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WHAT??? Rickenbacker 4003S!?
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Where have I heard this kind of déjà vu before, once again?You COULD jive with a Rick, but you just didn't JIBE with it.
This is probably the ad you remember: Note that the bass shown is a lefty 4001SB. The skunk stripe in the headstock, but not in the body, indicates the set-neck construction of the late (mid-1972 on) 4001S.
That's it, of course.
It ran in Canadian Musician for a while in the early 1980s, if I remember correctly, and is the only RIC ad I've ever seen.
I still have a soft spot for a MG 4003S, though I'm not really keen on a bound one.
It's unfortunate that on many TB threads, pointing out ANY quality control issues or blatant design flaws with Rick instruments is immediately labeled "Rick Bashing", or "Rick Hate". They are wonderful instruments, but made by human beings who get bored, or distracted, or just having an off day, and things slip. This happens with every manufactured device, including every other guitar or bass manufacturer. People somehow manage to discuss the flaws and highlights of other brands without getting personally nasty with each other. If Rickenbacker would just be stand up about these things and repair or replace defective work with a smile, they could repair their Customer Service reputation and ultimately improve their profitability beyond their already enviable bottom line. This whole subject has unfortunately become the "Third Rail" of TB, with a lot of nastiness and trolling on both sides of the fence. It seems like Rick has finally reached the end of the Epic Backlog in production, and can no longer rely on people to simply take what they are given and accept it. I hope the 4003S line marks a return to the high levels of CS and QC Rick is capable of, and that customers have a right to expect at this price range. No interest in arguing with anybody about this, just my $.02.
I ordered my 4003s from Pick Of The Ricks the day after they announced the reissue at NAMM. Rickenbacker shipped the two NAMM basses to dealers, the walnut bass went to Apple Row Music on west coast and the fireglo went to Pick Of The Ricks. I was the first person to order a fireglo from PotR, which means I'm getting the of of the two first 4003s reissues, the one that was on display at NAMM. The bass is in transit to me now.
Chris at PotR confirmed that my bass is the NAMM bass. The serial number shows the bass being made the 51st week of 2014.
I don't know if it's any kind of big deal to be getting one of the two reissues first created. But I am wicked excited that the bass will be in my hands
in a day or so.
Chris at PotR confirmed that my bass is the NAMM bass. The serial number shows the bass being made the 51st week of 2014.
I don't know if it's any kind of big deal to be getting one of the two reissues first created. But I am wicked excited that the bass will be in my hands
in a day or so.
Congrats! Make sure to post a full review and pics when u get it for all of us who have to wait an eternity to get our 4003s
I've decided to sign in here using my real name (was lordblackmore). The bass is on the truck for delivery.
That's refreshing! I wish more would do that. Maybe I'm old fashioned (or just OLD!), but what's wrong with using real names? Tom, please to "meet" you, and enjoy your new Rick!
Agreed!
It would be nice if more came out of the woods, especially all admin related folks, they should have real names attached to what they do.
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Thanks, guys. I'm kind of tired of always hiding behind a handle.
Paul, your book is awesome. I got it and the Tony Bacon 12 string book a few weeks ago.
BTW, the bass has arrived. The Fed Ex guy left it outside on the back porch. I wouldn't have known it was out there except that I got a delivery notification in email. It's super cold up here MA, so I'm letting the bass (inside the case) acclimatize for at least a few hours. Probably more.
More news later.
Paul, your book is awesome. I got it and the Tony Bacon 12 string book a few weeks ago.
BTW, the bass has arrived. The Fed Ex guy left it outside on the back porch. I wouldn't have known it was out there except that I got a delivery notification in email. It's super cold up here MA, so I'm letting the bass (inside the case) acclimatize for at least a few hours. Probably more.
More news later.
Tom,
Are you the actual First Recipient of one of these? If anyone else has gotten one, I haven't seen any mention of it. You have a lot of people waiting on a review, but letting it warm up first is smart. Congratulations on the new bass.
Are you the actual First Recipient of one of these? If anyone else has gotten one, I haven't seen any mention of it. You have a lot of people waiting on a review, but letting it warm up first is smart. Congratulations on the new bass.
I can't say I'm the absolutely first to receive one, since I don't know if someone has already received the 4003sw from Apple Music Row. I'm definitely the first one to receive a fireglo 4003s. I'll definitely post a review.
Lots of photos! Otherwise we'll have to hunt you down like a pack of wild bass geeks.
Here's a booth picture from NAMM. Colors aren't always accurate in digital images, though. I won't know for sure until I crack the case open.
