Is it a fake

[Gashaponcito]

Hi, I found a good deal in a Rick but something is bothering me, the nameplate doesn't have the "Made in USA" legend and I've read every single Rick has it, what do you guys think...
Here are some pics:









thanks!

[sloop_john_b]

Welcome! That is a real Rick, but the nameplate appears to be either a fake, or a very modified vintage-reissue one. I vote fake.

[Gashaponcito]

Wow that was quick, I hope it is I've always dreamed for a rick since I knew that a bass is not a guitar

[rickfan60]

Yes indeed that is a real Rick. It appears to be a post '85 4003. The TRC is probably not original to the bass but everything else looks the part. The pickguard is consistent with late 4001's and early 4003's. They may have gone back to parallel knobs by the time that bass was made. I forget when that change occurred though. It is nicely ambered by the way.

[sloop_john_b]

It appears to be a post '85 4003.

Yep, made in October 1993 (J6)

[rickfan60]

Yes, so it is. I could not make out the SN without zooming in. Is the guard correct for that year?

[johnallg]

Ted, is that a real TRC?

[rickfan60]

It is hard to say. The picture is not clear enough to tell either way. It is apparently plexi so it probably did not come with the bass. Most but certainly not all TRCs show the obligatory "Made In U.S.A" so absence is not an absolute test. It is not centered on the nut very well but that is not unheard of.

[ozover50]

Hey, Ted!! How are things, mate? Nice to see you around!

[vin*tone]

... Most but certainly not all TRCs show the obligatory "Made In U.S.A" so absence is not an absolute test...

Wow Really?
So if the OP wanted to get a replacement raised lettered TRC from Ric he'd probably be OK?

[thx1955]

Looks to be the real thing, and since none of you mentioned, it's a lovely Fireglo !!!

[rickfan60]

Hey, Ted!! How are things, mate? Nice to see you around!

Goin' well Howard! I saw you and Trotty in some vids on You Tube recently. In one you were playing what appeared to be an old Strat and having a great time doing it.

[rickfan60]

... Most but certainly not all TRCs show the obligatory "Made In U.S.A" so absence is not an absolute test...

Wow Really?
So if the OP wanted to get a replacement raised lettered TRC from Ric he'd probably be OK?

Getting a new TRC from RIC requires surrendering one (a real one preferably) . You can't just buy one outright.

[johnallg]

It is hard to say. The picture is not clear enough to tell either way. It is apparently plexi so it probably did not come with the bass. Most but certainly not all TRCs show the obligatory "Made In U.S.A" so absence is not an absolute test. It is not centered on the nut very well but that is not unheard of.

Yeah, after zooming this one, and looking at the one on my 4001 and V63, it looks real but without the Made In USA.

Ted, we've sure missed your expertise and knowledge around this here forum....

[johnallg]

... Most but certainly not all TRCs show the obligatory "Made In U.S.A" so absence is not an absolute test...

Wow Really?
So if the OP wanted to get a replacement raised lettered TRC from Ric he'd probably be OK?

But if it were for sure real (as it indeed appears to be) you would not have a problem trading for one with a forumite - the plexis are highly desired.