I know they were expensive but if Ric had just put a normal pickguard on those 4002's I bet they would have sold a lot better. I still think they are cosmetically challenged.
My 4003BBR is from NAMM and I picked it up from Pick of the Ricks in late January. I've posted pictures of it previously. There was another 4003BBR seen for sale at another dealer, but overall Bluebursts are still kinda scarce--though not for long. When I saw it, I didn't hesitate a moment before I bought it.
And speaking of scarce...the 4002...it is what it is, and its pickguard is one of the many peculiarities of the model. It's grown on me over time and while unique to the 4000 series basses, is remeniscent to the pickguard treatment on the 400 series guitars. I do agree that it would have been interesting if Rickenbacker had decided to load up the electronics from the rear of the instrument, such as what is being done on the 4004 series basses.
I have a 4004Cii5MB on order that I hope is made someday soon--the wait is agonizing! I do like the uncluttered top on the 4004 series instruments.
Greg, if it's not too much trouble, any chance you could email some pics of your Blueburst? I am waiting on one and maybe seeing yours will make the wait a little easier. Pics of them are hard to come by!!
"They make great f***'n basses". - Lemmy, NAMM 2009
John Hall told me that the final finish choice is not determined until the finishing process begins. That may have something to do with the binding being painted over, as opposed to rebinding the instrument.