I believe the early '90's Ricks have smaller neck profiles than today's 4003's. My '92 and '93 V63's are a lot smaller than the couple 4003's I played last year. They were huge!
There Is What You Can See. There Aren’t What You Don’t See. And That’s All There Is That You Get!
I read somewhere here that someone said their '05 4003 neck was smaller than their '04 4003 neck and suggested that maybe they are migrating towards a slimmer neck. I don't know. I sure would like to see them come out with a Maroon/Burgundy 4003 soon.
Welcome Ben
I am another newbie here, and was in the same position. I had been reading this forum for months listening to the "pro's and Con's" of the differences. I was set on a mid 80's 4003 for the best of both worlds, a thinner neck stronger neck with the new truss rods and an earlier, vintage colors such as burgandy. Then a local dealer had a 96 firglo come into his hands. I tried it out with all the skepticism I could muster. I was completely surprised at how good the neck felt and the firglo finish is stunning. The lesson I learned was that even with all the valuable information you can obtain from the Rick gurus here, what you may have in mind as THE Rick for you may not be what you take home for what ever reasons. On the other hand you may end up with many Ricks as many of the other members have. Good luck and again welcome.
Shawn
Well I finally did irreversible damage to my bank account. I should be getting my first RIC tomorrow. I found a few in stock at PMBlues in RI. with the vintage pickup option and the vintage case. I couldn't fathom waiting for months and months to get one. It is a 2005 4003FG still in the box. Unfortunately it will not have the vintage tone select. I may do that down the road. I am so "ate up" with it that I actually have a picture of it hanging up at my work. I'll be hanging one up here as soon as I get it. I think Paul has 2-3 more there at PMBlues in stock and they all have the toaster option.
Will do Ed.....I can't stand the waiting for these 3 days. The pictures I DID see look more like trans red than FireGlo. It didn't seem to have the distinct dark red 'line' around the body as some do with FireGlo. More of a blend but mostly red!
Here are a few of the pics I was sent.
Pretty friggin cool 'eh?
I remember waiting to get my Monty Brown Rick. I downloaded a pic from the dealers website, printed it, and carried it around in my wallet until I went and got it. I sound like a right sad case.