Yep that was the online/street price for them just a few short years ago. I was half-tempted to get one or two more back then, and I almost wish I did... they're freakin' investment pieces now, heh.
I think that's part of the supply and demand problem. Rics keep ending up in the hands of investors and not players. Most people, and I myself was guilty, buy one and just store it away because its too expensive to play out, didn't wanna damage the finish and/or screw up its resale value.
Its just a bass, the fact most people that talk about them have never held one in their hands... well I feel for you. It is really a transcending experiences after the more abundant Jazz, P's and other more accessible brand/type instruments.
The neck is so... so straight, the strings low, and the width is just right for my hand. I'm much faster and accurate with it and that gorgeous flat body... the tones you can get (at least w/ 4003 after 2006) Jazz, P, almost anything, plus that distinctive Ric mid-punch-klang.
Its just a bass, there and many like it, but none like mine. To all that still searching for your singular tone/sound/feel/vibe a word of advice it is a singular instrument and all others after will be a model to capture or recapture it. So, when you find it hold on to it, for me it is a 02/08 4003 Jetglo Ric, it could have been a P, Jazz or a Gibby, a whatever, but its a Ric, not all Rics that are ever made but this one lone Ric.
Its just a bass, but in my hands, its so much more.
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