'09 4003 Necks - Slim is out?

[cjj]

This subject came up and got some discussion in this thread:
2009 Rickenbacker bass question....could they be in stores?

But, I thought it might deserve a thread of its own, just to get the discussion noticed by a wider audience.

I got my new '09 4003 and my first thought was, wow, for a supposedly thin neck, this sure feels fat. Now, I may not be the best judge of newer 4003 necks since I haven't played anything newer than a 1984 until now, but several people in the other thread mentioned that they thought the necks had gotten thick again.

Anyway, I'd like to get peoples opinions on the apparent thickness of the 4003's coming out with '09 serial numbers. The '08s are said to be quite thin, very much like the '70s necks. Are people finding that the newest 4003 necks are indeed thick again? Or, is it just a few that are coming out with fat necks?

With the new CNC processes, one has to wonder why there would be much variation at all. Perhaps someone put the wrong program into the machines and lost the thin neck profile. Perhaps there were some problems showing up with the thin necks and RIC decided to add some thickness the strengthen them up. Perhaps those of us who think the necks are thick just don't have a clue what we're talking about...

[s4001]

I am quite curious to this as well. I've been able to sample quite a few necks since the beginning of 08 and none could be described as a baseball bat.

[rickenfenderampeg]

The only true thin necks ive found in the newer basses are C64's. They have a flatter profile . I believe the slimmer neck profile is a true statement on 4003's (especially if youve played a 2000- 2006 4003 ick!) but the fact that they are not flat in the back makes them still feel quite beefy . They are actually med round. wich is still slimmer than the previously mentioned years . But in my opinion No where near slim enough !My 72 4001 is so thin and flat that my eyes well up just thinking about it .

[rickfan60]

It is possible, I suppose. I don't know the current setup but '06, '07, and possibly '08 there were two different neck shapes produced. I recall some discussion about maybe settling on one of them after awhile. If so, perhaps the thick one won out.

[ajish4]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't it said that RIC was going to standardize the bass necks? Basically, the same neck on the C64 series was going to be used on the 4003?

My 2007 4003FL has a SWEEEEEEEEET neck profile, while my 2004 and 2005's 4003's were baseball bat like.

Is it just possible that there are just a few older profile necks are just working their way through the system? Kind of like the Walnut ear situation? Just a pure guess.

[jps]

We need to have a gathering of recent 4003 and C64 basses. Come on down/up to Cleveland and we can find out what's what.

My May '08 neck feels just like those on my March and July '73 4001s, no BBB necks there.

[cjj]

My May '08 neck feels just like those on my March and July '73 4001s, no BBB necks there.

That's what I was really hoping for when I got my new 4003, made 2nd week of 2009, but such was not the case and is a large part of why I don't have it anymore. I just didn't like it.

[phlemmy]

The 08 necks and headstocks are most certainly slimmer than the 09 models i played yesterday. It was a bit of a disappointment for me.

[cassius987]

I don't think they have ever truly gotten as slim as the old vintage basses, CJ. I've heard lots of conflicting reports about this. They may feel as comfy, but I really doubt they've gotten as slim--some measurements would be nice!

My 2007 and 2008 are EXACTLY the same thinness (I measured) and I predict that 2009s are going to remain this same thinness. It doesn't make sense that they would re-thicken the necks at this stage. If they have I'd like some explanation as to why.

[jaymi]

I am going to continue to enjoy the used market...this is one of the best reasons...

[cassius987]

I'll report when my 4003 gets here. I hope I don't have to chuck it immediately if it has a chunky neck. That might also just make it a good candidate for modding, though... something I've wanted to do.

Who knows though, unlike CJ, I may be waiting til 2010. It'll be 24 months from my order date on the 17th.

[sloop_john_b]

You guys are nuts.

[jaymi]

You guys are nuts.

you're just now figuring that out??? LOL

[rickenfenderampeg]

nope . Its just da facts man . I know a couple of great luthiers that can change that factory flawed fat neck .

[wints]

Try, try, try, try B4 you buy....