Model of the Week Eleven: The 2030/2050

[berth]

I just won this 2030 :

Interesting, um, appendages on that bass, Bert!

You mean these things which grow on the back of the bass?

[jps]

[berth]

More pictures once it is here.

As promised. Some quick pics I made myself. Better ones will follow after a ScratchX/Zymol treatment.

[aceonbass]

What is it about cats always wanting in on the action when you try to photograph an instrument?

[johnallg]

Nice carpet, Bert. Nice bass too. It will be interesting to see the "after Zymol" shot of the body.

[rickaddict]

Congrats, Bert. I really like these basses and I'm interested to hear your thoughts on it.

[rickboy88]

Here is my very belated addition (in the spirit of Christmas and all of that). I acquired this fireglo 2030 via ebay. I'd thought that fireglo was fairly rare for this model, but it looks like I'm adding to the fireglo pics posted by Erik and Ted.

This 2030 was a definitely a "player" in its day, but after bringing it into a beauty supply store to match nail polish shades, I was able to fill in the dings with a close color.

I tend to just use one of the pickups with this one when I play it. On my other Rics (4001/3 series) I typically blend both in together. This 2030 was built September 1989.

[berth]

More pictures once it is here.

As promised. Some quick pics I made myself. Better ones will follow after a ScratchX/Zymol treatment.

Shame on me for forgetting this....

Hopefully I can make up with these pictures:

[bosco64]

Damn, I had a chance to pick up a 2030 MID w/BT a few years ago for about $500, but it was scratched up pretty good with some dings. That one is awesome!

[philipharris]

Just acquired a JG 2030. Gave it a spanking straight out of the box last night and even my wife (who isn't known for her interest in such things) said the tone was awesome. Can't believe this was an economy model. It sure isn't the prettiest but it's still hot.

[rickboy88]

The fellow I bought mine from (see above, post from 2009) commented that he'd get comments at gigs, as it was a "Rickenbacker" bass but didn't look like a Rickenbacker bass. It's definitely been broken in, but has lived the easy life since I've had it.

[beatlefan]

There is a nice 2030GF on the 'bay right now.....

I owned one of these a few years ago and loved the tone, but not the weight....that thing was rough on the neck as I recall, but sounded great. I took it to Baltimore one year to meet JPS at one of his gigs and let him use it for a few songs......hopefully he chimes in on this

[jps]

Ding!

[jps]

Oh, you want more, huh?

The bass is quite heavy, I'm guessing around 11-12 lbs., perhaps. I found the neck pretty chunky, and the one Chris had is not alone, IIRC, Jeff Thomas' GF is the same. I am sure many folks are perfectly fine with a neck that big, but I grew up on a '60s Rick neck, so that is my personal (p)reference.

It did sound great, though.

[fatcat]

I'm OK with the neck size,but I don't like the neck heavy feel.The upper bout should have been a few inches longer,for better balance.