I'd also suggest a 2010 or later Ric 4003. The quality has gone up leaps and bounds and the tone is unmatched. The "vintage tone" switch alone is worth the upgrade and the new Ruby color is simply stunning.
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Buying my first Rickenbacker...
- Thread starter byebyejimmy
- Start date
This is me almost 30 years ago (not quite, but nearly):
So, I've played 'em. But I'd be violating one of my personal rules by purchasing a new bass. I tell the kids: "Get Paid / Buy Used."
I've got a line on a local 4003 from 2009; decent price (approx. $1,500). What do you guys think? Better to get a new one at that price?
--Steve
This is me almost 30 years ago (not quite, but nearly):
So, I've played 'em. But I'd be violating one of my personal rules by purchasing a new bass. I tell the kids: "Get Paid / Buy Used."
I've got a line on a local 4003 from 2009; decent price (approx. $1,500). What do you guys think? Better to get a new one at that price?
--Steve
Id prob check it out , if its super clean then id go for it at 1500, they may work with you a bit more as well.
I sold a 2011 ric on here for like 1350$ and that included shipping.
This is me almost 30 years ago (not quite, but nearly):
So, I've played 'em. But I'd be violating one of my personal rules by purchasing a new bass. I tell the kids: "Get Paid / Buy Used."
I've got a line on a local 4003 from 2009; decent price (approx. $1,500). What do you guys think? Better to get a new one at that price?
--Steve
Great pic of you & your white Ric! Here's one of me with my white Ric from 26 years ago...
Yes, break your personal rule & treat yourself to a new Ric - you'll be glad you did.
Yeah, that happens. One went for close to that here on TB just a while ago. And black seems like a common color, so perhaps I keep my poweder dry and wait for one here.
Thanks everybody!
--Steve
^^
This guy knows his Rics, and is quite handy working on them - the biggest reason to get a 4003 is the better truss rods. Mine's an '03, and even though it doesn't have some of the newer tonal features, it kills live and in a recorded track.
Hope you find one that speaks to you just as well
My 1976 4001FL is just the absolute perfect bass for me. That said the new 4003s seem to get better every year as I follow their progress. There are just a few things they don't nail about the vintage ones, the problem is most the of the vintage ones I have played tended to be mediocre at best--it's the diamonds in the rough like mine that make it all worth it I guess.
If I were shopping for a new-to-me Ric right now I'd try to find the best condition "player's" type of mid-to-late-70s/early-80s 4001 (so many great basses came out of this period, or so it seems to me), or a nearly brand new 4003. Older than the mid-to-late 1970s and prices really spike upward, and I just don't have enough experience in the mid-80s-to-late-90s to comment.
If I were shopping for a new-to-me Ric right now I'd try to find the best condition "player's" type of mid-to-late-70s/early-80s 4001 (so many great basses came out of this period, or so it seems to me), or a nearly brand new 4003. Older than the mid-to-late 1970s and prices really spike upward, and I just don't have enough experience in the mid-80s-to-late-90s to comment.
Ric5
Inactive
- Jan 29, 2008
- 29,772
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- Disclosures
- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
Here's me playing my old 68 4001 ... the neck on this baby never really flattened out unless it was destrung.
Motorheadbanger, totally OT, but that was the absolute best episode of MST3k ever. Jet Jaguar rocks my world.
Here's me playing my old 68 4001 ... the neck on this baby never really flattened out unless it was destrung.
Hey Jeff, nobody would ever guess that you are a Yes fan...
Hi I,ve got a 99 ,had it from new.
build and finishing is first class.
I have fitted the vintage circuit and a hipshot bridge and changed the pickguard but apart from that it,s perfect.
I think about that period they went back to the old shape body.
Maybe the neck isn,t as slim as the new/old ones but I don,t notice anymore if I noticed at all.
I would go for a 4003 no question.
build and finishing is first class.
I have fitted the vintage circuit and a hipshot bridge and changed the pickguard but apart from that it,s perfect.
I think about that period they went back to the old shape body.
Maybe the neck isn,t as slim as the new/old ones but I don,t notice anymore if I noticed at all.
I would go for a 4003 no question.
I've got 1 vintage (74 4000),and 2 modern ('04 cii and '04 laredo) basses. The newer ones are great,and the current RIC's are supposedly even better. The 4000 has needed a lot of updating,which i have done over the last 8 years or so,but it has the classic clanky grind sound and feel that my 4004's don't quite get. I have replaced the frets,nut,bridge,and tuning keys on it,though,all of which i believe was an improvement over the original equipment. My point is getting a mid 70's bass may get you what you want,but you may need to be prepared to have upgrades done. And maybe not,if you're lucky!
