FT Feeler - Rickenbacker 4003S - The Infamous One w/ All The Mods

[J Hud]

I am in extremely desperate need of a 5 string modern J (or comparable) for an upcoming 3 month long gig. I don't own a 5 and much of the material will require living below E and doing so with some authority.

I'm really not in a position to purchase a new bass right now, not by a long shot, and this Ric is the only bass I have that doesn't have legitimate sentimental value (a few old Fenders, a Sadowsky NYC my wife got me for my B-day, etc) so I thought I'd throw it out there to see what sort of interest it stimulates. If a good offer comes along, I'd be up for a trade. If not, I'm more than happy to keep it, bite the bullet and just buy a 5'er.............although that will surely infuriate my wife to no end..........................but, it is easier to ask for forgiveness than it is to ask for permission......right?

This is sort of an infamous bass. Controversial to say the least? Months ago when I unveiled it a flame war started up on this site as well as 2 Ric enthusiast sites. Some love it, some hate it & some really hate it (or at least seem to have some undeniable impulse to frequently take stabs at it................yes John, I'm thinking of you).

Long story short, I like they way Rics look but I wanted a more modern sound out of one. Also, I wanted to use it for a number of different recording projects and I didn't want to wrestle with that obnoxious Ric single coil hum. so I decided to "modernize" one w/ an Aguilar pre, Bart pups, single volume, pup blend, 3-band eq, coli tap, etc, etc...

Here's the very detailed history of it -
My Rickenbacker Modification Project

Here's a quicker way to get to some pics of it -
The Rickenmodder Club

How's it sound? Here's a video of it wherein I explain the what, why, how, etc. At around 4:30 the fun starts and you can check out how it sounds.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XC0oCEH-vo



I ALSO HAVE A BLACK PICKGUARD FOR IT and it comes with a silver tolex Rickenbacker hardsheel case in mint condition.

[Jaymi]

wow...I did not realize you were going to offer it up....

[J Hud]

Originally Posted by Jaymi

wow...I did not realize you were going to offer it up....

Hey brother. Hope all is well!

I didn't either but I have a sweet paying gig opportunity I don't want to let pass me by and I need a 5'er to really do it justice.

I have a handful of basses that are sacred and this one isn't one of them. Frankly, "sacred" + "bass" isn't a word combination that enters my vocabulary often (just ask our pal James).

[tkcthulu]

Wait is this gig higher than the cost of the Ric when you bought it?

[J Hud]

Originally Posted by tkcthulu

Wait is this gig higher than the cost of the Ric when you bought it?

What are you getting at?

[Jaymi]

Originally Posted by J Hud

Hey brother. Hope all is well!

I didn't either but I have a sweet paying gig opportunity I don't want to let pass me by and I need a 5'er to really do it justice.

I have a handful of basses that are sacred and this one isn't one of them. Frankly, "sacred" + "bass" isn't a word combination that enters my vocabulary often (just ask our pal James).

yeah those words do not line up together in my vocab either...wish I had something you wanted....

[Jaymi]

let me see if I can find you a 5

[J Hud]

There won't be any Ric's left in Texas if you don't slow down!

[gahooligan]

That thing sounds SWEET! What are you asking for a straight sale price?

[J Hud]

Originally Posted by gahooligan

That thing sounds SWEET! What are you asking for a straight sale price?

PM sent.

[JEDI BASS]

PM sent

[Chopper]

that thing is sweet!!

[J Hud]

Originally Posted by Chopper

that thing is sweet!!

Thanks brother!

[BillyB_from_LZ]

How about keeping this one and making it a B-E-A-D bass?

[jamontap]

what's the trade value on this J?

[J Hud]

Originally Posted by jamontap

what's the trade value on this J?

I dunno. Sort of hard to say. Some would say 2k+ while others would say $5.

If you have some sort of offer, pm me to discuss.

Very good question though. I suppose the value is in the ear of the beholder? If you want a bass that looks like a Ric but sounds more modern like a Lakland or a Sadowsky than I suspect the value would be quite high. But, on the other hand, if you want a bass that looks like a Ric and sounds like a Ric, well then the value wouldn't break a single c-note.

I, being the one who conceived & applied the plan, see the value pretty dang high. Frankly, I just have this out there to see what interest & offers pop up and to keep in my wife’s good graces. Not in a rush to move it and definitely not looking to just “dump” it.

[J Hud]

Originally Posted by BillyB_from_LZ

How about keeping this one and making it a B-E-A-D bass?

Great minds think alike! I did that 3 weeks ago for the audition but I was pretty unhappy with the resulting sound and playability. The B was too floppy (for my taste) and it lacked the punch I was looking for. I just switched the nut back last week.

[J Hud]

PMs answered!

[honest abe]

I'm not a Rick guy but then again this is not a Rick for Rick guys! If I were to get one now, this would be the one...Nice!

[J Hud]

Thanks for the kind words Abe!