We fisherman and scowmasters here on Ye Olde Cape Cod do occasionally scrape the barnacles off our boots and venture across those impenetrable barriers to civilzation (the city slickers call them "bridges", I hear tell) and brave the paved wasteland in search of Rickenbacker basses. Presently there are (3) Ric dealers in the state of Massachusetts, only one of which (Mr. Music in Allston) actually stocks Rics with any regularity. You can ORDER a Ric, but actually playing a Ric prior to sale is random hit or miss, most are sold before they ever hit the floor. Given the long history of finish issues, buying one unseen over the last 10 years was a calculated risk. GC used to be the fourth, and I still cant figure out if they are an authorized dealer. The last time the Boston branch had any 4003 in any numbers (3 Jetglo), two of of the three I played had finish bubbling around the bridge, the third was immaculate) The last 4003 I saw in any local GC (Mass Ave in Boston) was about a year ago, and I think it was a return or random NOS. It also had an absolutely pristine, perfect finish, but inexplicably hung on the wall for 1 month+, maybe due to the $3k pricetag) Boston used to have 8-10 guitar stores back in the 70's and 80's, all killed off by the allmighty GC. Ive visited every major guitar store within about 150 miles, and all the remaining Boston stores many times over the years, and NEVER seen a 4004 for sale, NEVER seen one played on stage. They simply did not exist as a bass you could look at and play in person when they were being produced. I'm sure thats a regional issue, but again, most people are not going to buy something entirely sight unseen/unplayed. I think its true that despite all the gripes about the bridge, binding, ergonomics, etc., that people just went for what they lusted for as teenagers, the 4003, but the lack of availability in stores couldnt have helped.
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