Frustration with ordering a 4004 C II

seahagct · Post by **seahagct** » Sun Dec 28, 2003 4:14 am

I have finally given up and taken my deposit back after 18 months of frustration trying to order a Cheyanne II bass. 3 months ago I wrote a 2 page letter to John Hall expecting a response but nothing. Has anyone had similar experiences?

rob · Post by **rob** » Sun Dec 28, 2003 6:44 am

Did you order factory direct or through a music store/instrument catalog?

jps · Post by **jps** » Sun Dec 28, 2003 8:56 am

MIke Parks may have one in stock, check with him. That is how I got mine.

http://www.the-music-connection.com/ric.htm

philco · Post by **philco** » Sun Dec 28, 2003 4:18 pm

Carl, Jim Rhoads (Rhoads Music) had a 4004 Cheyenne in stock last time I looked.

I wonder what I could get for my '93 Jetglo 4004 Laredo with maple fretboard? It's a rare Rickenbird.

I waited for at least 3 months on a special order 650C, and then Rickenbacker cancelled the order options, so Mike Parks refunded my deposit. I swore I would never order another new Rickenbacker. I'm only buying used basses and guitars any more. I recently got a $1299 MSRP Spector ReBop 4 for $407, and it was so unused that the original Czech battery tested almost like new and the plastic covers had never been peeled off the back of the tuning keys. I got a gig bag thrown in, and that's where the bass must have stayed because not a scratch was to be found anywhere.

Carl, I suggest you look on the used market for a 4004 like I did. If you can't find one at a reasonable price in a reasonable amount of time, the European Series Spectors are excellent neck-thru alternatives and I've seen them go for $600-$800 lately on eBay in mint condition with flamed maple bodies, MOP inlays, gold hardware, and Spector hard case. They have the curved front and back body style like a USA Spector. The USA Spectors are even harder to lay hands on than a Rickenbacker on the used market. I own both brands, and Euro Spector quality is at least as high as Rickenbacker. The biggest difference is the sound, and that's all subjective. The Cheyenne is nice, but not worth tieing up your deposit for 18 months! It doesn't make sense to try buying what isn't available. I found there were seriously good deals to be had on used Spectors on eBay, and am I ever glad I got one. They are beautiful through and through!

It doesn't hurt to get an attitude like I did, Carl, and you'll soon have a beautiful sexy bass showing up in the unloving arms of UPS.

bottom4 · Post by **bottom4** » Wed Dec 31, 2003 4:17 am

Carl, I too waited a long time for my Cii and it was well documented on this forum. I did not experience the “non-response” from JH as you say. I think it is all in the approach… Mr. Hall was very responsive to my questions and very upfront and honest. Did you try e-mailing him as oppose to snail mail?

Who is/was your dealer? It seems that RIC filled a great deal of their backlog on these beauties.

Mike Parks is a great guy and his site shows one coming and yes Rhoads does show one in stock although that’s been there for a while. They move out very quickly as you could imagine.

You should move quickly if any of these basses are actually available.

Be patient, believe me its worth it

Cheers & HNY!

Andy

squirebass · Post by **squirebass** » Wed Dec 31, 2003 5:46 am

Hey, I feel your pain! I remember when I got my 4001v63 back in Sept. 1997, I left work to go pick it up the day it finally arrived! I was practically foaming at the mouth! I ordered a 350v63 Mont Brown on Jan 20th 2003, and I'm still waiting on it. This is the longest I've had to wait yet on any New Rickenbacker order, but it is a special color and one of their more unusual guitars, not produced in as great a quantity as other models. And I also knew going in that it would probably be a long wait. Sure I want that guitar in my hands, bad! but I just hope they take their time and make me a real nice one. I plan to leave it with my son when I no longer have any use for it...

seahagct · Post by **seahagct** » Fri Jan 02, 2004 7:43 am

Thanks guys for all the great responses / advice. I looked on the Rhoads website and there it is apparently in stock. Unfortunately, after my debacle with Rick, I went out and blew my nestegg on a Warwick (opps ... can I say that on the Rick forum?)
2 other questions though ..
1- When I ordered the 4004Cii the Rick website Pic showed the walnut wings on the headstock which neither the pic from jps (above) or the one on the Rhoads website have. Did the 4004Cii change?
2- Is there a way for me to verify that John Hall received my letter? Is there a thread here for contacting him?

Thanks ... Carl

paul_yan · Post by **paul_yan** » Fri Jan 02, 2004 8:29 am

Carl,welcome aboard.
Yes, the 4004 CII walnut headstock feature was discontinued in 2003, as well as the beautiful quilt maple top and walnut bottom layers of body wings.

Hey Mr. Jeff Ulmer, I envy you for your 1999 4004 CII Nat. Yours is the most beautiful example I've seen!

I hope it's ok with you that I post these pics, Jeff.

mortivan · Post by **mortivan** » Fri Jan 02, 2004 8:31 am

Mr. Hall mentioned that they stopped the walnut wings due to potential problems of some sort.

He definitely sees the posts here. I'd start a new topic "Question for Mr. Hall" or something similar.

shamustwin · Post by **shamustwin** » Fri Jan 02, 2004 10:53 am

I get the impression Mr. Hall would not appreciate a topic devoted to getting his response. Perhaps best to be grateful when he does contribute (he's probably kinda busy).

jeff_ulmer · Post by **jeff_ulmer** » Fri Jan 02, 2004 1:21 pm

No problem Paul, yes she is indeed a beautiful guitar, though not as dark as the pictures suggest. I am quite happy I scooped this one on ebay, even at an inflated cost, rather than waiting on the new version. The striking contrast of the wings on the headstock would have been the only determining factor in choosing a natural finish had I ordered one. The all maple look is too bland for my taste.

seahagct · Post by **seahagct** » Sat Jan 03, 2004 7:15 am

Jeff -

I was watching this one on ebay but you blew me out of the water at the last second. It's a beauty, congratulations and enjoy!!

paul_yan · Post by **paul_yan** » Sat Jan 03, 2004 7:21 am

Thanks, Jeff.
She is the 4004 Queen!
Love the walnut back of the upper wing too.
Hope I can get one like yours someday.

jeff_ulmer · Post by **jeff_ulmer** » Sat Jan 03, 2004 9:49 am

Carl, we were both bown out by that last flake bidder, but I negotiated the deal after the auction was over.

Paul, I wish you luck in your search. I had only seen one other auction in the past couple of years for a 4004 like that - it may have been the same one. There are a few out there though.

philco · Post by **philco** » Sat Jan 03, 2004 11:16 am

I noticed from the photos of Paul's Cheyenne that it does not seem to have a multi-piece neck. I thought most Rick basses had at least a 3-piece neck with perhaps a walnut center strip. I expect any premium bass to have at least a 3-piece neck. If my 4004L is built the same way, it means that it also doesn't have a multi-piece neck. I don't remember seeing a center strip when I had the truss rod cover off.

Carl, which Warwick did you get? Did you get a chance to compare it to a 4004 or 4003? Most Warwicks are usually heavy, so how are the ergonomics compared to Rickenbacker? How is the sustain and tone? My 4004L weighs only 8#, and my ReBop is about the same.