Do you think Ric should introduce a budget range bass?

[nukebass]

I don't think budget means you make poor quality gear. I consider the G&L Tribute series to be budget when compared to the American made models, and everyone I've played has been excellent. However, I would rather RIC increase production of the current line up before putting a lower cost guitar out there making it a moot point.

[electrofaro]

not just some cheap spagetti-logo decaled log made in the Bangledeshi Colony on Mars!

Hey, that's were I'm from!

You as well? I never saw you there!

I don't play bass, but I voted no anyway.

[Wiker]

”Budget”. In my mind..
You can buy an expensive car with lots of comfort and luxury, or a more budget friendly one by omitting some of those features. Camera companies make cameras in different price segments, expensive cameras being more advanced with more features.
I see no problem with “budget” basses, less expensive ones with less luxury features – no full width inlays, no binding, nickel instead of chrome, etc. The 4000 was a budget model once upon a time, wasn’t it, compared to the more luxurious 4001?

So, making “budget” models by omitting features and luxury - YES.

Making budget “copies” so that people can get a cheap bass that looks like an expensive one – NO, I don’t see the point. In my mind that would be just as stupid as Nikon making a budget D3, a cheaper camera the looks like a D3. Well, Hofner did do just that, but they probably were in a different situation than Rickenbacker is in.

[jps]

Camera companies make cameras in different price segments, expensive cameras being more advanced with more features.

In my mind that would be just as stupid as Nikon making a budget D3, a cheaper camera the looks like a D3

I wish I could get a professional model digital camera that was not feature laden. All I want is something like a EOS 5D with manual and aperture priority only, and stripped down menus providing what a seasoned photographer really only needs, instead of a camera to cater to every(wo)man.

[haw]

Budget - like an RM1999?

[ram]

Personally I think they are a bargin. Not a super differance between list on other quality instruments.

[jamespaul71]

yes, bring back the s... and don't charge MORE for it!

[Wiker]

Camera companies make cameras in different price segments, expensive cameras being more advanced with more features.

In my mind that would be just as stupid as Nikon making a budget D3, a cheaper camera the looks like a D3

I wish I could get a professional model digital camera that was not feature laden. All I want is something like a EOS 5D with manual and aperture priority only, and stripped down menus providing what a seasoned photographer really only needs, instead of a camera to cater to every(wo)man.

Sort of what I ment – cheaper models by stripping down features. Myself I want a K-7

Personally I think they are a bargin. Not a super differance between list on other quality instruments.

Me too. For $3000, her in Norway (where everything is expensive) I can get 260 packs of cigarettes, or 285 beers in a restaurant, or.. a brand new 4003. When I can get a new Ric for the same money I spend on smoking per year (and even less on ebay), I wouldn’t call it expensive.

[cassius987]

Camera companies make cameras in different price segments, expensive cameras being more advanced with more features.

In my mind that would be just as stupid as Nikon making a budget D3, a cheaper camera the looks like a D3

I wish I could get a professional model digital camera that was not feature laden. All I want is something like a EOS 5D with manual and aperture priority only, and stripped down menus providing what a seasoned photographer really only needs, instead of a camera to cater to every(wo)man.

Jeff, that's exactly how I feel about bass guitar--the perfect one for me would be as spartan as possible without detracting from the best aspects of the design. I'm really the same way with amps. So for me I'd love to see this manifested as a Ric bass, which in my vision would basically just be an S bass with Ric-O-Sound, and potentially a different bridge and no more Horseshoe-style pickup business. Not necessarily what anyone else wants but I thought I'd post this because your comment about the camera really struck a chord with me.

[jps]

I should have stuck with my Canon F1, it would go great with my Markbass F1!

[BAD RONBO, KiLLeR DWaRfS]

never having been one to cast a popular vote, i would vote for a budget bass like the 3000/3001. there are a lot of beginners being honed for the 4000 series basses, but just can't afford it yet, so they'll buy cheap asian for now. why not capture some of the beginner market with a cheaper rick bass ? i'm sure some of you will buy them cause it's another bass from the rick fold...and i'll wager you'll secretly admit...gee...this bass plays better than my 4000 series bass !

[jimk]

Caveat: I'm not a real bass player. I hack around on one. I have an imported student level bass, and I wouldn't advise going that route. My advice would be to be patient, and save up your pennies for a Rick bass if that's what some one really wants. Instant gratification is overrated.
JimK

[MaplegloMatt]

I'm in the revive the 3000/3001 camp. Back in the day, a band mate of mine really wanted a Rickenbacker but we were 18 and money was tight. He bought a model 430 guitar with the bolt on neck and loved it.
So long as any budget guitar or bass is made in the USA then I think it'd work and not tarnish their reputation. However, I think the reality of the situation is that RIC can sell all they can produce right now for almost whatever they ask. Squire and Epiphone have pretty well sewn up the market for anyone wanting a beginner instrument.

[ram]

....Squire and Epiphone have pretty well sewn up the market for anyone wanting a beginner instrument.

exactly - so why even go there? They have distribution and what not completely covered. Besides there is no rule saying you have to finish on the one you start with....

[VRICKY63]

Yes. Build a sweet FG3000 with an E string side thumb rest, Hb1 with coil tap, 1 volume 1 tone pot and a simple quick change bridge/tail. $699. Lets share the Rickenbacker joy