Does your Rickenbacker bass fit in your car?

[jayen_aitch]

So, one thing I was worried about when I ordered my 4003, was whether it would fit in the boot of my car (which by-the-by cost £400 less than the bass).

The car is a '97 Honda Civic, which I'm hoping will look after me for the next couple of years at least (which is when we plan to move to Sweden).

I knew the Ric was 2cm shorter than my other bass, which just fit, but of course with the hardshell case it doesn't fit in my boot in any direction. It has to ride on the backseat.

This is bad for my bandmates, because there is no way the Ric is travelling without the hardcase, so the passengers in the back seat will have the bass laid on their laps.

It also means even if I wanted to, I wouldn't be able to leave the bass in the car while I'm not there, as the case would be on show.

How about you guys - what do you drive, and do your basses fit in the boot/trunk?

(I don't think there is a thread for this, but if I missed it with my search, please do feel free to merge it)

[harrek]

My answer is Yes, Yes, and only with the top down.

The 2 'Yes' answers are SUV type vehicles (one a big black bus, the other a fast short bus). The 'with the top down' answer is the GT500 convertible. But it is fun driving to practice on a nice day with the hard sided bass case sticking up (and bungie corded down so as not to go anywhere). Gets some funny looks.

[jayen_aitch]

My answer is Yes, Yes, and only with the top down.

The 2 'Yes' answers are SUV type vehicles (one a big black bus, the other a fast short bus). The 'with the top down' answer is the GT500 convertible. But it is fun driving to practice on a nice day with the hard sided bass case sticking up (and bungie corded down so as not to go anywhere). Gets some funny looks.

Heh, I'd like a picture of that.

Actually, that reminds me of something I've been thinking about.

I know the case is designed to support the bass when it's not being used.

So, is it a bad idea to stand it up vertically, rather than laid flat?

It would solve a storage issue for me if I could keep it upright.

There aren't many places in my house, let alone my car, that the bass fits laid flat in it's case.

[harrek]

Heh, I'd like a picture of that.

Actually, that reminds me of something I've been thinking about.

I know the case is designed to support the bass when it's not being used.

So, is it a bad idea to stand it up vertically, rather than laid flat?

It would solve a storage issue for me if I could keep it upright.

There aren't many places in my house, let alone my car, that the bass fits laid flat in it's case.

If we get another nice sunny day here I'll take a picture. Mine isn't lying flat when it travels like this. But I was always told the hard sided cases hold it firmly.

[Tarrbot]

I don't know why you couldn't keep it upright in the case. It obviously would depend on the case, I'm thinking.

My bass fits in my Ford Explorer fine whether in the backseat or in the very back.

[jayen_aitch]

I wonder if it'd fit if I removed some of the lining from my boot.

It is a pretty weird shape.

This may be going too far, but it would make far away gigs easier. I may have to give it some thought.

Oh, and it's the hardshell case the Rick came in.

[jps]

I drive a '09 Honda Fit Sport (Jazz to you). Depending on how I have the rear seats configured, the bass sits in the rear foot well or in the back area.

I suggest you put your bandmates in the boot!

[jayen_aitch]

I reckon I could get two of them in there.

Good plan.

[legato]

I drive a Honda S2000 and no my Ric won't fit in the trunk (boot). My bass rides next to me in the passenger seat with the top down (like Brian does).
But at least the trunk holds my golf clubs.

[rickenbrother]

My Rick basses easily fit into my Honda Accord and Toyota Tundra.

[FretlessOnly]

I drive a Volvo V70 to accomodate both my upright and electrics w/ amplifiers/speaker cabs. Plus, the thing is built like a flippin' tank, so if someone rams me, I'm likely to come out on top.

[cassius987]

I drive a Honda CR-V... obviously no problems there. But I'm thinking of switching to a Civic. Any issues with those, anyone?

[berth]

How about you guys - what do you drive, and do your basses fit in the boot/trunk?

BMW 525i (E34). Basses fit in trunk (vintage cases). I did not try the 4005 yet though.

[gibsonlp]

I never tried putting any of my instruments in the trunk as I can't think of what would happen if someone will crash into me (again...) when I have a Rick there...
I just put it in the back seat where it occupies the entire seat, or - next to me on the the shotgun seat laying on the front seat.

[rickinroma]

4001/4003 on the back seat

unless I put the instrument in my Jazz Bass soft case that fits in the boot....but I have never done that yet... my Ricks travel with their HS case only

for the 4005 I need to recline the back rest of the back seat and put the bass from the trunk...it happens maybe once a year