Need help with a 'RICK purchase ... ASAP

[David Sutkin]

Hey all,

I could use some help / advice from the TB family ....

I've always wanted a 'Rick in my bass arsenal and over the weekend I started searching and found 2 that I really liked enough to buy either one .....

1. a MINT 2008 Midnight Blue 4003 - asking price $1,650
or
1. a MINT 2016 Jetglow 4003 - asking price $1,300

The seller of the '08 midnight blue 4003 wants about $350 more then the seller with the '16 Jetglo.

Is it true that Rick made less Midnight blue 4003's and so the extra cost could be justified if and when I try to resell it somewhere down the road? Is that BS or does that have any merit?

It just so happens that I LOVE the Midnight blue, it's cosmetically and tonally one of my favorite basses but again, it's $350 more then an almost new 2016 4003 ... I'm struggling with wehther the extra $350 is worth is for the color?

I'd like to make the purchase today so any advice would really help ...

On a side note: when reading up on Rick's I noticed they also make an "S" model which as far as I can tell only has cosmetic differences? The "dot" inlays as opposed to the "triangles" on the fingerboard and an unlined neck. I read somewhere that Macca and Squire preferred the "S" and so that makes me think maybe I am missing something other then cosmetics? There may also be a different truss rod configuration?

Thanks for your help and advice family.

BK

 

[12BitSlab]

The S model lacks the binding on the standard 4003, it has a single output so you can't send each pickup to a different amp, and the S model is also more rounded than the standard model.

Midnight Blue is not all that uncommon.

Before you buy a Ric, play one somewhere. I love mine, but some people find it uncomfortable to play.

 

[Dave W]

Me? Jetglo all the way. It's my preferred color though, but if it were the other way around and $350 more I'd probably keep looking until I found what I wanted and what I was willing to pay. $1650 for a used modern Ric is just too much IMO.

 

[bholder]

The S model lacks the binding on the standard 4003, it has a single output so you can't send each pickup to a different amp, and the S model is also more rounded than the standard model.

Midnight Blue is not all that uncommon.

Before you buy a Ric, play one somewhere. I love mine, but some people find it uncomfortable to play.

Agreed on all points, but I'm a sucker for Midnight Blue:

 

[David Sutkin]

Me? Jetglo all the way. It's my preferred color though

Correct me if I'm wrong but "Jetglo" is basically just " glossy black" right?

 

[Dave W]

Correct me if I'm wrong but "Jetglo" is basically just " glossy black" right?

Yes

 

[5544]

If it were me, I would forget about the year, price and color difference.

Which one feels better out of the two?
If the better feeling one has cosmetic flaws, would you be willing to live with them? Probably not because you noticed them.

When spending that kind of money, expect it to be 100% perfect new or used.

 

[Reverend179]

No way blue makes it intrinsically more valuable. IIRC they were blowing out Midnight Blue 4003's around that time. Also, IIRC, the midnight blue basses of that run were beset with finish flaws, so caveat emptor.

 

[David Sutkin]

If it were me, I would forget about the year, price and color difference.

Which one feels better out of the two?
If the better feeling one has cosmetic flaws, would you be willing to live with them? Probably not because you noticed them.

When spending that kind of money, expect it to be 100% perfect new or used.

Thanks for that advice and I happen to agree with the ideology but I'm buying these from online sellers so I won't havce a chance to demo either of them. I've had very good luck so far with buying gear online with a few exceptions. I assume many of us here have done the same.

 

[Trouztrouz]

1. a MINT 2008 Midnight Blue 4003 - asking price $1,650

A couple of months ago I got a price check on a jetglo 4003 from Musician's Friend. It was 1840. I'm not sure if the midnight blue are the same, but if so you could use one of their occasional 15% off codes they run and get a brand new one for less than this used one. Some folks are down on MF but they're good about returns of you run into any problems.

 

[Yogi Bear]

Just wanted to offer up an option, if you haven't already looked...

If you're purchasing online you might want to take a look at Wildwood Guitars before making a final decision. They usually have a great selection of Ric's, and based on the prices you posted may be able to match what you're paying for a brand new bass. Additionally, their techs are very familiar with Ric's and they have stellar customer service.

 

[5544]

Thanks for that advice and I happen to agree with the ideology but I'm buying these from online sellers so I won't havce a chance to demo either of them. I've had very good luck so far with buying gear online with a few exceptions. I assume many of us here have done the same.

You are buying a used instrument with a known history for quality issues?

I've checked out enough used instruments in person to know if I were to order something online, it would have to be new and free return shipping.

 

[David Sutkin]

Just wanted to offer up an option, if you haven't already looked...

If you're purchasing online you might want to take a look at Wildwood Guitars before making a final decision. They usually have a great selection of Ric's, and based on the prices you posted may be able to match what you're paying for a brand new bass. Additionally, their techs are very familiar with Ric's and they have stellar customer service.

Thanks for that heads up.

 

[Tanner5382]

Me? Jetglo all the way. It's my preferred color though, but if it were the other way around and $350 more I'd probably keep looking until I found what I wanted and what I was willing to pay. $1650 for a used modern Ric is just too much IMO.

I agree, a person should pay no more than $1200 for a used 4003 in my opinion.

 

[Fishheadjoe]

As mentioned above, Midnight Blue is a standard current production colour, nothing special about it.
I can only pass along my RIC experience, after going through three and ending up with none in my stable. Mine were bought on-line, not being able to try before I buy. I would never consider doing that again with a RIC as I had nothing but troubles with the three I owned. the only saving grace was that they were new and I could return them.
Try before you buy.
Fishheadjoe

 

[David Sutkin]

This is very good advice all, thank you.

 

[Gianni "Orlandez" Orlati]

Classic rock Rick is jetglo... no choice

 

[carsbybigd]

There is no "Tone difference" between colors .

 

[David Sutkin]

Based on the advice above, I may just let this GAS pass ( ) and wait until I can find one for sale that I can try out first.

We guys are awesome, thanks!

 

[Joe Nerve]

Didn't read all the responses cuz I'm in a hurry - as are you .

1. Blue 4003s were being blown out at musiciansfriend for $1200 a few years back. That seller is trying to screw someone.

2. With 15% discount at MF a new 4003 goes for around $1400. If you sign up for their backstage pass program you get an additional 8% off in store credit.

That's all.