It's a brand new (manufactured '08) Laredo in natural. The colour is gorgeous, and headstock with the contrast in the wood is stunning.
I'd like to say a massive thanks to all of those on this forum who kindly offered help with shipping, etc. I think I thanked you all personally, but if not, thanks again!
Also, more thanks must go to forum member Neil, here in the UK. He tipped me off about the bass, so I'm eternally grateful!
After my trawling of US stockists, many of which refused to even give me the prices when they found out I am over here, imagine my surprise when I was alerted to perhaps the only one on sale here.What a find!
I got it Thursday, rehearsed with it Friday, and gigged it on Sunday. What a bass - it really is just how it has been described on here. A real progression from the 4003 - it has got the classic Ric tone, but that tone is somewhat enhanced, it really has got loads of power. I spent some time putting it my gig amp against my '08 4003 (which I love), and it just seems to have a bigger kick. I can only wonder what Lemmy's 4004 must sound like!
As for the fretboard, no problems at all. It is a little thicker than my 4003, but it is by no means anything to worry about, just a different playing experience. In fact my other Ric, a 2003 4003 has a similar fretboard to the '04.
I promised to link to the importer where I bought it - http://www.nicksguitars.com/basses.htm - a nice guy who knows his Rics. He's got a couple of others (a Hamburg??), worth checking out if you're over here.
I've put a couple of shots below.The 4004L is a cracker - looks and sounds great. I did my homework on here first, and thanks to all for their knowledge, I am finally a more than proud owner!
