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WHAT??? Rickenbacker 4003S!?

#262
to people who have been on Ric waiting lists before:

Are the dealer delivery times typically accurate? I never had to wait "8-12 months" for a bass before. The realization that I wont be receiving that 4003s for quite some time is finally starting to sink in..but like somebody else said, it will be something to look forward to.
 
#266
If you're waiting, you're either ordering something very new or different, or through a dealer who doesn't keep much on hand. There are some shops where you can walk in and walk out with a Rick. For instance, Wildwood Guitars in Colorado has 12 Rick basses in stock at the moment. But yeah, if you want a lefty Midnight Blue 4004Cii, you may have to wait a year (or two or three) until they run a batch.
 
#268
PaulBoyer said:
If you're waiting, you're either ordering something very new or different, or through a dealer who doesn't keep much on hand. There are some shops where you can walk in and walk out with a Rick. For instance, Wildwood Guitars in Colorado has 12 Rick basses in stock at the moment. But yeah, if you want a lefty Midnight Blue 4004Cii, you may have to wait a year (or two or three) until they run a batch.
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Yep, I get all of that. I was just wondering if their estimated delivery dates that they supply to dealers are usually accurate.
 
#269
Why don't you go on the official Rickenbacker forum and post the question directly to John Hall? I'm sure he'd be glad to have ANYONE post on that forum nowadays...it's a graveyard. Just make sure you compliment the product and state how excited you are before you ask when you might receive your bass. Tell him the dealer and he'll give you an accurate timetable. Just don't be too pushy or act like it's your right to know when you'll receive your bass...that might get you banned or a belittling by Mr. Hall himself.
 
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#271
Chirping_Crickets.jpg
 
#272
ggoat!!! said:
Just being realistic! Good luck on your wait and whatever you receive in whatever condition they decide to send it to you in.
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GGoat,
If you read my posts, you will see I am by no means a partisan Ric Fanboy, but I will give credit where it's due. FWIW, my 1979 Jetglo had about the most flawless finish I've ever seen on a production bass, and the two brand new Jetglo's I recently played at GC were very good in the fit and finish department (not so great in the setup, however). I couldn't see any obvious finish blemishes, and believe me, I looked hard, so they are clearly capable of producing cosmetically flawless instruments. It sounds like you got burned in that department, and owning 28 (?) Rick basses means you've seen a fair cross-section of the factory output. I agree that at this price range, its reasonable to expect that flawless finish, just as you would on a high-end Fender, but there will be lemons. The test of a good company is how they deal with the customers who got the lemons, and Rick's reputation, deservedly or not, is less than stellar in this area. Time will tell on the 4003s, but I don't think you can draw any conclusions based on a sampling of one bass. This may not be the thread to do it, but if you post photos of your own collection showing the flaws you cite, at least that would be evidence backing up your complaints. In the absence of photos, your posts just come off as trolling, which I assume is not your intention.
 
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#273
I've only owned two Rics, a '76 and a 2014. The 76 4001 had quality issues, and the 2014 is flawless. Not a scientific sample obviously. I was one of the Rics have bad quality people for years after I unloaded the 76 but decided to take the plunge on the 2014 and am glad I did. If you can get one from dealer stock with a money back guarantee that is probably a good bet. I am a lefty so that is usually not an option, but a Mapleglo lefty popped up and I snagged it.
 
#274
I've only purchased used Ricks my entire life,but never had an issue with any of them for the way they were put together,fit,finish,etc. With my last 3 purchases (all 4004 models),I've even been lucky enough to get very pristine basses with minimal post factory blemishes,if any. My 40 year old 4000 is pretty beat up,but still in great playing condition. It does help i think to buy from a reputable dealer,or individual,who will present the sale straightforwardly,and allow for return if you're not satisfied.
 
#277
Well folks, Ggoat has ponied up, with the good bad and ugly. Looks like two bad examples of QC anyway.

The cracking finish under or around the bridge seems to be a pretty common problem. My guess is that the bottom of the tailpiece isn't flat to begin with, and they crack the paint screwing them down, or maybe the tail lift cracks it as the bridge flexes upward. I know it's been flogged to death, but there's really no excuse for the tail lift issue, even if it never progresses into a functional problem.
 
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#278
Don't forget that they used something to grind down the corners of the bridge to try to keep it from "digging" into the finish. It didn't work. Also, note that masking tape "gasket" that they tried to install between the bridge and body...it was falling off the second I opened the case. It is clear to see in the pics.

When I inquired as to what it was and why it was there, I was given no answer. I vehemently told them I did NOT want such a horrible looking "thing" on my $4000 bass and was met with silence. When I got my bass back the final time it still had some sort of "gasket" but it is nearly invisible; I never took it off because I don't want to disturb the finish and make it lift by messing with the tailpiece.

I spent hundreds and hundreds of dollars just to ship the bass back and forth to them a few times to have it refinished to correct the painting of the truss rods and nut. And, the last time it came back with chewed screws and a scuffed and scratched case. I was told "upper managment has made the decision that that is not covered by the factory warranty." Yeah, thanks for that.

I spent over $4000 total and I couldn't get 50 cents worth of screws sent to me...nevermind the fact that my case was trashed and the bass, bought as a limited edition color, was returned to me in a different color because they refused to match the original color. True, I like the refinished color BETTER, but one of the reasons this bass was nearly $4000 was ONLY because of the color. They promised a 1-of-1 COA due to the paint matching problem and ultimately reneged on that as well.

And, the tailpiece lift I couldn't care less about; it's a non-issue to me. Now, keeping the PAINT from lifting is a different story.
 
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