Do you think Ric should introduce a budget range bass?

[aceonbass]

Any RIC that has a an FG, or any other standard finish, is not going to be budget. 1/3 of the time it takes to build a RIC goes into the finish. An oiled finish would be much easier and cheaper to to. I do like the idea of a single humbucker with a push-pull coil tap for a tone control and a volume though. I don't think they should bother with a short scale though as so few people buy them. I don't think there's any way something like this could be produced in this country, at least not in expensive Orange County, for $699.00 either. Although the RIC factory works at maximum output for the labor force they have, they are not at maximum output for the space they have. There is still room to expand in house.

[ricmic]

I voted no. I think Ric should keep doing what they're doing. It works. I had to shell out a bit for my v63. Perhaps to much some might say, but I got "exactly" what I wanted. That, I believe, is the bottom line here. Mark

[4003]

I voted NO. I think Cadillac tried that once. Anyone remember the Cadillac Cimarron? Anybody like it? I didn't think so. There are too many other bass manufacturers that produce "decent" low-to-mid range instruments. To me, I always saw Rickenbacker as a step up. I was excited when I was finally able to own a Rickenbacker bass. Some things are worth working for.

[jps]

I'm still waiting for that Indonesian built budget Ferrari.

[antipodean]

I'm still waiting for that Indonesian built budget Ferrari.

The way Europe is heading, Ferrari may well be owned by an Indonesian company within a few years....

[weemac]

I actually voted maybe.
Provided that the "maybe" was a 4000 and built in the same factory. However one nicety would be standard fitment of a HSRI pickup....
I fully understand that there is little chance of that, and thats fine too!

Eden.

[jps]

I'm still waiting for that Indonesian built budget Ferrari.

The way Europe is heading, Ferrari may well be owned by an Indonesian company within a few years....

Nah, the Italians will do the right thing and let Ford buy Ferrari like they we going to do in the '60s.

[Rickenhands]

I voted NO. I think Cadillac tried that once. Anyone remember the Cadillac Cimarron? Anybody like it? I didn't think so. There are too many other bass manufacturers that produce "decent" low-to-mid range instruments. To me, I always saw Rickenbacker as a step up. I was excited when I was finally able to own a Rickenbacker bass. Some things are worth working for.

Nice analogy, Bob. I agree. I wonder why some folks want a budget Ric. As you pointed out, there are plenty of other (worthy) budget basses out there. Some things just aren't destined to be 'budget.' It has nothing to do with being snotty, and it has everything to do with quality. I wanted a Ric because it simply felt/sounded/played better than other models (and I idolized McCartney, Geddy, Squire, etc...growing up). It was an easy pick for me over the Fender Jazz and Music Man.

Peace to all.

[cjj]

People always say stuff like "Sure, they should come out with a budget model so that those who don't have enough money can buy a cheaper version and get the "Rick experience" I seriously have to wonder, if they produced a low priced model could it really be the Rick experience?

[rickenbrother]

CJ, stop making so much sense!

[FretlessOnly]

Well, as I posted in another thread, my first experince with a Rick was with a 3000 series in December 1980, and I would advocate fully for "full Rick experience" as a result of that. It's the reason I played a 4001 for 17 years and then got back into things about two years ago.

[spongebob]

It's a no from me as well.!

Here in the UK, where Rics are more scarce, they are seen as special, and not the norm.

I love the basses, and I made an informed choice to buy one - we all know they don't come cheap, it's not some off-the-peg P-clone.

Making the break to buy my first Ric was something special - you really felt like you'd achieved something after lusting after one for so long.

If there was a budget range, I feel that the kind of feeling would be lost. The jump wouldn't be so big.

The car analogy above is good - you don't see Rolls Royce or Bentley knocking out a cheap alternative. People who own them I'm sure would object!

If buyers want a cheaper Ric, buy a used one!

[rickaddict]

I answered maybe, because it depends on what we mean by "budget range bass."

The 2000 and 3000 series were considered "budget" models and they have many fans.

I absolutely wouldn't want to see a Made in China 4003 clone. But some sort of less expensive new model made in the U.S. would be welcome. Maybe save on production costs by forgoing binding and using a bolt-on neck. Maybe an easier/less expensive to apply finish would help. Maybe no Rick-O-Sound.

Sure...Why not?..Let's do this!

[86kubicki]

The margins for RIC on a budget bass would be pretty small - would it really be worth their while? I think it makes more sense for them to add a "premium" bass in their regular line (CJ's recent 4003 "one off" would be a good example with which to start a discussion). This would involve smaller production numbers than a budget bass, but the profit per unit would be higher.

[cassius987]

Right Steve--I think your suggestion makes a lot more business sense for RIC at this time, whether any of us like that or not.