Model of the week 21: The 4004 Laredo

[bassduke49]

Introduced on the July 1994 price list, the "other" 4004 is the all-maple Laredo (4004L). Similar in looks and setup to the Cheyenne, the Laredo's construction is all maple instead of the Cheyenne's walnut body and head wings. When introduced, it was described "super contoured hardwood body, Maple fingerboard, chrome parts (JG only)," thus looking a bit like its contemporary guitar, the 650C "Colorado." (The Cheyenne's six-string mate was the 650S "Sierra" with its walnut body and gold hardware.)

By the next year, the price list no longer states Jetglo only, so apparently it could be ordered in any stock color. The single Laredo in my collection is a gorgeous '97 in Fireglo. Mine (below) is modified, though; I have the Rath V/V/T setup and an exchanged TRC. The glossy maple fretboard on this is beautiful but may not show up well in the photo. I also have this set up BEAD presently.

Around the time RIC developed the Cheyenne II (1999-2000), the fretboard on both the Cheyenne II and Laredo switched over to bubinga and the pickups were "lowered" a bit toward the bridge. Eventually, the pickups were moved back to the original position due to difficulty removing the truss rods (rare occurrence). Nowadays, they come with walnut headwings, like most if not all current Rick basses.

Laredos are not as common (it seems; I don't have any production numbers) as the Cheyennes, but I've seen examples in Jetglo, Midnight Blue, Fireglo, Desert Gold, Amber Fireglo, Blueboy, Blueburst, Red, Mapleglo, and even one in Turquoise (below). So let's celebrate the 4004L Laredo this week. Post pictures and discuss!

[kernkamp]

Here's mine. It's got Dark Star pickups in it and has bee seen a bunch around here, but I love it. It sounds SO great and sustains like a piano.

Shiny black like a grand piano too.

It's been really good to me (and Tim Sarter too)

[fretless]

oooooh Beauties ! And light too ! I've loved these instruments from the first time I saw them .

[sloop_john_b]

Laredos are not as common (it seems; I don't have any production numbers) as the Cheyennes, but I've seen examples in Jetglo, Midnight Blue, Fireglo, Desert Gold, Amber Fireglo, Blueboy, Blueburst, Red, Mapleglo, and even one in Turquoise (below). So let's celebrate the 4004L Laredo this week. Post pictures and discuss!

Oh, you didn't hear about the 2009 Burgundyglo 4004L?

[jps]

Laredos are not as common (it seems; I don't have any production numbers) as the Cheyennes, but I've seen examples in Jetglo, Midnight Blue, Fireglo, Desert Gold, Amber Fireglo, Blueboy, Blueburst, Red, Mapleglo, and even one in Turquoise (below). So let's celebrate the 4004L Laredo this week. Post pictures and discuss!

Oh, you didn't hear about the 2009 Burgundyglo 4004L?

Pics!

[tmossman]

Oh, you didn't hear about the 2009 Burgundyglo 4004L?

you forgot to mention the unfinished fretboard.

[bongomania]

What's a fair price range to expect to pay for a used Laredo these days?

[cassius987]

I've seen as low as $1200, as high as $2000. Personally I wouldn't pay more than $1400 or so but I'm cheap.

Here's mine. It's got Dark Star pickups in it and has bee seen a bunch around here, but I love it. It sounds SO great and sustains like a piano.

It's so weird--there is such a divide on these basses. Some people love them to death. I have heard others reacting with much disappointment. Personally they look neat to me, but I've never even heard one in person. I'm really glad you like yours.

[woodyng]

that turquoise bass is just awesome. i would love to a/b a laredo with my cii---all reports seem to be that the all-maple laredos are brighter than the cii's.

[kernkamp]

I've had both and I think I would agree with that. the Laredo Just seems nice and bright and Big sounding.
I am always impressed with the sustain on mine.

I just love Ricks.

[spongebob]

Here's mine -

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/4549 ... ection.jpg

2008 model in natural - or so called - or is it mapleglow? It does seem a bit light for that? (I've not seen any others to compare it to!!)

Took a lot of finding...especially here in the UK, where 4004's are impossible to get!

I'm really happy with it (had it about 6 weeks). Been rehearsing and gigging with it since the start - it has a really great Ric tone.

Love to see everyone else's!!

[ram]

Here's mine a converted '93 4004L. I came real close to keeping it as a 4 string - I was loving the sound and feel so much. Someday when the kids get out of college I will find another for 4 string playing. As others have said - the 4004 is Rickenbacker's best kept secret!

[tmossman]

My Laredos

2008 MG (stock)



2005 Yellowglo (refinished and VVT)

[johnallg]

Todd, that MG has a HUGE sound - the one Chris played with his band at MARF III. Do you have a full body shot of the YellowGlo? Whole bass too?

[spongebob]

Never seen a yellow '04 - not a stock colour, I take it??