Your always so helpful Maxell, and a good sport!

But hey I just cannot imagine pulling my 381 out of that, nor would I wish that
Lassiebackers guitar would ever be put in that there Gunny-sack!

Good storage for a fakenbacker.

Since you where so good at explaining what a gunny sack was, I should tell you, in Australia there is a similar sack, it's called a 'swag' . Drifters who sought employment
in vast rural location, would carry a sack or 'swag' containing all their possessions.

Hence the term swag-man, which is contained in one of our well known Aussie colonial
songs.

I'm with you, jbudweiser. I pretty much despise gig bags, and would never transport a guitar that I cared about in one. But, I've met gigging musicians who swear by them; different strokes..... ("Different strokes for different folks.")

lassiebacker - Anyway, any new generic handle, an especially sturdy one, would probably enhance your image. Odd handle = instant mojo, especially if the case is now a little beat up. (I'm only half kidding.)

I just did a search on Google - lots of info. Have not read through much of it yet, but you can see that this is a common problem. One of the links was for ebay, and when I specified / added "Rickenbacker" to the search parameter, no specific Rick handle came up. There's a lot to choose from. For me I think the most difficult thing will be to remove those two existing long rivets that held the old handle, and even moreso, replace them.... Unless a shop can do this, I would probably be looking for long screws, although these could easily become loose and then your case falls again (and there will be ends to the screws that will protude a little and catch things (like you hand). No, replacement rivets are what's needed.

http://www.google.com/#hl=en&sugexp=frgbld&gs_nf=1&cp=20&gs_id=1r&xhr=t&q=repair+handle+guitar+case&pf=p&sclient=psy-ab&site=&source=hp&oq=repair+handle+guitar&aq=&aqi=&aql=&gs_l=&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=d1adf772dc35d0a&biw=1280&bih=595

I have gotten an email from the webshop were I bought my beauty, and I chat with them regularely. They did contact RIC and they can send a new handle free of charge, but shipping. Now the Q, How on earth is it possible to put it back on???

_________________
-Lassiebacker

Darn that loving Rickenbacker sound! <3

I do not think that you can do it alone - an experienced person/shop will need to help you. The difficult thing, to me, will be to replace the two long rivets (pins) that attach the handle grip to the handle bracket. (I'm betting that the plastic handle itself broke and that you can see these two rivets/pins secured in their positions in the bracket.) You can cut the old ones off (hopefully a new handle will include two new rivets/pins, and if you're really lucky, instructions on how to install it), but I think that you (anyone) needs a special tool (like pliers) to install the new rivets (crimp/squash one end so that it will not fall out/off). Maybe your shop can do it for you!? A broken handle is, afterall, a relatively common occurance. Just ask. If they can't do it, I'm betting they know someone who can. (They want to help -- they appreciate your business, and want you to return there to buy your second Rick, or amp....) There seems to be a video for everything in the world on YouTube - maybe there is one demonstrating handle repair/replacement, at least on riveting.

Just looking around. Here's something: Using "SPLIT RIVETS" seems to be key for a do-it-yourself repair.

http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Luthier/Technique/Cases/Handle/HandleRivet/handlerivet.html

http://www.ehow.co.uk/how_8434568_diy-guitar-case-handle.html

A more professional technique:
http://www.frets.com/fretspages/Luthier/Technique/Cases/Handle/PostLoop/postloop01.html


It seems like everyone says go to a luggage reapair shop....

If I could have, I would have. The problem here is that the shop where I bought it is in Vermont, USA.... Hahah But in Alta there is a shop who repairs maybe these stuff. But they are so F*****' expensive to do a tiny thing...
Thinking of a new Ric, I really don't think I will get another in a good while, my dad was not so glad that I bought it... And I would have bought my 2nd Ric there Good service!

_________________
-Lassiebacker

Darn that loving Rickenbacker sound! <3

Hi Lassiebacker, it's good that your seller is willing to get a replacement handle. If it is not too expensive try to get the new handle fitted by a suitcase repairer. If it is too expensive or you cannot find someone to repair it, Maxwell post on using the split rivet, sounds like a very good alternative. While your waiting for the new handle try to find a repairer and those split rivets.

Max, great post!

Hi there,

I purchased my first Ric it was the 360/6. As I also do alot of George's solos I also purchased a Gretsch country gentleman that George used on alot of his solos, and it is a perfect fit. And like you I think I'm ready for the Ric 12 now. But I was glad that I purchased the 360/6 first, as gave me the feel of it. Check out www.musiciansfriend.com they have great deals on Rics. Best of luck.

_________________
Ed

360/6
Gretsch Country Gentleman
Fender Squier
Vox AC30VR

The handle arrived. Next question.... How to get it on. It will replace the whole thingy on the case. but how??

_________________
-Lassiebacker

Darn that loving Rickenbacker sound! <3