To Rick or Not to Rick

[Fight4Bottom]

I often joke with my wife about getting a Rickenbacker bass. She'll say, "You know what I want for Christmas?" And I'll say, "A Rickenbacker bass, right?" She's heard me joke enough that she understands what it is and how neat it would be to get one. But because of the cost, I've seriously never been serious about it.

But we've just gone through a major change in our lives, the details of which I'll spare you, suffice it to say she's extremely grateful for the sacrifices I've made. So much so that last night she told me she wants me to buy a Rickenbacker.

Now, I don't earn money gigging, so it won't pay for itself. But I do have enough money to buy one. Thus, as much as I'd love to have one, I have a hard time justifying it. So with apologies for creating yet another Ricky thread, what should I do? Pros and cons?

 

[Paul Boyer]

Life can be surprisingly short. If you want it and can afford it, get it. Enjoying it will be all the justification you'll need.

 

[dukeorock]

People are real divided on em, so I'd just recommend making sure you can try before you buy!

 

[DigitalMan]

Give Wildwood guitars a call or send an email. Great prices usually. Pick of the Rics and Sweetwater also can offer good prices sometimes.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

Get a 4004.

 

[DigitalMan]

Accept no substitute. This is the bass you are looking for.

 

[farace]

I've never regretted my two 4003s, but, as KBD suggests, be sure to consider the 4004 as well. It never ceases to amaze me how someone will buy a new 4003 and then complain about the hum from the single-coil pickups, the sharp edge of the body, the bridge pickup cover, and especially the bridge, and then also complain that Ric never updated the design. They did update it, though, and it's the 4004. I don't mind the Ric idiosyncrasies, but if I was shopping for a Ric today, I'd definitely make sure a 4004 was one of the instruments I considered. If a more traditional look is what you're after, take a look at Woody's collection for examples of how small modifications like adding a pickguard can make a 4004 look less modern.

 

[CGremlin]

Always Rick really hard if possible. The term isn't really "rock and roll", but rather "Rick and roll".

Seriously though, they're nice basses, but be aware that they're, um, *unique and distinctive*, particularly the 4003 with the "features" described above by farace. That said, I'm not giving up my 4003W.

 

[mapleglo]

I love Rickenbacker basses, and have been playing them since the 70's. I currently have 3 - two 4003's and a 4004.

Family

• mapleglo
• Nov 28, 2017
• 4003 4004 rickenbacker

Rickenbacker 4003 and 4004

I'd heed Killed_by_Death's advise - the 4004 is a great bass, and extremely comfortable to play. But IMHO, you can't go wrong with either.

 

[Ooba Tooba]

Get it and enjoy it. If you want to trade it later for a more modest model and some cash, you can. I didn't care for the high gloss neck on the one I played. I usually play Peavey and Fender basses.

 

[jd56hawk]

I'm guessing you've played one before and are aware of the good and the bad, right?
Surely you're not one of those guys who just want one because it looks cool?
If you've played one and like the way it feels and sounds, definitely find a nice used one.
Try to find a rare color.
Here's the one I'd buy. Missed out on one back in February. Two used Rics at Guitar Center, both over $2,000. Went back the following week and they were both gone.

 

[Spidey2112]

"So much so that last night she told me she wants me to buy a Rickenbacker."

Bless her heart. As @PaulBoyer said, lifes too short... I've made all my basses, including my '80 4001 (never had played one, but purchased brand spanking new, and is still in my arsenal, to this day) work for me, despite all their little idiosyncratic 'features'...

... we're human... we adapt.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

All the pros and cons have been discussed ad nauseum here on TB. I liken the 4003 very much to a classic 60's era car, some technically obsolete or un-ergonomic features you can either live with or ignore, with options to negate those issues with a 4004 or S model. I'm a sucker for the classic Jetglo model, but lots of options to suit your taste. If possible, play the actual model you intend to buy first, some variation in neck thickness and profile. If mail order, try Wildwood. If you get one with finish problems, return it immediately, and be sure to mail in that warranty card instantly. Buy it! Even if you do regret it, the resale value is excellent, so you have little to lose.

 

[superdick2112]

Justify, Schmustify....

 

[lfmn16]

I love them but try before you buy. My favorite is my '81 4003.

 

[RedJag]

I love the look of them, but every time I try one in a music shop I walk away confused about why they're so popular. My hands don't like them, string spacing too narrow. I'm resigned to playing Fenders. Now, if someone were to just give me one, I wouldn't complain.

Make sure you try before you buy.

 

[svlilioukalani]

It's should not be a question of weather to get one. Rather which one to get. The neck binding looks awesome, but the contour body where your right arm rests on the bass would be an awesome thing. The necks tend to vary from year to year. So the recommendation to try first is a good one. Also WildWood Guitars is one of the best places to get one.

One of this worlds leading Rick experts has already checked in with you. Paul Boyer actually wrote the Rickenbacker book. I got one too....

 

[ric4682]

I say go for it. The resale on them is pretty great compared to other basses so even if you decide it isn't for you, you can always get most of your money back when you sell it.

 

[Hounddog409]

I love Rickenbacker basses, and have been playing them since the 70's. I currently have 3 - two 4003's and a 4004.

Family

• mapleglo
• Nov 28, 2017
• 4003 4004 rickenbacker

Rickenbacker 4003 and 4004

I'd heed Killed_by_Death's advise - the 4004 is a great bass, and extremely comfortable to play. But IMHO, you can't go wrong with either.

So is the 4003s. Try both.

 

[Spidey2112]

Justify, Schmustify....

View attachment 2858619

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