Interesting RIC Tease!

s4001 · Post by **s4001** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 5:41 am

No? Would you believe an aluminum neck and plexi body with active electronics?

throw_this_away · Post by **throw_this_away** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 6:34 am

I would not be surprised to see the new bridge and thinner neck. I will also put my money on a deluxe addition with checkerboard binding and full width MOP inlays.

Why do I think this? We wanted the 60's body design... they gave it to us. Walnut wings... we got it. Vintage fireglo... we got it. John and Ben are on these forums for a reason, and that is to find out what their customers want... so they can give it to us.

throw_this_away · Post by **throw_this_away** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 6:35 am

I think it will be something akin to 4003 deluxe model... but it will cost more $$$

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 6:45 am

A 5 string Ric bass!!!

bob_atherton · Post by **bob_atherton** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 6:59 am

I just checked the RIC forum and I think Ken has it spot on.

I'm not really a fan of brand new RIC basses. I like a bit of mojo and the odd battle scar, but, if the new neck profile was anything like my treasured, and very much gigged, '72 4001, then a new 4003 would be an unbeatable bass. It would be good to get back to 1/2 inch spacing and toasters at the neck as well.

Oh yes JH, please sort that silly bump on the pickguard. What on earth is that all about...?

sloop_john_b · Post by **sloop_john_b** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 7:11 am

You can still order a bass with a toaster, Bob. RIC did away with the 1/2" spacing because, IIRC, the notes sounded more defined with the 1" spacing.

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 7:32 am

a v68??? ... http://www.3dentourage.com/425/68-ric-2.htm

incubus2432 · Post by **incubus2432** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 7:33 am

I'd really like to see something completely new.....not a new version of something old. A V68 style bass with toaster, CB binding and horseshoe can be assembled without much issue (at a price certainly but it can be done) and the neck can be contoured to your liking. If I wanted a v68 style bass enough I would just convert a 4003.

That being said, I would probably cave and buy a well featured v68 but would much rather see the improved 5 string Cii return or a completely new bass model rather than a rehash of the past.

drathbun · Post by **drathbun** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 8:19 am

"I would not be surprised to see the new bridge and thinner neck. I will also put my money on a deluxe addition with checkerboard binding and full width MOP inlays."

I doubt we'll see the full width MOP inlays. JH has said before that the full width decreases the stability of the fretboard and therefore there are long-term wear problems.

I'm holding off on buying a Hipshot bridge until I see what's up with the new RIC bridge.

sloop_john_b · Post by **sloop_john_b** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 8:29 am

I doubt we'll see the full width MOP inlays. JH has said before that the full width decreases the stability of the fretboard and therefore there are long-term wear problems.

Yes, but RIC does or has done full-width inlays on several modern guitars - 360/12c63, 360v64, 360CW, 660, 660/12, 350SH, probably a few more. If the model calls for it, they'll do it.

jmh · Post by **jmh** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 9:24 am

I'd be happy with a truss rod wrench with full width MOP inlays.

ajish4 · Post by **ajish4** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 10:55 am

DOH!!!!!!!

I asked John Hall about an ANNIVERSARY bass, NEVER thinking to ask about a NEWLY IMPROVED BASS...."per se".

SIGH. Oh man, now what? I guess 24 years of marriage was a good run.

bottom4 · Post by **bottom4** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 11:04 am

V68 and relaunching the 4004Cii5 are what I'm hoping

I'll take one of each Joey!

kbhag · Post by **kbhag** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 2:53 pm

Don't get your hopes up, you'll only be disappointed.

throw_this_away · Post by **throw_this_away** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 3:00 pm

5-string 4003 with all the finishings would be killer.

I can't be let down because I love the 2 ric's I own.