Here's another odd color 4003 for sale.

big_g · Post by **big_g** » Tue Dec 09, 2003 3:51 am

Neat, if I had the money I might be interested in this one, they might bargain down a bit, never know. I like the black trim, and vivid color.

http://www.bassnw.com/Used%20Basses/rickenbacker_4003_red.htm

big_g · Post by **big_g** » Tue Dec 09, 2003 3:57 am

Same place has a 5-string too. The asking price is up there, might could negociate the price down.
I really like the MG finish on the 5-string, and the toaster front pickup.

http://www.bassnw.com/Used%20Basses/rickenbacker_4003s5_maple_glo.htm

admin · Post by **admin** » Tue Dec 09, 2003 5:06 am

For me, what makes the red finish of the 1980s less appealing overall is the almost "clash" of the fretboard with the body of the instrument.

The red and black has the potential to be very striking but the "gestalt" is, in relation to other Rickenbacker finishes, less inviting. My two cents, but I can see why RIC discontinued this finish choice. I think an dark fretboard, would make this instrument more striking.

I would be interested to hear what others have to say about this red and black combination.

squirebass · Post by **squirebass** » Tue Dec 09, 2003 5:36 am

I love the red but with black binding/hardware it is not my favorite. Somehow, having chrome hardware and white binding makes it almost look like a whole different shade of red, and I love that...

indytone · Post by **indytone** » Tue Dec 09, 2003 6:03 am

That red hurts my eyes and my fashion sense.

I'm so glad the black hardware was just a phase.

beatlefan · Post by **beatlefan** » Tue Dec 09, 2003 6:28 am

needs a BLACK fretboard real bad!!

atomic_punk · Post by **atomic_punk** » Tue Dec 09, 2003 6:58 am

The 5 string MapleGlo is GONE!

big_g · Post by **big_g** » Tue Dec 09, 2003 7:57 am

Sorry 'bout the 5-string it's been up there for better than a week, I didn't think to put it up there, I thought somebody must have spotted it and posted something before.

squirebass · Post by **squirebass** » Tue Dec 09, 2003 10:48 am

I like the idea of a dark fingerboard option that Peter mentioned, but I can just hear John Hall cringing!

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Tue Dec 09, 2003 12:05 pm

Actually I kind of like it, I like the white with black trim color scheme better though, but I like this too. I wish they would bring back black trim as an option. Makes them modern looking, and very striking to me, the only one I don't really like too much is the blue with black trim (sorry Jeff), I passed on a fretless 4003 because of that color scheme.
I have a 79 mapleglo 4001 with a very dark neck, the varnish was taken off before I bought it, and it has gotten very dark, I kind of like it and it is a little more mellow sounding than ones with varnished necks, it also has a wooden nut. I think that it was refretted at some point, this bass has a lot of miles on it.

dano · Post by **dano** » Tue Dec 09, 2003 12:21 pm

This looks more orange than red or is it just the picture? I have seen red RICs with BTO that look great, but if this is more of an orange color I think the chrome/white pickguard/nameplate and binding would look better.

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Tue Dec 09, 2003 12:41 pm

The fretboard looks orange too, I noticed that before, it's probably the picture.

big_g · Post by **big_g** » Tue Dec 09, 2003 12:48 pm

I think there is a lighting issue, all their photos of other basses seemed to be awash in green. Maybe the lighting in that room causes that?

admin · Post by **admin** » Tue Dec 09, 2003 1:44 pm

Here are a couple of red finish photos to discuss.

First, the 325V59 Red with gold guard and nameplate.

Second, the 4003 Redneck.

You know the more you look at these, the more interesting they can become. I think RIC really had a great idea with the Red Neck and the microdots. The gold guard on the 325V59 also is very nice.

dano · Post by **dano** » Tue Dec 09, 2003 1:54 pm

The tuners on the Red Neck appear to be chrome. Are these the correct tuners or replacements? The Red Neck is one gorgeous bass!!!