What Rickenbacker would you do?

[Manticore]

I'm going to have say well-loved mid-70s mapleglow 4001.

 

[Ander87]

Hm! I can see how mapleglo is a reliable classic but somehow I am drawn to black… having said that my other basses are a Cruz Teal Ray (sea foam green ish) and a lake placid blue precision…

… the Ruby red would be an epic colour selection!

 

[newwavefrank]

I already have one and I would still buy that one for that price..

 

[Ander87]

wow @newwavefrank thank you for the picture, that is stunning! the shop says it's better yet in person, and yes, the Hipshot upgrade and bezel will save me some good money as it seems likely I'll go for those upgrades too...

Toying with the idea of a Nordenbocker on the neck to even out output, I can picture the January recording featuring a Rickenbacker... the Ruby Red keeps getting points and points! It'd have to be between ruby red or the 2018 mint 4003S but that one is a 5hr round trip whilst the Ruby Red is on my way from the airport once I'm back the 31st

 

[newwavefrank]

To me a Rick needs the triangle inlays. to me a 4003s might feel OK but it doesn't have the look. Plus black shows all the fingerprints lol.

 

[Ander87]

funny enough that's the main drawback I see from a jetglo - the fingerprints! I'd spend more time polishing it than playing it lol - and yes, the sharkfins and binding make that extra special...

 

[kbakerde]

I have had numerous Rics in the last year. My main player for a while was a Jetglo 4003s from 2015. So I’d vote the mint 4003s vs the non-mint 4003 of the same color.

I am also more sensitive to chips and dings on the neck compared to the body.

I missed it, how much was the Ruby Red? The Blueburst is a solid choice even with the face chips. Looks fantastic.

 

[Andy Marshman]

I'm a fan of the two jetglo basses. The 2018 is perfect. If I got the other one, I'd put a bezel on the bridge PUP. The ruby shown later is awesome too. I'm not hooked on the blue one and those chips are a distraction - you could have those hidden; I know a guy who would do a better job than I would.
Hope you like Rickenbacker. There's nothing quite like them to play or listen to.

 

[Ric5]

get this one

 

[6-3-2]

I'd go for the Ruby Red. It has a new bridge and the very tasteful thumb-rest addition to the bridge pickup. Plus it's a sensational color.

The Blueburst is gorgeous, but the price with those chips feels excessive.

 

[pbass2]

I grew up on a Jetglo 4001. But if I were buying a Ric now, I'd go with an "S" in Jetglo - so stealthy and classy - I dig the more minimalistic vibe I guess.

 

[Spidey2112]

Now for my main punk rock/picking squeeze...

The chips in the blue burst should be the most inviting, then.

I'd choose the Ruby Red, personally.

 

[Jeff Scott]

Hm! I can see how mapleglo is a reliable classic but somehow I am drawn to black…

My first Rick bass; I bought it in 1973.

My latest Rick bass that I got a few years ago.

I have had quite a few others over the decades in other finishes (Fireglo, Mapleglo, Ruby, Snowglo - I still have that one).

 

[Geddyfleaharris]

Personally I cannot get past chips, nicks and dings. It wouldn't matter how rare or vintage it was. Years ago I bought a "very good condition" Jetglo off a fellow TBer. When it showed up it was anything but. I kept it about 2 months then got rid of it. For me it is condition, color, then price (within reason). I am more partial to a 4003 (triangle inlays) as opposed to a 4003s. But I have more than one of each and they all get played.

 

[facetsquared]

Ruby Red, all day. I’d give up my Fireglo 4003 for that!

 

[mapleglo]

I voted for the 4003s Jetglo. It'll be the most comfy to play, and it's in the best condition.

 

[Methaneman]

Ah guys, I'm proper torn. I play punk rock and neosoul (and motown and some in between) and currently own a Stingray Special 4HH and a Fender AO 60s Precision.

Now for my main punk rock/picking squeeze, I'm after a Rickenbacker, 4003/4003S - my first. I've tried to read plenty on them, learnt about the bridges, inconsistencies in neck widths etc etc - I can try them before parting with money, but they're a long drive (3hrs each way) meaning it'd be an almost done deal - what options would you suggest?

1) 2018, mint 4003S, Jetglo - as new, bought by a guitarist and not used, pristine - £1650.
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2) 2011, used 4003 - somewhat deceiving at times, in some pics it looks perfect, in others more tired. Chip in neck visually noticeable but not to the touch. £1600
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3) 2007 blueberry burst 4003 - minor chip on the headstock and rear/side of body, not concerned about, but 2 small chips on the face - GORGEOUS finish, seller mentions it's the fatter' profile neck - not too worried as I'm okay with P basses but hoping it's not crazy? £1850
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What would you guys do? I know it's a bit of a lottery with neck profiles etc, and the newer the better, however I want to lose the least money possible in case it's not for me?

Anything to consider? As I mentioned I can barely try them in person, it'd be a drive for a done deal pretty much...!

Ander.

I would go with the red one. Better bridge. I also wouldn't change the pickups, but that's me.

 

[Rambo]

Personally I think hipshots are superior to both versions of the Rick bridge but only fit without modification on basses with the V1 bridge, I would get the Blueberry and put a hipshot on it, even with additional bridge investment it will hold value.

 

[bylar13]

I vote blue. I am biased. My 74 4001:

 

[Wasnex]

I would play all three and choose the one that sounds and feels best. My first bass was a used 4001. I played a bunch of other 4001s and there was a lot of variation in the sound and feel. My perception is you gotta play a bunch of dogs to get a great Ric.

Mine was the best of the lot, but not as good as a 4001 I had previously borrowed from a friend .

A guy I knew in high school bought a Jet Glo 4003 that sounded and played great. Probably even better than my 4001.