If some disaster befalls this, I would get it repaired and I would also purchase a new one. I have every sound i need, from this. I am keeping an SG handy for lead/solos, and a Gretsch for thicker sounds, but this is easily tweakable to get those tones. This price is unbeatable by any comparably priced guitar, deffanatly not a beginner or budget instrument though. The thing i like the most is the feel of the fretboard, its unlike any other guitar. the thing I like least, if anything, is the R tailpeice being a seperate part. its an irreplaceable guitar, unless you just get another

Sound
the sound is Bright, clean, and responsive. This guitar has 2 sides, ranging from the bright jangle to a throaty growl. No doubt, beats my gibson and gretsch in most ways. I play through a vox 100 watt, and use the sterio output to a 50 watt fender bass amp, cuts the little hum to none.

Features
the bridge and tailpeice is attractive, the finish is perfect, and the varnished fretboard is something i love. I will never want to play on a bare fretboard again, i will simply tolerate it. the guitar is maple, and is so well built, its as one solid peice

Ease of Use
every sound is unique and good in some way. the opposite settings completly change the personality of the guitars tone. I havent tried to get a metal sound, but as far as heavy, it is capable of handling anything from the police to a black sabbath… read more fuzz. the neck and fretboard is very fast, and the body is surprisingly light, but not flimsy. it is very sturdy and solid feeling to play with, sitting or standing. all the frets are pretty accessable for me, but im more used to large hollowbodies and acoustics, so some may disagree past fret 17

Quality
I believe this guitar will outlive me. I can fing no flaw, and factory set up was almost what i use. i lowered the strings a centimeter at most, the only issue I can think of is that the R tailpeice should be strung one string at a time. it is difficult to remove all the strings and re string it, as it is seperate from the other part of the tailpeice and held there, like an off center gibson stop-bar. its not a big deal, but the only thing that can be cited as any sort of flaw.

Value
I have played several 5,000+ gibson and fender guitars, and as far as I can tell from my impressions, few match a Rickenbacker in terms of how they play and were built.

Manufacturer Support
the company is friendly and informative with support, as well as user forums. not much contact has been made, but what i have discussed was clear, focused, direct, and correct information.

The Wow Factor
the shape is unique. the color is appealing. the chrome shines, and the headstock/nameplate and tailpeice is a very cool looking addition.

Musical Background:
band student, active musician

Musical Style:
Blues, Rock, Folk read less