Rick's Picks...worth the trip?

[singlehum]

The exhibit is closing in a few weeks and I'm really thinking about going to check it out. Between airfare, lodging and other expenses it's gonna cost me about $900. Cash is a little tight right now, but I think if I pass on it I will regret it later...the regrets will outlast the credit card bill.

So...from those who have seen it...ona sclae of 1 to 10 how does it rate? I'd mostly be interested in the guitars, so I would hope there is a lot of them there. I like CT, but I'm not a superfan if that makes a difference.

Curious to hear you thoughts.

Thanks!

[kizanski]

"...the regrets will outlast the credit card bill."

I believe you answered your own question.

And of course the guys here who have been to the exhibit (some several times) are going to tell you that it's worth it...

[bubs_42]

I really enjoyed it, but remember its off to Japan after it leaves Rockford but I think its going to swing to Nashville after that?

[aknapp]

IMHO, it's a great exhibit, but it's not worth a trip just for the exhibit.

If you have something else to do/see in the area, don't miss it.

[cynic]

I didn't count but I would guess there were no more than 25-30 guitars tops, and of those there were only a half dozen maybe that were very cool to be seeing up close.

I'm also not a big Cheap Trick fan, so all the RN and CT stuff tucked away in the drawers had little interest to me (even though I opened them all to be sure I didn't miss something). I was done in a little under three hours, but could have wrapped it up in two.

My decision to go was born more out of my having the freedom and time to do it than any sort of "must see" feeling.

+1 to the above. Unless you're a crazy CT/RN fan, it's more of a side trip than destination.

[Hamerica]

Upon "rickflection" I would agree with most of what Cynic posted.

Full Disclosure -

Cheap Trick is my favorite rock band - period.

Hamer USA is my favorite guitar brand.

RIcks Picks -

The displays (themselves) and the ipads make this a very interesting and engaging visit.

There were over a dozen guitars when I visited that I was very interested in seeing. Most of them had been in the "Guitar of the Stars" Book and were non-Hamers so I had to reflect on them longer.

Since I am a fan of CT, the drawers were filled with trinkets and stuff that CT fans connect with via the videos, the shows, etc. and then there is the personal stuff that you see at for example a Presidential Museum.

If you look through all the drawers and etc - 3 - 4 hours is probably a sufficient amount of time.

Agreed - It is only a destination to those that consider themselves to be CT fans.

As far as the road show goes, I don't think they will be able to find a hall that will be interested in the whole exhibit. So as Kiz points out if you believe you are going to regret not going, then go. If there are economics to consider is it worth $225 per hour @ $900 for 4 hours?

Hamerica

[Steve Haynie]

It would be nice to be there with Rick around as a tour guide. Some of the guys got the Rick Nielsen and Paul Hamer experience.

If that exhibit comes to Nashville I will make a road trip for that.

[singlehum]

Thanks for the input. Does anyonw know if it is definitely going on the road...more specifically to Nashville? That would be more of a "worthwhile" trip as I have other stuff to do in that area, people to visit, etc.

I wonder how often Rick is at the exhibit? Now THAT would be pretty cool...

[racingfan23]

Great exhibit but I would not spend that kind of coin on a trip to Rockford, IL.

[singlehum]

For those who have been...any of Rick's original 58 Explorers/Vees on display?

[bubs_42]

Don't think so. Just the Checkerboarded Inlay One that Gibson Made Him, and I don't remember if there was an explorer there. My memory is a little fuzzy. I was there opening day. I'm going back before it closes though. I want to see the Zandard Up Close.

[hamerhead]

Instead, try this: Take one of the guitars you own, hold it up real close and squint your eyes a little.

Looks just like Rick's and saves $900. Go buy another Hamer and you're still money ahead.

[Studio Custom]

Watch the rerun of American Pickers free of charge.

[cmatthes]

Yes, there IS a '58 Explorer on display. Probably closer to 50 guitars out there total, lots of really cool ones, vintage and custom stuff. It really is a very cool exhibit, and very well done.

If money was tight, I'd definitely put it somewhere more important than a day trip to a museum though.

I think I'd regret that more.

Then again, you could also just spend $300 and buy the "Guitars of the Stars" book...

EDIT - Just did a quick tally through pics I took from my trip there in January. There were OVER 50 guitars there.

[HamStd]

Don't think so. Just the Checkerboarded Inlay One that Gibson Made Him, and I don't remember if there was an explorer there. My memory is a little fuzzy. I was there opening day. I'm going back before it closes though. I want to see the Zandard Up Close.

Oh Yeah, #0004 is there on loan..

There is the "real" '58 Futura and the '59 Lonnie Mack korina V.

Peter

[bubs_42]

I was pissed when I found out it showed up after opening day sometime. I went hoping it was there and it wasn't, I wasn't disappointed at all since I was basically just me a few other fans and Ricks family looking at all the cool stuff. It was really something to see them look through all the drawers because it meant something completely different for them.

[elduave]

Heading to Rockford a week from Monday.

[elduave]

Leaving at dark 30. Any Rockford/Chi/Cle tourist tips appreciated.

[elduave]

Overwhelming, and emotional. Visceral. And then lunch with the Muse.

So glad I went.

[cmatthes]

That HAD to be better than a "6"...

[elduave]

10

[MCChris]

Overwhelming, and emotional. Visceral. That was lunch with the Muse.

So glad I went.

Fixed that for ya.

Did you guys ever make it to CME?

[bubs_42]

LOL!

[elduave]

We did! Stunning space and stock. I had no idea Gibson had so many new models (Fender too). I've really stopped paying attention.

Enjoyed being able to play some brands I've thought about carrying.

[Hamer Dave]

Awesome! I would like to have gone again. Have to see if it's still in Rockford.

Easily 50 or more guitars on display.

Oh... Having Rick show us around didn't hurt.

d

[Hamer Dave]

Don't think so. Just the Checkerboarded Inlay One that Gibson Made Him, and I don't remember if there was an explorer there. My memory is a little fuzzy. I was there opening day. I'm going back before it closes though. I want to see the Zandard Up Close.

Oh Yeah, #0004 is there on loan..

There is the "real" '58 Futura and the '59 Lonnie Mack korina V.

Peter

Oh yeah, I remember 0004. Two maintenance guys were working on the case for this. It was getting pretty hot from the lights, and warned them they shouldn't let it get that hot in there. Knowing at about 140 degrees you'll have a kit guitar! I was curious on the serial, so they pulled it down and showed me the guitar. It's actually stamped/embossed into the wood, which I didn't expect. unlike the ink stamped #'s. Some very very cool stuff there.

d