FLAME

[Cavern_Guy]

I'm the owner of the Flamed 4001v63. Had to wait until my RickResource account activated to answer questions.

Concerning the use of the word "custom"... Here is the rest of the story:

In 2000, in a shop in Denver, I spotted a new Flamed 4001v63. I bought it instantly. Sadly, after a few days the neck would not hold any adjustment. The shop said "It's new, so call Rickenbacker." I talked to Rickenbacker customer service (super support). They said send the bass back, which I did. Of course, I'm stressing, "the bass has a flamed top and is unique!!!".

Once the bass arrived at Rickenbacker, they told me the neck is "shot" -- no hope to save the bass. It had to be destroyed. At that point, I was about to cry. But, then the service person said, "We only made one bass like this. I might still have a single piece of wood left, but don't get your hopes up. I'll call you back." After about an hour, he called back and said, "You are very lucky! I have one piece left." So, the bass is not custom, but it was "custom-made." Many thanks to John's service team for going the extra mile.

[berth]

Nice story Gary and welcome to this forum. May I ask why you want to sell such a beautifull bass?

[ajish4]

Welcome Gary,

What an entrance!

WOW.

[Cavern_Guy]

Bert.

First, thank you and everyone that has given her such praise.

My first goal was to determine her value, plus if I decided to sell her I wanted to make sure I sold her to a caring home. Also, I feel a bit guilty because she lives most of her life in a case. A bass this grand should be a "star," rather than a "case guitar."

--Gary

[johnallg]

Welcome Gary,

What an entrance!

WOW.

Yup, agreed! Gary's bass makes my flamey '93 V63 look like plain wood.

[weemac]

It reminds me of a Tabbycat! I kind of want to pat it...
It would have been great if they fitted an Ebony board just this once......

Eden.

[berth]

Gary,

my unplayed basses usually end up being sold, so I can understand your point. Since I am a European I have little* clue about value in the States. I presume my American fellow forumites will chime in. I do know it is lousy selling time at the moment in Europe and as far as I know this is true for America also.
Anyway, good luck with selling it. (But somehow I hope you suddenly appreciate this bass and start playing yourself.)

* this usually ends up with dollar price in numbers being equal to euro price in numbers. But in my country there is not much appreciation for "special" Rickenbacker's. And yours is special.

[Cavern_Guy]

Another question that has been asked...

"What is the serial number?"

The year number is "00."

The serial number is "39869." Being new to RickResource, I am trying to figure out how to upload the picture, but I have one. The photo is on the "other" forum.

--Gary

[sloop_john_b]

[jps]

00h, a secret agent bass!

[incubus2432]

Well if you decide to part it it add me to the list of the interested. I know it won't be cheap but I'm in need of a companion forn my LK and this would be perfect.

[markyl]

That really is unique! And a great back story too, it would have been sacrilege if it had been destroyed.

[cjj]

Welcome to the RRF Gary! That is some gorgeous figuring you've got there, interesting story too! I've got a couple of figured Mapleglo basses myself, and I have to say, that one is nice!

[berth]

Well if you decide to part it it add me to the list of the interested. I know it won't be cheap but I'm in need of a companion forn my LK and this would be perfect.

Will you do the carving yourself?

[incubus2432]

Well if you decide to part it it add me to the list of the interested. I know it won't be cheap but I'm in need of a companion forn my LK and this would be perfect.

Will you do the carving yourself?

No carving.....just the flame will do.