Rickenbacker Question (Azureglo or Midnight Blue?)

[xBunnyHero]

Hey, guys

I've come across a lovely looking Ricky online and am about to pull the trigger. (It's on hold and everything) Theres just one tiny detail thats holding me back and if you read the title, then you probably guessed it already.

I can't tell if it's Azureglo or Midnight Blue from the pictures alone, but I'm sure I'd know the difference the second I got the beauty in my hands and I don't really want to gamble that. I was hoping someone with a little more knowledge in the field of colors could tell me which of the two this Ric actually is.

I believe the year on it is 1982 and it is an early 4003. I forgot to ask for the serial number (I know, dumb of me) and plan on getting it tomorrow morning, which is why I can't be positive of the year. (also if someone could possibly give me the years in which Azureglo was in stock along with the years of Midnight Blue)

Provided below is a link to all of the pictures I managed to get of it and all help is great appreciated:

http://i47.tinypic.com/2v9dc34.png

Thanks a lot, guys

[lyla1953]

At first glance it looks like Midnight Blue. however, something about it just seems a bit darker than mine. I'm not use to black machine heads (tuners)

[rupture]

its lighter than my 2012 midnight. i say azur

[mjac28]

Whatever it is looks great congrats.

[the mojo hobo]

Midnight Blue wasn't introduced until 1984, and I think the split pickguard went away before then I'd say yours is Azure. The tuners have been replaced though.

Rick finish timeline: http://www.the-music-connection.com/ricinfo.htm

[PaulBoyer]

Midnight Blue (a metallic) was introduced in 1985 and came with black trim and hardware until 1998. The one you're looking at is a dark version of Azureglo. Niiiice!

[xBunnyHero]

Thanks much for the help guys. Going to give the store a call first thing in the morning

[kcole4001]

Nice!
I've never seen an early 4003 in AzureGlo before.

[3234718]

I always tell myself when I some day get a rick, it'll be jet glo. Then I see a mapleglo and want that. Now I want whatever blue this is.

[Alex1984]

Pretty sure that's Azureglo.

[Ric5]

Azureglo late 60s to 1984.

Midnight blue 1984 to present.

Azureglo is a lighter blue. Midnight blue is darker. At first the mid blue was silver with blue over it. Then they started doing a metallic blue that had the silver mixed into the blue.

Also the tuners on that bass are aftermarket. Perhaps it originally had the Grovers that were prone to falling apart and got replaced.

That bass is an early 80s 4003 which should make it azureglo.

[PaulBoyer]

1985 was the changeover year from Azureglo to Midnight Blue.