Rickenbackers - the bad stuff?

[cassius987]

LaXu, even though I am one of the people on Gibenbacker's "flag-waving" black list, I too want to voice support for your OP. If you just want to get info that's your right, to be certain. My issue is with the general notion from outside the group of people that use Rics happily that these instruments are not to be trusted, or whatever it is that seems to rear its head sometimes. I don't think that's what your post was about. Anyways, good luck finding the best bass to serve your needs.

 

[CDweller]

I currently have a '99 40003 FG bought new in May of '99. It's my second Ricky; got my first in '74 as an excited 15 year old. The '74 was a brand new 4001 FG, purchased for the princely sum of $400 from Sam Ash in Huntington. Thanks, dad...

I loved sounding like Roger Glover, at the time.

I am going to sell my '99 4003. It has the dreaded weak E, the binding is too uncomfortable to put up with, and I prefer the thinner-style neck that's available now and is also on the 4001's. I usually gig with a Jazz Bass, but like having the Rickenbacker for playing occasionally. Yet the binding is a no-go item. Purely my opinion, and worth what ya paid for it. I am hoping against hope that Rickenbacker comes out with a 1999 model 4001- I'll be first in line for one of these no-binding, toaster and horseshoe-pickup equipped gems. I'm also keeping my eyes peeled for a v63 or 4003s, but guys are holding on to them right now. I would prefer the tone of the closer to the neck pickup of the v63, or the hoped for 1999.

I love the audience recognition the 4001/3 generates, and I love the sound of a Rick. The nostalgia factor is enjoyable, too.

 

[cassius987]

I am hoping against hope that Rickenbacker comes out with a 1999 model 4001- I'll be first in line for one of these no-binding, toaster and horseshoe-pickup equipped gems.

Good news (maybe), they did this for the Japanese market last year. Maybe they'll bring them to the U.S. market this year.

 

[Geddyfleaharris]

This thread was simply a completely honest, no hidden agenda thing because what I've read about Rickenbackers is mostly praise so I wanted to hear the other side of the coin. I was wary of just buying one since it IS an old design and those tend to have less than desirable design choices.

I have only had a very brief chance to play with a 4003 and it wasn't even thru an amp and the bass in question had obvious flaws, some of them simply because it was old and used. Here in Finland the official dealer hasn't even been able to get a Rickenbacker CASE for the last 4 years, let alone an instrument so I can't just go and try one.

In the end I'll probably get something else because even though I dig the Ric design, I don't want to deal with the awkward bridge, no warranty etc factors on a several thousand euro instrument or have to buy expensive replacement parts to fix them. I've been that road before and it was not a good one.

No worries LaXu. TB is all about finding information. That's why it exists...other than entertainment purposes. The thread title might be construed as a little bit inflammatory and maybe your intentions could be misinterpreted.

I have 2 Rics but I am trying not to voice "fanboy" opinions. In fact my go to bass right now is a SR4 HH. <---just to provide balance.