Held a Ric today

[BassNeo]

Browsing a new boutique guitar shop today and saw a 4003 behind the counter.

Upon asking the price and nearly passing out at the $2250 price tag they said "wanna try it out?" I balked at first but then said to myself, why not..

I don't hold my newborn child as gingerly. I plugged into a 65 amp and played it for 20 minutes or so. I really liked the sound and it felt nice on my lap, well balanced. I wanted to put a strap on it, and might still when I go back just to see.

But.

My '89 Peavey Foundation S has a slimmer neck and to be honest I can't wrap my head around the money. If I had $2250 kicking around, I'd buy it but I'd be afraid to take it out of the basement studio without armed guards..

Just my opinion of course, but if anyone wants a comparison or a quick review, there you have it.

 

[audiomitch]

A brand new one costs around $1600. Was there something special about this 4003?

 

[jasper383]

A brand new one costs around $1600. Was there something special about this 4003?

My guess is Rics in Canada are higher in price, due to import and taxes.

 

[BassPlayer900]

I've seen 4003 basses sell for cheaper than $2250 on websites like Musician's Friend.

 

[electracoyote]

Yep, for a standard 4003, that is beyond top dollar. You could get a Blueburst or some other special run for that kind of money.

OP definitely needs to shop around. If he likes the Ric, gently used is always an option.

 

[BassNeo]

Oh I would definitely look for a used one first.

I just found a few images to show the girlfriend and a UK site sells them for 1500 pounds.

Her response - 'They look like your other ones'. I was first disturbed but then quickly realized that I could sneak it in the house and she wouldn't notice....

 

[audiomitch]

Her response - 'They look like your other ones'. I was first disturbed but then quickly realized that I could sneak it in the house and she wouldn't notice....

You'll go far, my son.

 

[Gord_oh]

a ric is definitely an experience. ive played a few, all of which i have liked.
cant justify having one though.

 

[dukeorock]

Oh I would definitely look for a used one first.

I just found a few images to show the girlfriend and a UK site sells them for 1500 pounds.

Her response - 'They look like your other ones'. I was first disturbed but then quickly realized that I could sneak it in the house and she wouldn't notice....

Just teared up a bit...In my house, I am so thrilled 'they all look the same.' Keep most of 'em at my studio, but when she does see them...I also only buy black or white instruments these days, because they look even more alike

 

[electracoyote]

Just teared up a bit...In my house, I am so thrilled 'they all look the same.' Keep most of 'em at my studio, but when she does see them...I also only buy black or white instruments these days, because they look even more alike

lol

 

[Shawn Luckman]

I own a Ric 4003 thanks to my Girlfriend,who bought me one secondhand 13 years ago for £650. But as much as I love them I can't get my head around the price they are now,here in the UK they are expensive £1799 for the 4003 & £2999 for the 4001c64.

There is no way now that I could afford one now,and even secondhand they still fetch a good price.

 

[audiomitch]

There is no way now that I could afford one now,and even secondhand they still fetch a good price.

They hold their resale value really well. Takes some of the risk out of it.

 

[jmattbassplaya]

I'm lucky in that after holding my first Ric I lost all GAS for them

That said, I still think they are one of the coolest looking basses to ever be produced.

 

[12stringbassist]

I fortunately bought mine before the price nearly doubled in the UK.
I couldn't contemplate a new one now and there's a couple of colours I want.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[u84six]

I bought my RIC 4003 in the early 90s for $500 used. Best instrument purchase ever. I own 5 basses and that is definitely my main go-to bass for all my gigs.

 

[BassNeo]

I'm lucky in that after holding my first Ric I lost all GAS for them

That said, I still think they are one of the coolest looking basses to ever be produced.

Agreed. I can't say I'd sell my liver for it but if one fell into my lap for a good price I wouldn't turn it down.

And now that I see the pictures 12string posted, the pickup guard was rather annoying...

 

[u84six]

I fortunately bought mine before the price nearly doubled in the UK.
I couldn't contemplate a new one now and there's a couple of colours I want.

Wow, is that a light blue? Where did you find that?

 

[RobJ]

I believe that's a 4003 "Blue Boy", RIC's color of the year in 2004 as I recall.

 

[Woodsbass]

My guess is Rics in Canada are higher in price, due to import and taxes.

Nah, I played one the other day at Long & McQuade for 1750$ new...

 

[BassNeo]

Nah, I played one the other day at Long & McQuade for 1750$ new...

Doesn't surprise me. I live in a small town where the three music shops are filled with $400 guitars and I have to special order anything other than a roundwound set of strings. There's no larger chain within the better part of an hour here so they can stick it to you as they see fit.