Searching For A Ric 4003

[prestoj]

I am a new member and this is my first post. No local Rickenbacker 4003s in stock, so I cannot got that route. I've been looking at various online retailers and what I've found so far are available Midnight Blues at a good price (I haven't ruled this choice out).

I did find an ebay retailer: Guitar and Bass Store. Anyone have any experience with this retailer? His feedback is 99.8% positive and the pictures of the basses look real nice.

Please help me............I'm jonesin' bad for a new Ric. Thanks.

[jps]

Welcome, JAck!:D

Don't bother with the online dealers, these are second hand instruments, unless you don't mind used. No matter what they say regard being brand new with warranty cards, blah, blah, blah....forget it!

For a new 4003, check out Pick Of The Ricks (POTR), The Music Connection, Rhoads Music as good candidates; there are other great dealers, these are ones I have had personal dealings with and can highly recommend, especially POTR!

Happy hunting.

[s4001]

I've bought from Old Boise Guitar in the past and they're tops to deal with.

[dog]

I just saw a new one on the Rickenbacker Page this morning.

[rickenbrother]

Hey Jack, nice to see that you registered here. Welcome to the forum. You should check out the dealers that have been mentioned, My favorite is Pick Of The Ricks.

[ben_brown]

I was there today and Chris had no Rick basses in stock.

[prestoj]

Jeffrey, Scott, Ron, Joey, Thanks very much for jumping on this. Your input is much appreciated. I looked at all of the recommended links (Old Boise Guitar has a very cool storefront sign) and come up with pretty much the same result. Everything except 4003 MIB is either already sold or on back order until who knows when. I talked to a rep at Sam Ash online and he told me anyone promising a backorder delivery in under 12 months probably is not to be trusted. So...............

I share your reluctance with dealing for a fine instrument online............it is a calculated risk under the best conditions. For me, it's not so much making the secure financial transaction as it is with buying a Ric sight unseen.

Take a look at this guy and let me know what you think:

http://stores.ebay.com/Guitar-and-Bass-Store

He has a lot of Ricenbackers in stock. Makes no secret that he is a third party seller.

[dog]

Ya know Jack, I am currently watching an Alembic that this guy has for sale. I would not hesitate to buy from this seller if his price was more reasonable. And, buying sight unseen doesn't bother me. The only caution that anyone was making (I think) was that your new bass would not have a Ric factory warranty. John Hall has made that very clear in several threads. So, if you can live with paying an extra 400 bucks or so, and not have your bass under warranty, this seller would probably be fine to deal with. As for me, I would buy the MG with black trim that is being offered on this forum for 1500 bucks. Or, find another great deal on a used, yet pristine, 4003

[sloop_john_b]

New 4003's are shipping from the factory all the time. Just keep an eye on the "Recently Shipped" page at RIC's website. When you see something you like being shipped, give the dealer a call and see if it's available or already on hold.

[Scotty_Guitar]

What price are you looking for - besides "the cheapest available?" I have a 2007 4003 JetGlo sitting in my closet doing nothing. It has the "vintage" tone with a pull of the tone control... I will include the OE heard shell case (and typical case "candy"), and a black single ply pickguard I bought but never installed.

I love the sound, and its a Macca choice as well... BUT, I have several other basses that get the nod first for various reasons. So this one just sits, neglected... I have played it a few times in my home studio (non-smoking). No one else has touched it (also bought new)... I'm very meticulous and anal about my gear (my eldest bass is a '80 Carvin in near mint condition - I can prove my claims as well!). Anyway, this Ricky bass still looks, sounds and smells new. But I need a keyboard for my studio.

PM me and we can work out a price...

[jps]

To clarify something in my initial post, by "online dealers" I am refering to ebay in particular, as, of corse, the dealers I mentioned are all online, so to speak!

[cheyenne]

Every RIC I've owned I've bought sight unseen. I usually find something that intrigues me, do a little research, make sure the dealer is reputable then go for it. I've found great deals this way.

Go here to make sure they are a confirmed Rickenbacker dealer.
http://www.rickenbacker.com/dealer_find.asp

And yes,,,welcome to the forum..

[windchimp]

Hi Jack...Welcome!

Are you looking for a particular finish?

In addition to the shops already mentioned, you could try Classic Axe in VA (google it). I believe they have a MG on hand. No affiliation, other than being a satisfied customer.

[prestoj]

Ross, I just got off of the phone with Russ at Classic Axe. It just so happened that he also has a 4003 FG in stock and we just closed the deal. I should be receiving it by mid-week. Thanks for the tip.

Thanks as well to all who responded to this post. This has been a great introduction to this forum and I'm looking forward to continued participation.

I'll post pictures when the guitar is received..........probably much later this week as I will allow time for acclimation (thanks Joey).

This has been a good week.

Virtue is more to be feared than vice, because its excesses are not subject to the regulation of conscience.
A. Smith

[thx1955]

Welcome to the Forum Jack, and to owning a Ric, this is the first, wait and see others will call to you like a Siren's song.

You made a great choice of colour, Fireglo is THE nicest colour for a 4003, or for that matter, any Ric. Don't pay too much attention to the assortment of reprobates here who'll try to tell you differently

Once again, welcome..