The Prodigal

[bassduke49]

So George, you've not seen the Rickenbacker National Forest?

[jps]

Look at how nice an orderly this forest is; must have been planted by a fanatic!

[ustabawannab]

I'm the guy that benefited from Paul's generosity.

A few years ago I got caught up in the whole TB "if you don't play a fiver you ain't cool" attitude. I bought a new Lakland (also a TB flavor of the day) and shortly thereafter my wife had to change jobs. Something had to go as we adjusted our budget. The Ric was worth more so ...

I was happy to see the MG go to a good home. All I asked was if Paul ever decided to sell, to give me a chance to buy it back.

Though there are folks out there that love their fiver's, I soon discovered they're just not for me. I missed my Ric. I almost had the ability to buy it back in 08 but the economy tanked. I didn't want to sell it again if finances dropped so I had to back away.

Things finally are looking up and it was time to add a Ric to take the load off my Jazz Bass. I found 4004s are everywhere. MF and Sam Ash have MG and JG's 4003s in stock. There's even a really nice used Midnight Blue 4003 on MF for $1715! So many choices and on top of that my wife graciously gave me green light to hit the "reserve". She always felt bad about me having to sell in the first place.

I got to thinking about my old MG and what it would take to get a new 4003 into that setup. Fully shielded. Toaster pup. Bone nut. I decided to take a chance and give Paul a call. I felt a little guilty because I had to back away from my overtures to buy it in '08. I was hoping he'd not hold that against me and give me a shot.

As you can tell by the OP, Paul came through. It was a HUGE treat to play in the forest. I was sooo nervous my hands were shaking.

As for my MG, it was in a time capsule. Looks exactly the same the day it left my house. I took it home, set it up exactly the way I like it and fell in love all over again. Between my JB and the 4003, I have all the basses covered. (pun intended)

Thank you Paul for taking such good care of the MG. By the way if you ever want to sell the maple fb 4004L....

[windchimp]

...looks like some old growth in that forest!

Good on 'ya Paul. There is once again balance in "the force".

[ricmic]

Thanks Bro, that's a great story. Thanks for sharing it. Mark

[rickenbrother]

A very nice story. I hope this person never has to part with that 4001 again!

[Rickenhands]

So George, you've not seen the Rickenbacker National Forest?

I'm jaw dropped at the sight of the Forest. I could stare at that photo all day.

[bassduke49]

There appear to be a lot of newbees here, so for their edification, a tour of the Forest reveals the following species (back of racks to front):
(First rack)
'97 Fireglo 4001V63
'07 Amber Fireglo (COY) 4003
'97 Fireglo 4004L Laredo modified VVT and BEAD tuning
'02 Desert Gold (COY) 4003
'00 Sea Green (COY) 4003

On single stands:

'03 Mapleglo 4004Cii Cheyenne II in reassembly to five-string conversion with VVT mod
'72 "Mink" 4001 (refinished, formerly Mapleglo)
'02 Turquoise 4001V63

(Second rack)
'04 Montezuma Brown (COY) 4003VP (Toaster)
'00 White (refinish) 4001V63
'07 Mapleglo 4003 (Jeff's bass)
'03 "Maplematte" 4001C64
'93 4004C Cheyenne

(Third rack)
'07 Dark Cherry Metallic 75th Anniversary 4003
'08 Blueburst 4004Cii Cheyenne II
'02 Burgundy (COY) 4003
'86 4003 "Shadow"
'89 4003SPC "Blackstar"

I also have three color variants of the Höfner "Beatle Bass"; you can see my musical inspirations on the wall there.

[Rickenhands]

Outstanding, Paul. As a newb, I certainly appreciate your tour. I'm two months into my first Ric (Oct '08 MID 4003), and I can't get enough. I'll soon have another.

Cheers!

[Renfield]

So George, you've not seen the Rickenbacker National Forest?

"Nine-one-one dispatch, what is the nature of your emergency?"

<cough, wheeze> They... uh, they're everywhere!

"Sir, who exactly is everywhere, and what is your condition?"

Rickenbackers. Beautiful, multicolored Rickenbackers standing at attention before the gods of bass. They're every... It's a forest, for heaven's Ssss... <thudding sound of body hitting floor>

"I have dispatched officers to your location. Please be advised, if they do not find Rickenbackers everywhere, you will be subject to arrest. Do you understand? Hello? Sir??..."



Awesome.

[Holmann]

I'm a newbie- 3 weeks in- my inlaws live in Mequon- hint hint.

[bassduke49]

Joshua, next time you are visiting the in-laws in Mequon, get in touch. Of course, I'll have to blindfold you before taking you to the secret cave in which the forest grows.

[Jim Dandy]

Paul - The "Forest" is stunning! Thank you very much for sharing.

[s4001]

Nice job!

[RobRick]

VERY cool! On all levels!!