New to Forum; New RIC, and a little present

[Elnjaybass]

Hello, happy to be here at the RIC forum-
Today, I got my 1st RIC, a MapleGlo 4004L Laredo.

Wow. It's my first- My first neck-through and my first Rickenbacker. I was contemplating purchasing a 4003, and saw the Laredo, first on the Ric site, then from a local Dealer's offering.
Something about the VIBE and look of the bass, along with the Rickenbacker reputation and "mystique" gave me impetus to buy this, unseen, unplayed.
And...
It exceeds my expectations, which were VERY high. What an awesome instrument, the build is beyond compare and the tones are---well, I haven't played it enough to fully appreciate what it can do, but let there be no doubt- I KNOW it's a MONSTER.
I'm so glad to have this Bass and the occasion to join discussion here.

Now as an intro, I'm attaching a picture from my "personal" archive-
It has some history-

That's my cousin Randy at a very young age, years back presenting a Rick guitar to a member of a group with great promise...Anyone know who they are???

He was/is a great guitarist (Randy, that is) and worked in Public Relations sort of, for a Rick dealer in Minneapolis MN back in "the day". They gave that Rick to GH when the you-know-who's played in Minneapolis.
There was an audio recording that came with it, where you hear the thanks, and later on, I actually saw a short letter that GH wrote, both thanking Randy for the gift, and specifically mentioning the Ric guitar as one of his faves, and his using on recording. Nice piece of History, eh?

For the present- I am digging my Laredo, so thank you Rickenbacker for continuing the laegacy of building superb instruments.

[cjj]

Welcome to the fray! The longer you play that new bass, the more you'll love it!

Cool bit of history there too!

[admin]

Welcome, Larry. A great first post.

[rickenbrother]

Welcome to the forum. Larry, good to have you here. Post some pictures of your 4004L when you have chance. They are great basses.

Cool shot of George!!

[kiramdear]

Larry, that is really cool Welcome!

[Elnjaybass]

Thanks for the welcome to, guys.
Below is the other pic of the "Presentation meeting" this one in color, but, alas, no RIc! Just a bunch of newsguys asking John, George, et al about their haircuts, etc! Hard to imagine at that time the overall effect these guys would ultimately have on music and culture.
Alos, here's the dealer shot of my 4000L- I'll take some of my own soon- Amazing quality instrument---Even the case
is super-quality; higher than most.
Soon, I'll start becoming familiar with and really feeling the instrument, and then...
And then....
AND THEN.....

[ginger_lee]

Hi and welcome to the forum!I too bought my ric unplayed just on ..well..hunch..but way more than that .I saw it in the catelogue.I knew.

[dog]

Welcome Larry. Congrats on a great score, and thanks for the bit of history. The two photos make some of remember just how long ago that was. I look forward to seeing what your next post will be!!

[rickenbrother]

I enhanced the second pic of the Beatles Presentation.

Beatles Presentation

[Elnjaybass]

Have to hunt around for some more "historical" pics!
To fill out some details, the Music Shop was called "B-Sharp Music" in Minneapolis MN, and I think they were one of the first, or at least a very early, Rickenbacker Dealers in the States.
Randy, at the time, was lead guitarist for a local band called "Froggie & his Friends" and worked part-time promoting for the store.
Randy later went on to do two tours with John Mayall, and worked with among others, John Klemmer, SugarCane Harris, Richard Greene, and more.
A BRILLIANT player, and a good mentor of mine when I was ahem...young.
Randy has been living in Paris, France for years now; but I remember when the Rickenbacker event took place; I'm sure it rates as a big highlight in his life...

To the present-
The 4004L is a wonderful bass- I may be a "Ric Newbie" but I've been playing bass for a loong time, and own 7 other very high-end basses.
But this one- has a very special feel to it- You all know that no doubt- It's my first neck-through, and among other things, I'm starting to get into the different feel and sustain of this vs. a bolt-on. Very cool.
I just know I'm going to feel and dig into this instrument, it feels very right.
And the build- Undoubtedly among the best of the best.

Small wonder there are Fans and aficionados- Like all of you, and now, myself.

[jps]

Welcome, Larry! Great story to introduce yourself with!

[s4001]

Welcome to the forum and enjoy the 4004.

We know you will.

[ram]

Welcome to the forum Larry. Great tid-bit of history. Love your 4004 - the grain looks great. As many have said 'the 4004 is one of Ric's best kept secrets'. Congratulations - Enjoy it!!!

[wj350]

Hello and welcome! Thanks for the pic, very cool!

[rickaddict]

Hello Larry and welcome. Great story and history. Thanks for posting the pics.

I've got a question for you: So you've been around long enough to remember this Beatles event in the early to mid 60's, and you've obviously been aware of the Rickenbacker brand for at least as long, and you've played bass long enough to acquire 7 high end basses...

WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG TO TRY A RICK????!!!