seriously 3 years? i can't see how that is sustainable in the long term. especially since the current offering is only half a dozen models in 4 colors.

I mean its fine if rickenbacker want to stay as a single factory with maybe 20 guys working as a boutique - i know nothing about guitars or manufacting myself, so i can only throw stones from a glasshouse

but really fender or gibson could probably master build by hand a 360 to your *exact* requirements in less than 3 months if you put the cash down.

seriously, as much as i love the 3 rickenbackers i have, there is nothing *that* wildly different between them and say a US made fender. in fact the very first time i got my first rickenbacker, i just assumed it was made in japan based on the "feel" of it - and initially i was a little bit peeved as it cost the same as a custom shop strat at the time.

but, if rickenbacker is still profitable, who am i to say. nevertheless a SINGLE gakki factory in japan is turning out 20,000 guitars per MONTH... who knows what can be done in China. I guess the question is, if an Indonesian Rickenbacker factory could give you that exact 360 tomorrow, would you buy it?

I think it will be some time before my next purchase. Sadly I had to put my 360 up for sale today, hope it goes to a good home.

If RIC ever makes the wide nut available on a 300 series 12-string.

KPI
I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. You have to pulling our legs here with your observations, right?

You can't be serious!
There is a massive difference between Ric quality and the other brand(s)you mention here. And even their supposed "custom shop" variants can be disappointing.

Building very fine guitars or making very fines wines are somewhat akin in a sense that there is only so much top quality product you can produce at a time. -The key words here are "top quality." On the other hand, if you take the philosophy that you want to exponentially (and quickly) expand production, down goes your quality, down goes your reputation in the market place and in a hurry too!
-One very large Japanese motor car company is now very painfully re-learning this lesson every single day.

-The makers of Miller Beer simply turn on the tap for more water and throw in whatever they need to do to ferment the cruddy crud and bottle it for the masses.

But, I choose not to drink Miller Beer or buy my business suits off a galvanized pipe rack.

381/12V69 AFG is on order.It may be next, or not.
Still want a 4003 Blueburst.

_________________
I've always been crazy but it keeps me from going insane.

I am buying a Rickenbacker 450 six string guitar made in 1960. It's a players guitar, not a collector's piece, but is stock, plays well and sounds COOL!!

the rickenbackers i have are very, very nice. but the differences are not "massive" - not to justify a three year wait by these people.

its all relative anyway. I bought mine on a whim cause they were in stock. there is enough good vibes for everyone to enjoy i guess.

The very next lefty Rick bass that I can outbid/ out grab/ out wrestle every other left-handed Rick fanatic for!

I really want a SH spec 350.
I wish that'd bring that one back.

There are always forum luthiers who will take care of that for you. Otherwise you and I will both be waiting a long time for one of those, I think.