Help me help a friend with this Ric question

It's a 4003/5 from february 1992. It's a 5-string (factory) Rickenbacker 4003* , but since Rickenbacker isn't known for it's 5ers, it is in fact a modified 4 string, with a toaster neckpickup (thus eliminating the issues of having 5 strings/4 polepieces), and the bridge-assembly is in fact a regular 4-string bridge, with the notches grinded down. The spacing on the bridge should work out just fine when the strings are back in the grooves on the saddles, and tuned to pitch.

*it's called a 4003, but in terms of specs it's a 4001S (dot inlay fretboard, no bindings, contoured body, no stereo output)

 

Post the photos on Rickresource forum, and chances are good that one of the forum members will either buy it themselves, or tell you fair market value. Paul Boyer posts over there, and he can read you chapter & verse on that bass in a heartbeat. I'm guessing it could be worth around $1,500?

 

I post here, too. It is a 4003S/5. This one was made in February 1992. It is NOT a conversion, and has a five-saddle bridge, but the player appears to have modified the spacing of the strings to his/her liking by cutting new grooves in the middle saddles. It's easy to see that the tailpiece is lifting drastically -- the black ones were more prone to this, and most had two extra holes for screws closer to the end to prevent this. You won't likely find another tailpiece, so if I were you, take it to a qualified techie who can drill new holes and bend the tailpiece back into proper position. Yeah, $1500 in its present condition would probably be fair.

 

Bam! Another case solved! Is the bridge identical to a four string except for the saddles? I assume the extra string tension munched the bridge? If I owned it is put a black hip shot on it (if they make a 5 string) and call it good.

 

Freaky custom spacing. Wonder if the then-owner was trying not to "get lost" across 5 strings or something.

 

Yeah I would assume the strings are just out of their slots - a common complaint on the 4003s5 basses is that the brdige slots aren't cut deep enough.

It looks bone stock to me, but I'm no expert. Because of their rarity, you could easily get $2500+ if you find the right buyer.

The additional screws on the tailpiece would go a long ways towards making it usable.

I'll buy the bridge pickup for too much money if you want to part it out.

 

That is a 100% original unmodified 4003s5. It needs repair.

I can fix this bass. I have the parts and the knowledge.

 

Ric5 speaks truth.

 

String tension isn't the only thing to cause tail lift on the black RIC tailpieces. They are powder coated, which is "cured" by baking. The heat seems to have weakened the casting on some of the black tailpieces, allowing them to bend under tension.

Putting a couple of screws out there will hold it down forever. They actually shipped tailpieces with the screws from time to time. I've got an '84 with "extra" screws. Bending it back isn't difficult, just go slowly...

 

With a name like Ric5 I'd hope so ^_^

 

Send it to Ric5! He does some amazing conversions, this would be an easy restoration and a quick seller.

 

+1 for Ric5, the guy is a legend.

 

It's worth well more than 1500, they are rare and sought after. I've seen one going for 2500 not long ago.

 

Never liked the Ric 5'ers.

 

Good find, make a fair offer and snag it.

 

There was a 4003S/5 in Jetglo on the local Craig's List a few months ago for $2600. I though about buying it, but it was gone within a day. They ask as high as 5k on eBay for these. I'm not sure how many sell at that price though. Nice find.