1997 Ric issues?

[Gaolee]

Are there any I should be aware of? I just put in what I thought would be a losing bid on a 1997 4003 and got it for less than my maximum. It isn't here yet, but if there are specific things I should anticipate as issues, I would like to know so they can be addressed when it gets here.

And, if anybody has advice on how to 'fess up to my wife for blowing a wad of cash on something I absolutely don't need, I'm open to suggestions.

 

[s4001]

Issues? You may not play another bass again for a long time.
Excuse for your wife? It's a Ric. End of discussion.

 

[Gaolee]

Ok, then! I assume the neck adjustment is the updated version by 1997 so I can actually set this up without screwing it up. I hope so, anyway. Apparently, it was supposed to happen.

 

[Paul Boyer]

Rick basses have used "up to date" truss rod systems since 1986, so you shouldn't have any problems adjusting the neck. Of course, with any used instrument, you're inheriting all the previous owner(s) sins. If one has screwed it up, you'll get a screwed up instrument.

 

[Ric5]

1997 was the first year they went back to the 60s 4001 body shape and the headstock also took on a shape similar to the 60s 4001. Also that year the color of the triangle inlays improved over the 1996 color. 1997 to now the body and headstock have stayed the same. The pickups will be single coil wound to 11k ohms. the pots will be all 250k ohms. There is no .0047 capacitor in the 1997 4003.

Possible problems on that year would be you have a small chance of tailpiece pullup, and possible other small problems from poor treatment and poor maintenance. Or possible underisable modifications to the bass.

 

[Gaolee]

That's always a risk, especially if you buy without having ever seen anything besides pictures. I don't think it has been modified, but I'm not sure if the pickup cover is included. The original paperwork and polishing cloth are supposedly still in the case. Good or bad? Who knows. As long as there's not some kind of voodoo associated with the neck, then I am far less worried. Would a 1997 have a chunkier neck or a really thin one, and are there any strings to avoid on one of these?

 

[kcole4001]

If you really want a pickup cover. RIC (and many dealers) offer a new one for $20.
Link Removed

Don't let any ebay foolishness convince you that older ones are better or something, they're the same, just an older chrome plated plastic piece.

 

[Gaolee]

Nah, no need for a pickup cover. I put one on my P-Bass, mostly just because, but I don't think it improves a Ric's looks, and that's all it does. I may put some kind of cover over the hole around the pickup.

 

[bassmachine2112]

hiho,I,ve got a 99 and had from new.
Great bass and no problems.
neck might be chunkier than the newer ones but I dont notice it.
Hipshot bridge and vintage push /pull circuit like the newer ones.
Nothing like it.

 

[Gaolee]

I prefer chunky necks, anyway. If it is a bigger neck, I will be happy.