So, how many would like to see a '68 Reissue with all the

[Ric N. Backer]

...with all the trimmings?

Tell us why and what you think it should look like.

Post a pic or two, as well.

Two-piece laminate neck construction?

Checker-binding?

Larger treble-surround with large scallop radius?

Clear thumb-rest?

21-fret board?

Something has to take the C64 basses place. May as well start stuffing the stocking full of ideas.

[sloop_john_b]

Well, the 21-fret board was only around from '70-'71 (maybe one or two from '69 as well?).

One of the best features of the '68 is the crushed pearl inlays and it is unlikely that we will ever see another instrument from the factory with them, as it has been deemed "unobtanium".

[teeder]

Put me down for one.
One piece neck and 20 frets.

John is correct. 21 fretters were only from late '69 to early '71.

The lack of crushed pearl inlays would be a bummer, though.

[superdick2112]

How about one of these instead?

http://www.evintagebassguitar.com/wp-co ... DEWAYS.jpg

No crushed pearl or binding to to slow down production, but I would imagine some of the hardware bits could be problematic....
I'm willing to bet I'm not the only one who would be all over this re-issue.

[rickaddict]

My ideal V68 would have a hi-gain in the bridge and a one piece neck...like this one:

http://www.rickresource.com/register/vi ... lebrity%3D

A re-issue of the late 50's/early 60's 4000 would be nice too.

[spongebob]

I'd like to see a new Ric, or a glut of 4004cii's to bring the price down!

[aceonbass]

The two piece neck really does a lot to fix a problem a lot of older Ricks have, and that's a shallow neck angle. If you take a look at a lot of early bass bridges, you'll see the saddles are slotted quite deep to compensate for this, which also throws off the intonation. That big route in right behind the edge of the fretboard combined with the fact that the bottom of the fretboard sits right on the same level as the body makes this worse. I think the structural and design improvements to these basses should stay. All you need is checkered binding and a few parts to make a current 4003 into a "V68" anyway. As an aside, I think RIC should drop the 4003 moniker and go back to 4001. People STILL look at the new basses and think they're 4001's. As a model number, it's as iconic as names like Precision, or Les Paul.

[Ric N. Backer]

How about one of these instead?

http://www.evintagebassguitar.com/wp-co ... DEWAYS.jpg

No crushed pearl or binding to to slow down production, but I would imagine some of the hardware bits could be problematic....
I'm willing to bet I'm not the only one who would be all over this re-issue.

I agree, totally. I started a tread about reissuing that sweet little honey.

[Ric N. Backer]

V68 - before it's too late!

[wints]

Cough...Splutter..Absolutely not! A RI would surely make my genuine '68 worthless...

RIC must be allowed to let their vintage models preserve their heritage unmolested!

[VRICKY63]

Whatever Rickenbacker re-issues I would like it to have a 1 5/8" nut width.

[Ric N. Backer]

Cough...Splutter..Absolutely not! A RI would surely make my genuine '68 worthless...

RIC must be allowed to let their vintage models preserve their heritage unmolested!

It'll actually increase the value and desirability of the originals.

[s4001]

Cough...Splutter..Absolutely not! A RI would surely make my genuine '68 worthless...

RIC must be allowed to let their vintage models preserve their heritage unmolested!

Yeah, a real 57 Pbass doesn't cost a thing these days.

[wints]

Cough...Splutter..Absolutely not! A RI would surely make my genuine '68 worthless...

RIC must be allowed to let their vintage models preserve their heritage unmolested!

It'll actually increase the value and desirability of the originals.

Yeah, just jesting Robert. I don't recall the V or C series affecting prices of RM 1999 models.

Ditto Fender/Gibson etc.

[maplered]

I'd love to see a V68 but with a horseshoe and the big surround. I love the way that looks. I realize that you could just buy a 4003 and upgrade it. That is at least a very good option.

I was never crazy about the early 4000's, no offense to any owners out there. I like my Ric basses w/ 2 pickups.