Any problems with a Rickenbacker build thread?

So long as you don't call it a Rickenbacker, or copy their logos on the headstock, or other things of that nature, I doubt there would be anything to worry about.

 

You can only be done for design theft if you are using it for personal gain. So as long as you are making the guitar for yourself and not selling it or using the thread here as a promotional tool there should be no problem at all.

There is a lot more stuff here http://projectguitar.ibforums.com/index.php?showtopic=14450

 

do it, post it here

 

Not true.

Also not true.

We have been down this road a hundred times.

Do you want to know the real answer?
I mean not just forum posters, but the real answer?

Then write to these guys: Legal@Rickenbacker.com

Go ahead.

 

If you build it for yourself and keep it I don't see how thay can mess with you as long as you don't put their name on it and you don't sell it.

Do it... post it.... details...

 

I second that emotion !

 

I'm with you.

Winnie

 

do it...

 

I'm not an attorney .... but I believe you can only get in trouble if you copy something that is already trademarked. That's why a lot of companies slightly alter the Fender neck head stock shape - it's copyrited. A company has to have the approval and pay a fee to Fender to copy their head stock shapes exactly. I have no idea if Rick has their body shapes etc. copyrited, but their name and logo most certainly is.

 

You could always strategically photograph it so that some part of the guitar's shape is never represented, for plausible deniability. Like, don't show the cutaway and say you have a "modified cutaway" (wink wink)

 

You're not building a Rickenbacker 360. No you're not.

You're building a Bickenracker 630!

 

Why not just build a B*tchenrocker?

 

I think Telenator should weigh in on this. He's been there ......... done that........... and done a fine job by the way.

 

I would love to see this B*tchenrocker build thread happen!

 

The folks at Ricky did go after Rick Aiello for making reproductions of the horsehoe magnet lap steel pickups, but he was selling them. I guess they hold a patent on those even though they have not made them in years.

http://www.horseshoemagnets.com/_sgg/f10000.htm

Rick was also casting fry pan lap steels for a while but those are out of production for a different reason.

I know a guy who makes beautiful fry pan steels from fancy woods though, but the only way to get a horseshoe pickup is to look for a used one. The Lollar Supro is a good substitute.

 

I built two Ric-type guitars. One was modeled after the 360 and the other I went more in the 380L direction.

The 360 shape is among the coolest looking guitars I've seen but their ergonomics are totally archaic. I made several changes to mine that many hard core Ric players agree make them far more user friendly.

As far as legal issues go, you can make anything you want as long as you're not going to sell it. I never sell any of the guitars I build so it's no big deal. Build what you want! Enjoy it! Just don't sell it or let it out of your possession.

Rickenbacker does have a legal right to their trademarks and it's not good infringe on their turf.

Here's a few shots of my Rickenrockers!

Please feel free to contact me with any questions during your build. There are some changes I made on mine that really made them fun to play.