Model of the week 19: 2020 and 2060 and 2030GF

[bassduke49]

S**t, I forgot to make the new "Model of the Week" on Wednesday (when I try to time it). But now it is 1992, and the folks at RIC have decided to upgrade the 2030 Hamburg and 2050 El Dorado with a new, simpler control set. Gone is the "semi active" PC board and the recessed jack of the earlier model; now a single volume and single tone knob are accompanied by a three-way microswitch to select the pickups. This setup will also be seen on the forthcoming 4004 series (coming up next week). These models also marked the debut of the maple fretboard (again featured on the upcoming 4004). As the bolt-on necks were finished separately from the bodies, they usually were unpainted. The Fireglo 2060 I used to have had a matt-finished neck and fretboard, with a glossy finish to the front of the headstock. The 2020 model (like its predecessor the 2030) had an unbound body and chrome (or possibly black) hardware. The 2060 had binding front and back and gold hardware, the same bridge, knobs, and tuners as used on the 4004C. The pickups are mounted to the front with height adjustment screws flush mounted to the back of the instruments. The serial numbers are stamped into the neck-mounting bolt plate at the joint.
When I asked John Hall how come the model number of the improved Hamburg went to 2020 instead of 2040, he said that 2040 may have mislead customers into thinking the bass had three pickups (as in the numbering convention used on the 330/340 guitars). The 2020 and 2060 first appeared in the '93 price list, but the Fireglo example I had had a '92 production date. They had disappeared by the Dec. 15 1995 price list.
Closely related to the 2020 Hamburg is the limited run Glenn Frey Signature bass, the 2030GF. I asked why "2030GF" and not "2020GF" as the setup is much the same as the 2020, and John's response was "transitional period." The GF was finished in Jetglo only, with the maple fretboard also finished in Jetglo with "microdot" position markers ala the Blackstar. The silver-backpainted Plexi pickguard holds the Glenn Frey signature. Hardware is mostly black with chrome knobs. The GF first appeared in the March 1992 price list, and was gone on the Dec. 15 1995 list. I'll start 'er off with pictures of Kenny Seigel's 2030GF and the Fireglo 2060 now in Eric Kutzler's collection. So let's discuss and post photos of 2020, 2060, and 2030GF basses!

[libratune]

Well, the Register is not much help with these rare birds. The only bass listed as a "2060" with a photo is actually a 2050. Neither 2050 or 2020 is a choice on the Register's model menu.

There are a couple of 2030GFs. Here's a photo of one (must belong to Jeff Thomas, I recognize the backyard):

2030 GF

[kiramdear]

I like this body shape very much and after playing a 430 guitar I am eager to try its bass cousin, either from this line or the 3000/3001 line. Are there any other bass models that share this body shape beside the aforementioned? I'd like to try the short scale variant for comfort and speed. Speaking of which, how much do these darlings weigh?

BTW this is a great series Paul and I am so much smarter than I was about basses now. I've really enjoyed it.

[rickfan60]

I've never been keen on the shape. To my eye, it lacks the aesthetics of the rest of the family. Maybe it is because the lower horn is longer than the upper. I don't know. The 2000 series is kind of the Janet Reno of Rickenbacker designs, substantial and capable but in need of a makeover.

[rickenbrother]

C'mon Ted, they aren't THAT bad looking!

They do sound really nice. I'll have to check and see if I have some sound clips of E r i k's 2060.

[kiramdear]

Well I wouldn't say the looks are the bees' knees, but I think they are as good looking as, say, a telecaster or slab-style P-Bass. They are plain and simple, that's all, but I don't find any fault with that. In fact I was picturing these instruments as a great platform for modding or customizing - a blank canvas, esthetically.

The weight factor may be a speed bump for me, however ... I assume these are not feather-light

[jps]

I have played Gary's GF and the one Chris Pappas had for a while, they are heavy and have thick necks, but do sound great. I could see maybe getting a GF in the future.

[rickfan60]

I agree, there is a certain utilitarian appeal to them and as a platform for modding, yes they are perfect. The often mentioned work Todd Bradshaw did on his 2030 is a perfect example of what the platform could be. Dane Wilder has also shown what is possible.

I love my 2030, warts and all. You are right Kira, they are not light-weight but you should try one anyway. They might be OK for you. I find them to be a little head-heavy. I hold the neck between the 1:30 and 2:00 positions but the bass wants to hang at 3:00. A wide strap with a rough backing takes care ot that for me.

[s4001]

I'm enamored by the 2030GF basses. They sound and play amazing!

[jps]

You are right Kira, they are not light-weight but

...this should take care of that problem for you!

[s4001]

Blasphemy!!

[kiramdear]

That does seem a bit drastic, Jeff. I'd rather just do a few situps and get in shape

Well, I'm in for the test drive. But how many of these are there and how much do they run? I'm guessing they're somewhat rare?

[bassduke49]

BTW this is a great series Paul and I am so much smarter than I was about basses now. I've really enjoyed it.

You're quite welcome, Kira. I've enjoyed putting it together. It's sort of a runup for my forthcoming book. I know, I know, folks, it's been a long time comin' -- and it will be another long time before it sees print. I never imagined the hurdles I've had to jump to get information, only to have more set up on the track ahead. A lot of the solid information I've been getting is from collectors, most of whom reside here on the Forum. Eventually the book will be presentable, but I may have to rely on some sort of electronic publication that can be easily corrected and updated. These days it's nearly impossible to produce a reference book that is complete and accurate, because as soon as the presses roll, the book is out of date or obsolete. New and better information comes along that makes the printed effort look poorly researched. So for now, I'll plug along and continue to dig through official and unofficial source material. Putting the "Model of the Week" series out there also brings out information from the readers; just more sources to help tell the story.

[kiramdear]

You could always release it in PDF format with new versions every year. People could could subscribe and get updated. Just a wee thought.

Or we could just search your forum posts for free

[86kubicki]

No longer mine, but here's a Turquoise 2060 from 1991. I always liked the look of the "guitar" appointments on this bass - the pickguard and the double bound body. But boy, was it heavy!