Has anyone heard when the next production run on these fine basses will be. I've got one on order and my hands are beginning to shake. If you know what I mean!
Andy
4004Cii
Moderators: rickenbrother, ajish4
Yes, unfortunately it seems reports from Ric of the 5 & 8 string models being ready for production were false. See this thread for the details from Mr. Hall.
While other people are waiting a half year or more for a new Rickenbacker 4004 bass, I got a 4004L on eBay recently for $790, and except for a small paint chip on the bottom (very small), it looks like a new one. It sounds great. One just like it went for $841 recently on eBay. Why pay $1500 for a new one and wait? Of course, if you don't like Jetglo.........
In a recent conversation with Mike Parks, he mentioned that the increasing popularity of the 650C has caused a major backorder situation at RIC. It's my guess that 650C production will take precedence over 4004 production. John Hall mentioned in another post that the 650C has become the most popular Rickenbacker of all time, and I doubt that RIC will let anything stand in the way of it setting a new sales record, including new bass guitar production.
I own a 650D as well, so I can understand the popularity of the 650C. Hardly anybody has anything really negative to say about the guitar once they see and play it. It is very reasonably priced in a highly competitive market, and it offers real individuality in a sea of Gibson and Fender clones. I ordered a new 650C in Fireglo two months ago, and it will probably arrive before your 4004Cii does, because 650C production is probably the highest priority at RIC right now.
I suspect that RIC is planning on introducing a bass with active circuitry in the near future, in order to stay competitive with the competition, so they are probably not too interested in increasing the production of their present bass designs, at least not while the 650C is a runaway best seller at a time when most other guitar manufacturers have overproduced in a time of economic downturn. There are some incredibly tough times ahead in the guitar manufacturing industry, and you can't blame RIC for thinking of survival first. I hope you get your 4004 bass soon, but you might want to take advantage of the fact that you can get another brand of bass for a song right now. Everybody needs a backup. I have seen MIM Fender basses on eBay go for $250 in mint condition, and I'm considering getting a MIM Fender J-bass as a backup while I wait for RIC to introduce a 4004 with active circuitry. Expect firesale prices as the situation in the industry and economy worsens.
In a recent conversation with Mike Parks, he mentioned that the increasing popularity of the 650C has caused a major backorder situation at RIC. It's my guess that 650C production will take precedence over 4004 production. John Hall mentioned in another post that the 650C has become the most popular Rickenbacker of all time, and I doubt that RIC will let anything stand in the way of it setting a new sales record, including new bass guitar production.
I own a 650D as well, so I can understand the popularity of the 650C. Hardly anybody has anything really negative to say about the guitar once they see and play it. It is very reasonably priced in a highly competitive market, and it offers real individuality in a sea of Gibson and Fender clones. I ordered a new 650C in Fireglo two months ago, and it will probably arrive before your 4004Cii does, because 650C production is probably the highest priority at RIC right now.
I suspect that RIC is planning on introducing a bass with active circuitry in the near future, in order to stay competitive with the competition, so they are probably not too interested in increasing the production of their present bass designs, at least not while the 650C is a runaway best seller at a time when most other guitar manufacturers have overproduced in a time of economic downturn. There are some incredibly tough times ahead in the guitar manufacturing industry, and you can't blame RIC for thinking of survival first. I hope you get your 4004 bass soon, but you might want to take advantage of the fact that you can get another brand of bass for a song right now. Everybody needs a backup. I have seen MIM Fender basses on eBay go for $250 in mint condition, and I'm considering getting a MIM Fender J-bass as a backup while I wait for RIC to introduce a 4004 with active circuitry. Expect firesale prices as the situation in the industry and economy worsens.
Philco,
Thanks for the words of advise. However, I have a few basses in my arsenal already. I own: ‘78 Fender P, ‘80 Guild B50 fretless acoustic , ‘85 4001V63 (all originally owned) a 4003 and a Warwick Thumb 6 (purchased used in mint condition). I will not purchase a used guitar if I can’t play it first - that’s just the way I am. All these basses have their own personality - the V63 is my fav. The 4004Cii will be right up there with it - I’m sure. I’m a Rick guy - what can I tell ya.
Cheers
407 days
Thanks for the words of advise. However, I have a few basses in my arsenal already. I own: ‘78 Fender P, ‘80 Guild B50 fretless acoustic , ‘85 4001V63 (all originally owned) a 4003 and a Warwick Thumb 6 (purchased used in mint condition). I will not purchase a used guitar if I can’t play it first - that’s just the way I am. All these basses have their own personality - the V63 is my fav. The 4004Cii will be right up there with it - I’m sure. I’m a Rick guy - what can I tell ya.
Cheers
407 days
Don't hold your breath for a bass with an active circuit, you're gonna turn blue.
There is no model "priority"- the first units ordered are the first produced. This does not apply to new items entering the line, naturally, as there is a learning curve and initial testing involved.
Boy, I wonder why I haven't heard about these "incredibly tough times" coming in the guitar industry.
Where does this stuff come from?
There is no model "priority"- the first units ordered are the first produced. This does not apply to new items entering the line, naturally, as there is a learning curve and initial testing involved.
Boy, I wonder why I haven't heard about these "incredibly tough times" coming in the guitar industry.
Where does this stuff come from?
JH, I agree! What down turn for the guitar industry!? I visited the local guitar center the other day and that place was packed and stuff was moving out the door! My cousin owned Kramer during the 80's and got hit hard in the mid 80's. This economy is much different than then. Consumers are spending - we're just not seeing a whole bunch of capital spending coming from the big corporations - that's what drives the economy. Enough of the economic studies.
Mr. Hall, do you know the schedule for the next 4004Cii production run? :=>
Cheers,
408 days
Mr. Hall, do you know the schedule for the next 4004Cii production run? :=>
Cheers,
408 days
I have a B&K preamp that gives you a choice of passive or active outputs. Some audiophile purists tout the passive outputs because an active circuit "only adds distortion" to their way of thinking. (They could also trash their phono stage preamps, which is a tone control of major proportions with at least 40 dB of high frequency attenuation, relative to low frequency, built in by design. But no, they love those things.) I tried both outputs for a long time, and settled on the active output because the gain of the active outputs, especially the current gain that resulted in a lower output impedance, retains the dynamic contrasts of the music noticeably better and adds sparkle to the treble that the high output impedance of the passive volume control rolled off. Guitar pickups have very high output impedances and drive MUCH longer cables than most audio system preamps do. The guitars should benefit even more from the reduction in output impedance that increases bandwidth and reduces noise picked up in the cable. You can also boost a specific frequency rather than just roll it off like you do in a passive tone control. Fortunately, John Beyer listens to more than just a fanatical faction of audiophiles with preconceived self deluding notions. He designed really good active circuits for his B&K amps. Could that have something to do with the fact he is the largest manufacturer of high quality audio and video gear that is still built and designed in America?
Active circuits have been badmouthed because many of them are just poor designs. While others turn blue in the face waiting for an active Rickenbacker bass guitar, I will just design an active circuit that I can attach to my guitar strap and plug into the guitar jack. I can then drive 50 feet of cable with no loss of signal. Not having it in the guitar need not prevent anyone from taking advantage of it when needed. No big deal to accomplish with today's technology. I would rather leave a bad active preamp out of a guitar and simply go passive, but a really good active preamp gives more flexibility and is a definite plus for many players.
Jackson and Gretsch were recently taken over by Fender. I guess it was because they were doing so incredibly well that they just couldn't stand the success and decided to curse Fender with even more success??? I think Jackson is a feather in Fender's cap, but Gretsch may turn into a ball and chain around Fender's ankle unless those old fashioned and expensive Gretsch guitars are in a lot more demand than I envision, or Fender keeps the supply rather low. How many people are in the Brian Setzer army anyway?
I was in Ft. Smith, Arkansas, last week. I stopped in at an authorized Rickenbacker dealer, per the RIC website dealer listing. I asked where the Rickenbackers were. He said he had not sold one in years, but used to get an occasional call for a 4003 bass. Nary a set of Rickenbacker strings were even to be seen among the brands on display. This shop was once one of the largest in the Mid South, with photos of Merle Haggard, Garth Brooks, and such past customers still circling the walls. Guitars were obviously not moving fast from his shop. Besides Rickenbacker, other American built brands such as Fender, Gibson, Gretsch, Jackson, and PRS were conspicuously missing from the Guitar racks. Am I to be led to believe those brands are selling so fast he just can't keep any in stock??? I was born at night, but not LAST night! Asian import guitars abounded everywhere. I would NOT tell this shop owner he was having great economic times. His most interesting amp was a little Laney 15-watt tube amp. Another person has told me of similar scenarios when contacting authorized Rickenbacker dealers across the country. It would seem only a few key dealers sell the vast majority of Rickenbackers. Sorry to confuse you with the facts.
Active circuits have been badmouthed because many of them are just poor designs. While others turn blue in the face waiting for an active Rickenbacker bass guitar, I will just design an active circuit that I can attach to my guitar strap and plug into the guitar jack. I can then drive 50 feet of cable with no loss of signal. Not having it in the guitar need not prevent anyone from taking advantage of it when needed. No big deal to accomplish with today's technology. I would rather leave a bad active preamp out of a guitar and simply go passive, but a really good active preamp gives more flexibility and is a definite plus for many players.
Jackson and Gretsch were recently taken over by Fender. I guess it was because they were doing so incredibly well that they just couldn't stand the success and decided to curse Fender with even more success??? I think Jackson is a feather in Fender's cap, but Gretsch may turn into a ball and chain around Fender's ankle unless those old fashioned and expensive Gretsch guitars are in a lot more demand than I envision, or Fender keeps the supply rather low. How many people are in the Brian Setzer army anyway?
I was in Ft. Smith, Arkansas, last week. I stopped in at an authorized Rickenbacker dealer, per the RIC website dealer listing. I asked where the Rickenbackers were. He said he had not sold one in years, but used to get an occasional call for a 4003 bass. Nary a set of Rickenbacker strings were even to be seen among the brands on display. This shop was once one of the largest in the Mid South, with photos of Merle Haggard, Garth Brooks, and such past customers still circling the walls. Guitars were obviously not moving fast from his shop. Besides Rickenbacker, other American built brands such as Fender, Gibson, Gretsch, Jackson, and PRS were conspicuously missing from the Guitar racks. Am I to be led to believe those brands are selling so fast he just can't keep any in stock??? I was born at night, but not LAST night! Asian import guitars abounded everywhere. I would NOT tell this shop owner he was having great economic times. His most interesting amp was a little Laney 15-watt tube amp. Another person has told me of similar scenarios when contacting authorized Rickenbacker dealers across the country. It would seem only a few key dealers sell the vast majority of Rickenbackers. Sorry to confuse you with the facts.
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jwr2
Most of your storefront music stores make their money from low end to mid range equipment ... they sell squire and mim p-basses while the made in usa fender custom shop bass hangs on the wall because of its price tag ....
To sell a Ric the store owner has to plan ahead 6 months to a year ahead to have a Ric in his store ...
I have owned 8 Ric basses ... never got one of them from a music store ...
You know what ... whenever the local guitar center gets a Ric bass in stock it sells very quickly ...
Also just because a company gets bought out does't mean they were having money problems ... in fact it probably means that they were doing well and the owner wanted to take the money and run ... remember when Leo Fender sold his business ...
To sell a Ric the store owner has to plan ahead 6 months to a year ahead to have a Ric in his store ...
I have owned 8 Ric basses ... never got one of them from a music store ...
You know what ... whenever the local guitar center gets a Ric bass in stock it sells very quickly ...
Also just because a company gets bought out does't mean they were having money problems ... in fact it probably means that they were doing well and the owner wanted to take the money and run ... remember when Leo Fender sold his business ...