- Bernardo Chavez Rico
Bernardo Chavez Rico (1941-December 3, 1999) was an important American
luthier specializing inguitar s. Known as Bernie Rico Sr. or simply B.C., Rico was born in EastLos Angeles California . Working with his father, Rico began his career buildingbanjo s andukulele s in the 1950s. Rico's original instruments were acoustic guitars made under the name B.C. Rico. These acoustic guitars are very rare with approximently 300 surviving.However, in 1967 the company name was changed to its present form--
B.C. Rich . Also a motorcycle enthusiast, Rico's work on his motorcycle paint jobs inspired him to create unusual finishes for his guitars. This innovation, coupled with his penchant for unusual designs, caused him to become a maker of highly desirableelectric guitar s.Rico and his company went on to create several models of guitars and the company prospered. [cite web|url=http://www.bcrich.com/customshop/history.asp|title=B.C. Rich Custom Shop History|last=B.C. Rich Guitars|accessdate=2006-11-04]
References
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