I've got a dimemma. I've played 2 Ric 4003s, one a jet glo 2007 with vintage tone selector or a fireglo 2002. Both have great action and sound. There is nothing between them. Does anyone know if one year is better than the other that'll help me choose the one I buy. Both selling for £1250.
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Rickenbacker - decisions, decisions!
- Thread starter sarlscharisma
- Start date
I've had several Ricks, both vintage and modern. Two of the nicest sounding, best "player" 4003's I had were made in 2001. If I had to make your choice sight unseen, I'd go with the 2002 fireglo just from past experience.
But that's just me.........
But that's just me.........
Mmm. Yeah, I'd just have to go with which one feels better to you and that you like the looks of more.
For instance, is there one of them that had a neck that felt more comfortable to you? You've played them both, correct?
For instance, is there one of them that had a neck that felt more comfortable to you? You've played them both, correct?
There is no difference between a 2002 and a 2007 (that I know of anyway). Get the one you like the best. Unless you are buying a bass to flip, that should ALWAYS be how you make your decision.
I've got three myself, so I suggest you should just buy both!
I've got three myself, so I suggest you should just buy both!
Yeah, played both but couldn't put a Rizla paper between em. The 2002 has a narrower nut but to me feel was the same.
Tough. Are they both at the same location? I'm thinking while you go to pay for one, I'll create a distraction and you can make off with both of them.
Other than the color, how the neck feels, and the absence of a push-pull treble tone pot on the '02 model; no, there isn't any real difference between them. Rick necks seem to vary a lot from year to year (still lots of hand work on them), and sometimes even within the year. '01s were supposed to have a fairly thick neck, for example; but mine's very thin and fast; almost a clone of the neck on my '73 4001, which is supposed to be thin and fast. Do you want the versatility (and it is versatile) of the push-pull pot? Get the '07, unless the '01 is "better" for you. The pot and capacitor are available from Rick, and easy enough to install. Both of mine have them. And, other than some newer (newer than '07) JetGlo 4003s having finish problems, no other problems I can recall - but I'm certainly not an expert. Get the one that feels best to you, and play the snot out of it.
+1 on the previous comments. A few more:
Look for any evidence that the bridge is pulling away from the body, called "tail lift". Some basses are prone to this. It's rare, but this can get progressively worse over time to the point where it raises the action. Make sure the truss rods function, they can be expensive to repair. Other than that, just trust your gut or emotional response. If you had to run out of a burning house, which one would you grab?
Look for any evidence that the bridge is pulling away from the body, called "tail lift". Some basses are prone to this. It's rare, but this can get progressively worse over time to the point where it raises the action. Make sure the truss rods function, they can be expensive to repair. Other than that, just trust your gut or emotional response. If you had to run out of a burning house, which one would you grab?
No too many seem to be picking one or the other despite the OP's plea.
I'll break the trend.
The Jetglo 07 with the vintage selector switch is THE one to buy. Forget the Fireglo.
See? That was easy.
I'll break the trend.
The Jetglo 07 with the vintage selector switch is THE one to buy. Forget the Fireglo.
See? That was easy.
Actually, I based my suggestion on the color. Jetglo is awesome. There are so many possibilities.
A lot of folks around here love the Jetglo, why I just don't know.
It's not a Ric if it ain't Fireglo. I couldn't imagine wanting a better colour.
It's not a Ric if it ain't Fireglo. I couldn't imagine wanting a better colour.
+1 for the selector switch. I have a 2014, but I prefer it *so* much more to the late 80's Jetglo I had before, and the 4001-ish tone you get with the switch is part of it. Of course, if you're really digging the Fireglo, nothing says you can't put the same switch + capacitor in yourself...
I'll keep on loving Jetglo until they come out with something darker.
I think there is just something about the combination of deep black body/white binding/chrome along with the fretboard that make for a very distinct looking instrument.The black pickguard is nice but I would be removing that thumb rest.
Get the jetglo.
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Thinking about finally buying a Ric...not a bad price at Walmart.- Latest: birminghambass
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