Ultimate Rhoads

Were they ever made available in the U.S. ?

I remember those. They looked so cool, and still do.

I'm guessing they were good quality since they don't show up on eBay... people want to keep them.

I am sure they are decent. Fernandes made them right?

Zakk Daniels wrote:Fernandes made them right?

Yeah, I believe so.

Thanks guys.
I heard Fernandes had made some, I just didn't realize this was what I was looking at.

Ya Fernandes made those for the Japanese market , they made a slightly different model initially for their domestic and international markets , the first model had a chrome trem& arm , chrome pick-up mounting rings , white knobs etc and did'nt come with a flight case let alone any case . This model appeared in the very late 80's only for the domestic Japanese market , but a few made their way to the U.S , It was marketed as a total replica to the guitar RR played for the most part with correct hardware etc and flight case .. I had heard that the Rhoads estate put out a ' cease & desist ' becuase it was'nt licenced and used Randy's name and image as marketing .

Ritchie wrote:Ya Fernandes made those for the Japanese market , they made a slightly different model initially for their domestic and international markets , the first model had a chrome trem& arm , chrome pick-up mounting rings , white knobs etc and did'nt come with a flight case let alone any case . This model appeared in the very late 80's only for the domestic Japanese market , but a few made their way to the U.S , It was marketed as a total replica to the guitar RR played for the most part with correct hardware etc and flight case .. I had heard that the Rhoads estate put out a ' cease & desist ' becuase it was'nt licenced and used Randy's name and image as marketing .

Interesting ...
So who exactly owns the rights to this design? Karl Sandoval or the Rhoads family?
And what about GMW?
How is it that they continue to build these?
Do they have some sort of license agreement?

I am not sure who the design is licenced to if anyone at all ? but perhaps it is trademarked with the headstock , bow-tie inlays etc to the Rhoads estate as it was RR that came up with initial design draft . As far as i understand if RR's image and name are not used in advertising etc it's all fair game .

Ritchie wrote:I am not sure who the design is licenced to if anyone at all ? but perhaps it is trademarked with the headstock , bow-tie inlays etc to the Rhoads estate as it was RR that came up with initial design draft . As far as i understand if RR's image and name are not used in advertising etc it's all fair game .

Ahhh ... that makes sense.
Thanks Ritchie.