2009 Rickenbacker bass question....could they be in stores?

[phlemmy]

Bass Emporium has 2 09 models right now. FG and MG.

Problem for me is that the necks feel like baseball bats again. What gives?

[ivan]

Bass Emporium has 2 09 models right now. FG and MG.

Problem for me is that the necks feel like baseball bats again. What gives?

This also got me really confused. Early last weeks I received an email from my local music store, telling me there was a brand-nerw, un-opened 4003MG in their store. I ran to the place, just to find that the bass had the thickest neck I have ever seen on a Rickenbacker - even thicker than my '97 4003's. I am confused. If those things are CNC machined, why the disparity?

[cjj]

Bass Emporium has 2 09 models right now. FG and MG.

Problem for me is that the necks feel like baseball bats again. What gives?

This also got me really confused. Early last weeks I received an email from my local music store, telling me there was a brand-nerw, un-opened 4003MG in their store. I ran to the place, just to find that the bass had the thickest neck I have ever seen on a Rickenbacker - even thicker than my '97 4003's. I am confused. If those things are CNC machined, why the disparity?

Wow, now I don't feel so much like I was just being picky! I haven't played a Rick newer than 1984 until now, and I thought the '09 neck was way too fat. Everyone keeps raving that their '08s are wonderful, started making me think maybe I just didn't know what a slim neck was (even though my '76 has one that feels slim and great to me).

It sure would be great if John Hall (or Ben) could comment on this. I remember John saying something about the new 4003's having "the slimmest necks ever", I guess that doesn't apply to 2009. I wonder if there were problems with the slimmer necks?

[s4001]

I'm wondering if the 'slimmer' comment is referring to the neck profile. Like a P bass with a 'C' or 'D' shape. Rics from the 70's had more of a 'D' shape feel, while the 60's had more of a 'C' feel. I prefer the wider fretboard with the flatter profile, but I'm wondering if some consider that to be 'fatter.'

[rokkitt]

Well, the neck felt fine to me. I am gonna go play it again today, and I will take measurements as well.


I have a 2008 fender MIA Pbass standard, and an 88 JG/BT refin to MG 4003, so you can see what I am used to.

Now, the guy there at the store said that there was a price increase coming in April, any word of that?

I said , there just was an increase, (last spring, right?) And he commented yes, in October, and that manufactures usually increase pricing every 6 months...

And, how would he know (sam ash music) before we would?


Truth or rumor on the price increase statement from the sam ash salesguy?




Allen

[jps]

Rumour, I would think.

[cjj]

Or a fabrication intended to get you to buy now before the price increase...

[cassius987]

Yes, smells rumor-y.

I really can't wait to get my 4003 MG now... I want to see this alleged new neck profile. In my town there are never 4003s in stock to try out before buying. So far I am 2 for 2 with regarding to buying blind and being more than pleased. And with the way local guitar stores keep their stuff strung and set up, I would probably hate ANYTHING they had in stock, even if it was Chris Squire's original bass! Seriously... some of these places will mess a good bass up 8 days a week. I cry for some of the poor abused Fenders.

I have not measured iiipopes' 4002 but he told me it was thicker than average. If so, bring it on! That is the comfiest bass ever.

[rokkitt]

Or a fabrication intended to get you to buy now before the price increase...

alleged price increase? or real price increase ?


yes, I uderstand the sales tactics.


so<

when was the last price increase?

and is there any discussion of a future increase? when?


thanks!

love the JG by the way




going to measure the neck in a few hours


1st 5th and 12th fret closer to the nut/headstock direction of the fret, right next to the fret, right?


al

[cjj]

The last price increase from RIC was Dec 13, 2007. There's been no mention of an increase on the RIC site, but that doesn't mean that retailers haven't been notified of an upcoming one.

Generally, it seems the girth measurements are done just forward at the 1st, 3rd, and 12th frets. I assumed forward means towards the bridge. Other measurements in the spreadsheet are Front to Back measurements at 1st, 7th, 12th, & 16th frets, I assume just ahead also, and width measurements at the nut and 12th frets.

[rokkitt]

just got back from the store.....


The neck still felt fine, I will post some measurements in a sec

and, that sound, just so RIC!

I like the push pull cap tone pot thingy pushed in, with it out, the sound is too thin for me.
But, with the volume and tone turned up all the way, bridge pickup only, so much TONE....

still thinking it over, no Presidents Day sale on this one...

al

[rokkitt]

I might have these measurements wrong, ---as the neck felt thicker! and, after playing the 2009, I played my 88, and the 88 felt noticeably thinner

1st -- 117 mm
3rd -- 122mm
5th -- 127 mm
7th -- didnt measure
12th -- 141 mm (wow!)
16th -- didnt measure

serial number 09-03518

so, it seems like a pretty thick neck.

bass is still on the wall...I dont think it is for me.

I noticed some tail lift as well, which was suprising on a brand new bass

Salesguy said tail lift was normal on all rics....(I dont have it on my 88, but my bridge/tail has two extra screws at the very edge, I guess that stops the tail lift, those two extra screws!)



any comments on the tail lift? I could put two business cards under the tail about 3/8 inch on one side, and 1/4 inch on the other.

thoughts?

allen

[rokkitt]

tail lift question answered

http://rickresource.com/forum/viewtopic ... 2&t=386871

looks like it is not a big deal

al