Need a new one

rickde · Post by **rickde** » Tue Jun 17, 2003 1:52 am

I'm looking to buy a NEW Rickenbacker bass (along with trying to find an 8-string). I started to sift through the threads, but didn't find the info I need. I'm looking at either a new 4003 or one of the new 4001C64S models. I need this to be a production bass, i.e. I will be using it all the time. I don't know the pros and cons of each so I wanted to get some input from some of you Rickophiles out there. Which one would you buy and why?

paul_yan · Post by **paul_yan** » Tue Jun 17, 2003 2:56 am

4003.
Reasons:
1-Obtainable for under $1000.
2-A war horse.

Whereas the C64S costs no less than $2000 (correct me if I'm wrong, folks). I'd not dare gig with this $$$. Don't care for the shaved, rounded lower horn (an invention by Sir Paul while he was over-stoned, not that I'm against Mary Jane..) either.

*444=Number of the Angel*

rhinobass · Post by **rhinobass** » Tue Jun 17, 2003 3:26 am

Classic Axe in Manassas, Virginia recently became a Rick dealer. I know that he has a few 4003s in stock. Contact them. I've always liked dealing with them.

www.classicaxe.com

rhinobass · Post by **rhinobass** » Tue Jun 17, 2003 3:28 am

I just re-read your thread and think I misunderstood you the first time. I'd say find a place to play one of each. Only you know what you'd like.

jeff_ulmer · Post by **jeff_ulmer** » Tue Jun 17, 2003 6:38 am

It depends where you will be using it. The 4003 is a good model for both studio and stage, but I prefer the sound of the horseshoe on the C64S, but wouldn't be gigging with it. I also don't like the reversed headstock, prefering the old model. I'd probably just buy a horseshoe for the 4003 if that became an issue.

You will also have a much easier time laying your hands on a 4003 than a C64 which is still (and probably will remain) fairly rare, and premium priced. If I had the money to buy a C64, I'd probably buy 2 4003s instead. I could leave one stock and switch pickups in the other.

ricnvolved · Post by **ricnvolved** » Tue Jun 17, 2003 9:24 am

Rick-- Jeff Ulmer is absolutely right. Go for the standard production model 4003 and save yourself the money. If you decide later that you want the vintage pick-ups, you can always get those and still have less money in the bass as opposed to the 4001C64S. And with a standard production 4003, you won't worry nearly as much about gigging out with it. If you plan to gig with the high dollar 4001C64S, you'll be sweating bullets every second you have it out of the house worrying about scratching it, or even the very real possibility of it being stolen.

As for the aesthetics issue, the reversed headstock doesn't bother me too much, though I'm not crazy about it. But like Paul Yan, I really don't like the scooped body at all. It's just whatever anyone likes. Good luck in your decision.

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Tue Jun 17, 2003 11:02 am

I have not played a4001C64S yet, but the 4003 is probably the most versatile bass that Ric has ever made, you can play all types of music with them, from metal to blues.

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Tue Jun 17, 2003 1:06 pm

the only thing better than a 4003 is a 4003s5 ...

The 4003's from 1990 and later are the best ...

gpatt5762 · Post by **gpatt5762** » Tue Jun 17, 2003 1:20 pm

If you're gigging out go USED. Try the "Rickenbackers for Sale" forum for known reputable sellers, or just email eddied; he's got eight or more.

Some good idears for ya,
Garry

rickde · Post by **rickde** » Wed Jun 18, 2003 7:50 am

Thanks all for the intel. Pricing is the issue. I like the idea of buying two 4003's and putting a horseshoe on one of them. That really seems to be the only major difference in the two as far as sound. I have played the 4003 and like it. I haven't played the C64S, but heard from a few people they were happy w/the purchase. I found a site that has decent prices for Ricks if any of you are interested. It is hard to find someone to ship to me in Germany, but they will. I bought a VOX amp from them last year and I've been very happy w/the service. http://www.voxshowroom.com/northcoast/shopping/index.htm is the website. They have 4003's under $1000 w/a hardshell. The C64S is a little under $2000. Thanks again for the advice. I'm leaning toward the 4003.

rickfan63 · Post by **rickfan63** » Wed Jun 18, 2003 9:30 am

I thought about a 4001C64 or a C64S,but after seeing the 4003 in the new Montezuma Brown color,I think that will be my next bass. I have a 4001V63 so the 4003 will be a good and less expensive contrast.

doctorwho · Post by **doctorwho** » Wed Jun 18, 2003 11:47 am

Rick,
I shipped a 325v63 to England by FedEx 3-Day International Priority for about $180, and there were no hassles involved, so if you can get a used one at a reasonable price, you might think about spending extra on shipping to convince the seller to sell internatioanlly (assuming you can afford the steep shipping cost).

One thing that no one asked is what color of bass you were wanting; if it's one no longer available (e.g. White), then you'll need to go to the used market anyway.

rickde · Post by **rickde** » Wed Jun 18, 2003 9:11 pm

I was thinking jetglo all the way, but after seeing the new montezuma brown I may reconsider.

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Thu Jun 19, 2003 7:22 am

Yeah, that is a nice color.