Are you waiting to see ?

[nov_1981]

Would it REALLY knock your socks off if they added CB??? I mean, that's a purely aesthetic change. I want RIC to do something adventurous like a new model bass. Not to mention CB would just mean an even longer wait.

Agreed, purely an aesthetic change, one that I would love to see.
I'm into playing and I'm also into aesthetics as well

Whether it be CB or something totally new its bound to increase the backlog.

[simer4001]

Just wondering if there's anyone like myself out there
waiting see if Ric produces 4003's with checkerboard binding
before buying a new one

The "knock your socks off " from Ben Hall has really got me thinking.
The new FG 4003's are so tempting now but the thought of having CB binding
has me waiting to see what the future brings .

I never hold back on ordering on the chance that something else may or may not be in the works. What makes you think the "knock your socks off" change is checkerboard binding? Get the fireglo now. Chance are that anything new will take some time to go into production anyway. Just my thoughts.

[nukebass]

By the time your order gets produced, they may announce the new model and you'll have a chance to change orders if you want, too.

All the posts from RIC that I have seen have ruled out checker board binding. It will be nice to see what they are planning, though. I haven't gone back and read the posts regarding this subject, but did RIC explicitly say that the replacement model will overlap the C64 or they were stopping production due to model overlap? With the new thin necks, could it be that RIC is considering a modern 4003 to be too close to the vintage since the body shapes were about the same to warrant a vintage production? Maybe they're planning on moving the neck pickup closer to the neck on the 4003, or issuing a 4003S.

If RIC would only announce it, we wouldn't have to speculate!

[deaconblues]

"This change is due to the factory already working at 100% capacity, combined with a plan to offer some additional products which might be considered to overlap with these models."

Yeah, I'd say that means either a reissue or vintage appointments on the 4003.

[Mik]

My 73 4001got "checkerboard binding", split thooth bridge ,toaster p/u,wavy tuner's,and a beautiful sound.

Life is a good thing.

PS:Does the year 73 is special for Basses?

Whit mapleglow finish, she is a beauty.

Michel.

[ilan]

PS:Does the year 73 is special for Basses?

'73 was a transition year for 4001's. Jan-Apr they still have checkerboard binding, full width fretboard inlays (poured material, not crushed pearl though), and toaster neck pickups. By May the wide inlays were gone, and around September the checkerboard was gone and plain white binding stripe was used. Some time during that year, I think around September or October but I'm not sure, the toaster-top neck pickup was replaced with the button-top Hi-Gain pickup.