New matte black 4003 coming?

[Jeff Scott]

Great looking bass, Thanks, Ben, for creating this beauty!

The macassar ebony and the ring inlays are just fantastic, not to mention, of course, the CB binding.

 

[Wilmingtonian]

I dig it. But when they announce the pricing it will rage break this site.

 

[blackandwhite]

hideous

I always hated the binding & it's an eyesore on this model, as well as those horrific looking inlays.




no, mid to late 90s. My 4004 is from 97.

My Laredo is a '93 but I think the first 4004s came out in late '92.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

I hope they aren't making this for the Japanese export market only, like all the other recent CB and custom color models. I think most of them end up as collector Case Queens. Id like to see these surface in the hands of actual bass playing human beings.

 

[4001]

Not too much into rics but love how it has almost an upholstered look to it

I was thinking the same thing...also was thinking what a "blue denim" finish would look like. Brown "stitched" binding to match the stitches on jeans... Copper colored hardware too....

 

[mellowinman]

 

[SonnyBassPlayer]

Esthetically I really like it. I'm not a huge fan of matte instruments but the contrast with the pickguard sells me. Anyway, my dream Ric is aged white/cream. I would not buy it. If I had to chose a current model it would be a 4003sw or a 4003s Jetglo.

As for the color,it can look grey because matte clearcoat's light reflection makes any color look lighter. Take two things painted any identical color, make one glossy and the other matte: the second will look lighter.

 

[Kombo]

So it's a 4003? Does it have the stereo jack then? I can't tell...

 

[Smakutus]

The pickguard should be chrome...

 

[bholder]

I'd like to see a fretless version (unlined / marked) with matte black pg.

 

[Spectrum]

So it's a 4003? Does it have the stereo jack then? I can't tell...

Looking at the OP's second pic, it appears to have the long jack plate for mono and Ric-o-sound.

Would be an oddball 4003 with dots instead of sharkfins, but this is definitely different anyway. Love the ring dots and checker binding.

 

[bassman10096]

I've bought several Ricks over the years thinking "this will be the one that makes me like them."

I have yet to be right about that, but the flat black is a cool look.

Same here. But with looks like this it could be love.

 

[Gizmot]

Please, John & Company... "S" version with a SLIMMER NECK PROFILE, and I'll be a Ric owner again, I promise

I know that this isn't a 'bash Rickenbacker" thread - and I own two of them. The question that I have is when has Rickenbacket actually listened to what their customers wanted and did something?

 

[bholder]

I know that this isn't a 'bash Rickenbacker" thread - and I own two of them. The question that I have is when has Rickenbacket actually listened to what their customers wanted and did something?

Great question - for another thread.

 

[Mvilmany]

Props to the unfinished fretboard. I'm glad that they didn't spray that. I like the binding.

 

[john_g]

One of the nicest Rickenbacker basses I've seen. Pickguard compliments it perfectly. If it came with a matte pickguard I'd replace it with a smoked mirror one.
Only thing wrong might be the price.
$500 over a similar model or even more?
Seriously, are they actually calling it the Blackbird?

Yes, I love when they use a different paint color and charge $500 or more for it.

 

[Mr.Fingers]

It's something out of the ordinary, but knowing RIC, they will charge top-dollar for it.

 

[Sixgunn]

I'm gad they don't make 5ers. I'd have to have one!!

 

[MCF]

A Ric is my nect bass. I had pretty much decided on Midnight Blue. I'll have to be on the lookout for this one to see how it really looks. Maybe my Christmas present!

 

[jamro217]

All right, everybody...on 3...1...2...3! "WHAT'S THE BEST RIC FOR METAL?!"