4003 Blackstar

[rictified]

Very nice bass - that's how a FL fingerboard should be (although the side dots at every half-step drive me bonkers).

What's confusing me is that your wife indicated when she got it that it was a special order, but then later you state that you're the second owner. It sure looks like a one-of-a-kind to me, but the key is whether that's how the bass left the factory or if the previous owner possibly took a fretted bass and made it fretless by switching out the fingerboard rather than pulling the frets and filling. So, as a possible one-of-a-kind, the difference in value between it being factory original and significantly modified is likely quite substantial. As it is, as second owner with no paperwork, you're relying on the word of the previous owner as to it's "special order" status.

Maybe some others could weigh in here, but I've never seen any fingerboard anywhere close to that on a Rick. And the matte finish? Sounds to me like some mods may well have been done. Either way it's a great-looking axe.

I would guess that the fingerboard has been changed. I've never seen any Ric bass fretted or fretless with a fingerboard that light.

[jps]

I would guess that the fingerboard has been changed. I've never seen any Ric bass fretted or fretless with a fingerboard that light.

+1

[bassduke49]

Yes, not one this light and not one with NO position makers on the face. I'll bet it was a pro refit to make it fretless. Nice job, but probably not factory.

[lefty1964]

I have just heard back from rickenbacker that the serial number on the bass is a custom order and if I send pics they will verify what it is, so.... No modifications. I now think my wife has excellent taste in guitars! (not that I didn't think she had good taste before!!!)

[rictified]

I have just heard back from rickenbacker that the serial number on the bass is a custom order and if I send pics they will verify what it is, so.... No modifications. I now think my wife has excellent taste in guitars! (not that I didn't think she had good taste before!!!)

Don't keep us in suspense!

[ilan]

I just love one-offs from RIC. I'm glad it's stock and not a mod.

Although - as the owner of a blank plank fretless Fender Precision - I will add that unmarked boards may look elegant but are less practical than lined boards. On an upright there are signs (natural harmonic nodes, different positions, and of course the neck block at D or Eb) to help navigate. On a bass guitar, if there were no side dots on an unmarked board, I'd be lost. Or adopt a very wide vibrato.