Rickenbacker 4003 FT feeler Fireglow

elgranluis · #1 01-04-2008, 11:17 PM

Hi there. Here's my trusty 4003 FT(see my avatar), but I have a major problem with it. The bass is in mint condition because, well, the neck is fat. That's not really a problem, unless your hands (like mine!

) are smaller than usual (and you got your hands on a 4001 that spoiled you forever!). I was browsing the forums at rickenbacker.com and I read that the newer "slimmer" profile had not been really praised by the users, as ric expected, so I was hoping that maybe there's someone out there that didn't like his "slimmer-necked" rick, and wanted a chunkier neck.

About the bass, it is probably as mint as mint can get. My avatar is a pic of the actual bass (see pic below as well). Fireglow, actually still smells kinda new and has the pickguard sticker (photoshoped out.. how would my avatar look?

). Gigged with the bass maybe 2 times, never fell down on anything or crashed into a cymbal or whatever. The bass has no scratches, nicks, or whatever. Nothing. No issues, no fret wear. Hell, there's not even grime on the fretboard. No bar smell, I don't smoke, and beer was never spilled on this bass.

Basically, like I said, I'm hoping that someone that likes the thicker neck will step up front and make a trade. I hope for a similar color, but will take basically anything with a thinner neck, so If you've stoped liking the color of your current ric, here's an easy way to get a straight up swap and try a different color.

Here are a couple of pics, just so you know her and I'll email or post more pictures if there's someone interested:

BTW, the jazz bass is not for sale or trade, It's there because I had this pic on my computer.

Ampeg SVT · #2 01-04-2008, 11:42 PM

you dont want a '77 p-bass do you?

elgranluis · #3 01-05-2008, 12:08 AM

thanks for the offer, but just last year I got rid of a 77 and a 76 P. I still have a 78. Thanks again.

**Btone** · #4 01-05-2008, 06:52 AM

Nice RIC, elgranluis!

I'm not sure, but I was under the impression that the difference between the chunkier, pre-'06 necks and the slimmer new one wasn't at all that radical? That they had about the same feel?

willsellout · #5 01-05-2008, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Btone

Nice RIC, elgranluis!

I'm not sure, but I was under the impression that the difference between the chunkier, pre-'06 necks and the slimmer new one wasn't at all that radical? That they had about the same feel?

I have a 2007 Ric and the neck is still pretty chunky. The problem isn't with the neck chunkyness for me it's more the wide neck at the nut. The bass plays excellent but I wish it was thinner at the nut.

Dan

elgranluis · #6 01-05-2008, 03:12 PM

It's not that radical I guess, and we can add to that the fact that ric has been producing both neck lately, so some folks haven't noticed the difference. The basses do feel similar, but there is stuff I just can't pull on the chunkier neck. The main difference I guess is that , unlike a p vs j, where maybe at the 5th fret both necks are pretty much the same, the ric neck remains the same girth all the way through, including the nut, as mentioned by Willselout.

Yeah, I love the bass, but it is ultimately a tool that I don't use much right now!

ustabawannab · #7 01-05-2008, 05:01 PM

I've had both. The difference is VERY minor. My 07 is back to the pre '06 thickness. These basses are cut by CNC but then profiled by hand. Everyone's a little different.

There's a thread called "measure your girth" on rickresource.com. The front to back dimensions show the late 70s to early 80s 4001 have the thinnest necks. Width at the first fret and FB profile are pretty consistent. String 'em up with a roundwounds with a .105 E and you're stessing the rods on those big time.

I'm not you, but I think unless you can try it before you trade, you're wasting your time. Sell it to me

ustabawannab · #8 01-05-2008, 05:13 PM

PS. A USA G&L 2000 with a #8 (1 1/2" nut) neck and DR Lowriders on it get pretty freakin' close to a no-capacitor 4003. Just a wee bit more nasal.

You should try one

I prefer my #7 (1 3/4" nut) on my L-2000 but heh, I like the current profile on my 4003.

willsellout · #9 01-05-2008, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ustabawannab

PS. A USA G&L 2000 with a #8 (1 1/2" nut) neck and DR Lowriders on it get pretty freakin' close to a no-capacitor 4003. Just a wee bit more nasal.

You should try one

I prefer my #7 (1 3/4" nut) on my L-2000 but heh, I like the current profile on my 4003.

The G&L is the ultimate chameleon and I agree totally.

Dan

elgranluis · #10 01-06-2008, 02:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ustabawannab

I've had both. The difference is VERY minor. My 07 is back to the pre '06 thickness. These basses are cut by CNC but then profiled by hand. Everyone's a little different.

There's a thread called "measure your girth" on rickresource.com. The front to back dimensions show the late 70s to early 80s 4001 have the thinnest necks. Width at the first fret and FB profile are pretty consistent. String 'em up with a roundwounds with a .105 E and you're stessing the rods on those big time.

I'm not you, but I think unless you can try it before you trade, you're wasting your time. Sell it to me

The Missus would give me a hard time if I sold the bass (it was my birthday present a couple of years or so ago!).That's why I'm hoping to get a fireglow.. and also hoping that she never reads this post!

Actually, I do own an early eighties 4001. I had a 91 or 92 4003 as well with the exact same profile (amazing!). I've also read on the ric forum that both profiles (the chunky and the early eighties) were being produced at the same time, meaning that if you bought a 07 it could come with either the chunky neck or the early 80's neck.

Anyway early sunday bump!