Which Rick To Buy?

[rickenwannabe]

Would anyone care to point me in the right direction? I have always wanted a Rickenbacker and can now reasonably afford a $2,000 instrument. Would I be better off purchasing an older instrument in good shape? Or would I be better off buying the new 2010 model?

The music I normally play is anywhere from medium rock, soul, funk and slap to variety, dance and jazz. Although I have found some older instruments online, it is difficult to find one close enough so that I can try it out before buying. I tried a new 4003 and it played and sounded beautiful, but not sure if new is the way to go.

Suggestions?

Thanks!

[sloop_john_b]

Welcome Tom! If I had $2000 to spend on a Rickenbacker bass, I would look for a used 4001v63, preferably late 80's to mid 90's. Perhaps a 4001c64 or 4001c64s (which will run you perhaps a few hundred more on the used market) would fit the bill as well, but I think the v63 has the edge on it.

My reasons:
- The v63 will have a hot toaster pickup (high output) at the neck with a high output faux horseshoe pickup at the bridge (no bass cut capacitor). A great sounding (and great looking!) no nonsense setup.
- The contoured body is very comfortable to play - no binding to hurt your forearm.
- The years I mentioned have desirable features including a slimmer, VERY comfortable neck profile and a longer headstock (a "correct" 60's feature).
- They will continue to climb in value.

[antipodean]

Welcom Tom!

If you really want that traditional Rick look and sound, a used V63 is brilliant as JB says. That said, the "vanilla" 4003 is a great instrument at an even more reasonable price. I'm a big fan of pre-loved instruments, but that means no warranty. If you like slim necks, avoid instruments built between late '99 and 2006. Conversely, if a chunkier neck profile is what you want, a 4003 from this period is perfect.

Bargain of the century at the moment is probably the 4004L. You can pick up a used (but recent) specimen in excellent condition well inside your budget. For slap-funk, I believe the lack of a 'guard gives you better access to "pop". I also like the neck pickup placement, and the noiseless pickups, which still have some growl. A couple of forumites have had some great ideas re tapping the stock pickups on the 4004 to broaden the sonic possibilities of the 4004 enormously. The neck will be chunkier than the current 4003, which may or may not be an issue.

All the best with your quest!

[marc61]

A 4001v63 would be awesome, however it'll be hard to find one at 2K. I would certainly look into buying a new 4003. The two piece neck, the full with inlays, push pull knob to get vintage tone(or not), walnut wings...it's doesn't get much better. Plus you'll get a warranty, and be under 2K.

Just my 2 cents.

[paul_yan]

A 4001v63 would be awesome, however it'll be hard to find one at 2K. I would certainly look into buying a new 4003. The two piece neck, the full with inlays, push pull knob to get vintage tone(or not), walnut wings...it's doesn't get much better. Plus you'll get a warranty, and be under 2K.

Just my 2 cents.

+1

The new 4003 basses from after mid 2009 are the best, quality, function, and aesthetics-wise, in RIC's history.

[rickenbrother]

Welcome to the forum, Tom!
I think a brand new 4003 would be a great choice, especially if you find one made after mid '09.
However, if you do happen to find a V63 like John Biscuti mentions for a really good price, grab it! It might be difficult to find one for under 2K, but sometimes an excellent deal comes along.

[johnallg]

Welcome, Tom! I would like to clarify about the 4004 necks - they are a bit wider across the fretboard but very slim back of neck to top of fretboard, and to me, feel about the same as a "normal" 4003 neck. What is "normal"? Not the slim ones, but not like the chunkier ones Evan talks about. My 2004 4003 is considered chunky, and I have a 4004C, and also 3 other RIcks with necks all over, and there is not THAT big a difference between them all, but then my hands are a bit bigger. Right now used 4004s are going for a bit less than the figure you stated. Keep an eye on the For Sale forum here too.

[VRICKY63]

Brand new , never played, 4003. The perfect bass !

[Renfield]

Welcome, Tom!

There's only one person who can decide if the instrument feels, looks, sounds right for you. I'll give you three guesses whom that might be.

This would be a good place to post a comprehensive list of the "lemon years," or RICs to avoid (if there is there such a thing). Also components (like the infamous tailpiece) to look out for when perusing the used market. Might even be a good "sticky" for the forum.

New is simply a matter of taste. And they don't offer one to suit my taste at the moment. They're currently on a binding with garish inlays kick.

Things I look for when researching used include:
-Tension rod damage (fingerboard separating from neck)
-Lifting tailpiece
-Wing separation (headstock or body)
-Fret wear
-Noisy electronics.

Mind you, not all are deal breakers, just negotiation items. Anyone else care to append this list?

I don't know of any years/models to avoid. Nor am I aware if the moderators would even allow posting such information, if it exists. But I would strongly suggest try before you buy. That's a lot of coin (to me) for a gamble.

Cheers, and best of luck with your search!

[rickenwannabe]

Hey Guys - Thank you very much for the great input! I've never seen such a forum where so many bass players are so knowledgeable, passionate about their instrument and willing to help others. I will take all of your advice with me on my RIC pursuit.

[mikeyesfan]

Hey Guys - Thank you very much for the great input! I've never seen such a forum where so many bass players are so knowledgeable, passionate about their instrument and willing to help others. I will take all of your advice with me on my RIC pursuit.

Welcome Tom..... the search or hunt is the fun..well until you plug it in.
you should check the for sale section here too.

Marks AFG would have been a GREAT way to start Tom off.

[doctorwho]

Welcome, Tom!

Your location isn't specified, but if you are not in too much of a hurry to buy (and if you have some spare time), I would recommend that you check out one of the regional Confluences where you would have the opportunity to play a number of different basses so that you can decide which feels/sounds 'right' for you. Confluences are announced in the "Rickenbacker Conferences and Confluences" section.

If you are ever in the Southern California area, let me or Joey know ... we can let you have a crack at some nice basses ... unfortunately, not for sale, though!

[jps]

Welcome, Tom +1 on your location, as there may be a forumite close enough for you to try some basses from different eras.

[colin]

Hello Tom!

I just got my first Rickenbacker bass a couple of weeks ago. It's a brand new built-in-Jan-2010 fireglo 4003, and I love it! It looks great and sounds even better.

[bottom4]

Simple, buy a 4004...

Welcome, Tom!