less money. There is one out in CA that states up front where the instruments are made, does QC and setup, and has a return policy. They don't used the company's names, but they are copying designs (a lot of PRS clones). So then, why not a PRS SE? Seems like a no brainer.

There are a couple a companies completely making guitars here in the US with quality components for good prices, and others doing a sort of hybrid, that is buying parts overseas but assembling/setting up here in the US. I haven't played any of them but know of the. AT least they offer some recourse in the case something is not right ... and they up front, are not putting Made In The U.S.A. or the company names on the headstock. Here's one of them, Here's another .

Bottom line(s) for me:

It would be hypocritical for most to have an issue with the copy of guitar designs ONLY because Fender and Gibson has had their designs copied for years, especially by boutique builders, many of whom do built a better mousetrap...sometimes....and usually at a higher price, sometimes MUCH higher.

Some of those boutique builders are now seeing their "designs" being copied!

I would never, ever buy a guitar from Asia that has made in the USA on it and with the F or G logo. Never. AT least people have been educated on what to look for in the clones (obvious and not so obvious).

You CAN get a well made instrument from any of the Asia countries. Indonesia seemed to be the last place left and the bottom of the barrel but they have a long history of instrument making. But any of the countries can make a good instrument (or trash). Why not buy an F type guitar that's actually F?

Or, how about buying a Samick or Agile? Now, Top Customs Guitars might be made in the same factories and make as good or better instruments (it seems like they run the gambit), but for me, the simple fact that they use Mad In U.S.A is a total deal breaker for me.

To each their own. (Hey Wish, can we get a Peace Sign emoji?)

Originally Posted By: Gretsch 6120

Personally, at this point I wouldn’t even bother…..thing is companies like Squire and Epiphone have the best value instruments already dialed in, and I’d much rather have a genuine Squire than a counterfeit Ric or anything else…..

I was typing my long response and didn't see this, but I alluded to it and agree 100%.