How Old Were You When You Got Your First Rick?

sonicray · Post by **sonicray** » Tue Mar 12, 2002 3:55 am

My first Ric (Fireglo 4003) was bought in December 2001, at the age of 29...so I guess I'm kind of new to the club!

I remember seeing a Ric in a guitar shop in Devon (UK) just after I had started my first band at the age of 17. I thought at the time that one day I would have one of those, and now I do!

UK prices are rather high on Rickenbacker, both on new and used models and left handed versions are a nightmare to find...hence the long wait.

rob · Post by **rob** » Thu Mar 14, 2002 2:34 pm

I got mine in October of 2000; I was 24. It's a '76 4001FG. It came with no case, totaly dead strings, and a wad of cat hair in the treble pickup. This bass shares the same month and year as my birthday, so for this being my first Rickenbacker, it has sentimental value.

dougp · Post by **dougp** » Thu Mar 14, 2002 3:56 pm

I got my first one, a '78 4001 that's now a lovely shade of nicotine-glo, in late 1997, shortly after I turned 30. It's subsequently been joined by a '68 4001 (FG), a '93 4003 (JG), a 90-something 360/12 (JG). But the first one still gets the most playing time ...

ric480 · Post by **ric480** » Fri Mar 15, 2002 3:34 am

I was 19 in 1974 when I got my 1st burgandy 480 (a 1973 model).

tim4003 · Post by **tim4003** » Sat Jun 01, 2002 4:50 am

I was 43 when I finally got a RICKENBACKER in June of 2001! A '01 Jetglow 4003. I've alway loved to hear the tones of a RIC. This is my main bass, and always will be! NOTHING BEATS A RICKENBACKER!!!

bottom4 · Post by **bottom4** » Sat Jun 01, 2002 6:51 am

I was 15 in 1976 when I picked-up my first Ric - a used 4001MG. It had white binding so I figure it was post '73. I nolonger have that bass :<

In 1985 I bought a 4001V63 MG which I still have and love and just a month ago I picked up a mint 1997 4003 JG. Nice bass!

robj · Post by **robj** » Sat Jun 01, 2002 11:49 am

I was 18 when I found my first Rickenbacker a used '72 4001 in mapleglo, that was in '74. Unfortunately I ruined the neck on that bass by using Rotosounds (not my opinion but documented in a letter I still have from Francis Hall). I sent it back to the factory in '78 and for $150.00 they basically took all the hardware off my bass and put it on a brand new body and neck assembly. So somewhere out there in the world is a Mapleglo 4001 with a '72 serial number and hardware and '78 inlays, binding etc. I wish I hadn't sold it, but did find a '72 4001 in Fireglo two years ago, so I'm happy.

rkbsound · Post by **rkbsound** » Sat Jun 01, 2002 12:39 pm

I would love nothing more than to have RIC open a shop that would "fix" aged Ricks and bring them back to spec. I know that some of you here can do that, and that is what I ultimately will have to do for mine. It just would be nice to have the "factory" be able to do it.

dompisco · Post by **dompisco** » Thu Jun 27, 2002 10:13 am

I was 16 when I was lucky enough to happen by my '88 360WB and saw a $800 pricetag on it. Sadly I had no money. Two months later I saw it again at the same shop. I asked the guy if I could get it for $550. He said yes! I quickly sold my awfull Les Paul that I had bought new and an old 12 string dreadnaught and looked in my closet for change. I paid about $30 in change alone! 8 years later I still have it. The same place had a 362 6/12 the next year for $900 and I missed out! But in 2000 I got really lucky and found two more Ricks with my name on 'em. A Custom translucent purple '92 330/12 for $630 and a 98' 330 turq for $610. You may not believe me but the turq has A WIDER NECK which I didn't think ever happened on a 330. This makes it the best lead guitar I have ever played.

banta · Post by **banta** » Sun Jun 30, 2002 12:13 pm

The year was 1976, I was 14 and bought my first 4001 (a used '74) which quickly replaced my '72 T-Bird and '72 Jazz. It was my fourth bass overall, bought with money I made from a paper route. Since then I've had 12 Rics altogether and currently own a '86 4003, '93 4003S/5 and a '88 620.

dougwurzler · Post by **dougwurzler** » Wed Jul 10, 2002 10:46 am

Christmas 1967. I was 15 was in a start-up band that played at dances. Had a Harmony electric and fell in love with Rickenbackers at the music store. Woke up Christmas to a brand spanking new Jetglo 450 under the Christmas Tree. Undeniably the BEST present I had ever got (Thank You Dad !)
Been playing it ever since. That's why I joined this forum.

aceonbass · Post by **aceonbass** » Wed Jul 10, 2002 3:47 pm

Ah yes...it was 1979 and I was 18. My first real job paid for my first real bass, a new Fireglow 4001. After 3 years of Squire worship with an Ibanez Rick copy I finally had the real thing. Alas it was not to be. Six months later it was stolen at a gig. It was replaced my a used Jetglo 4001 which I stripped and finished in Mapleglo with black pickguard and truss rod cover. I still have the lucite white one. The Roto-Sounds were doing their thing on that neck so I sold it. But your first is always your favorite. I still miss the Fireglo bass, Serial#RI 5051.

peterherman · Post by **peterherman** » Fri Jul 12, 2002 8:54 am

i am 26. i got my mapleglo 330bt yesterday. my fiancee got it for me as a wedding present, thanks to the kind folks at pick of the ricks.

dompisco · Post by **dompisco** » Wed Jul 17, 2002 6:05 am

Congratulations and Congratulations!

webhead · Post by **webhead** » Sat Jul 20, 2002 4:24 pm

I was 16 back in the mid-80's, my first Ric was a used 4003 bass. Then I saved up for a 620/12. Both in Jetglo.