New RIC 4004Cii Special

[aceonbass]

Although it's a nice bass, I didn't think it would sell with such a high starting bid and the outdated one piece neck. I will guess that if it had had a two piece flamey neck like my Cii, pickups in the 4002 position and coil tapping capabilities, it MIGHT have sold for it's possible prototype status. As it was, I think it was just too close to an MB 4004 for anyone to pay almost three grand for.

[Ivan3000]

Good point Dane.
Also, What makes the two peice neck more stable than the one peice? The two peice is vertical right. Because my hofner has what looks like a negative parabolic arc and I don't think thats what you guys are reffering to.

[cjj]

It's the way the individual pieces are cut and glued together. If you do it right, the different pieces counteract the "bend-ability" of each other and end up a lot stronger than a single piece. (there's a lot more to it than that, but that's a simplified explanation that should get the point across)...

[cassius987]

What CJ said.

Because my hofner has what looks like a negative parabolic arc and I don't think thats what you guys are reffering to.

Your Hofner might be like my dad's and be a multilaminate, which can be quite strong in some cases.

[heinpete]

And... NO BIDS!

I think that's a first, a one-off that didn't sell...

...I wasn't allowed!

[2ndHand72Rick]

I like the one offs ive seen from rick lately.But to be honest,It really wasnt that special.I also agree with Dane that if it would have had a 4002 or a jazz bass pickup spacing.It would have probably got alot of attention.

[ilan]

to be honest,It really wasnt that special

The one-offs don't have to be all that different from standard production models to be attractive. Sometimes it's a small detail that makes it very special.

I still regret not buying the ric-outlet 4003 in bright pearlescent white w/BT, half-inch neck pickup spacing and 70's style (hump-less) pickguard with sharp corners that was on eBay last October - no fancy woods or anything, but perfect for my taste.

[heinpete]

to be honest,It really wasnt that special

... and 70's style (hump-less) pickguard with sharp corners that was on eBay last October - no fancy woods or anything, but perfect for my taste.

...you're right, the current hump back whale pickguard is a pain in the a.. (eh, eyes)! I can't see any reason behind , not altering back to the '70 style, unless RIC has a huge stock of the current one to be finished first .

[superdick2112]

I still regret not buying the ric-outlet 4003 in bright pearlescent white w/BT, half-inch neck pickup spacing and 70's style (hump-less) pickguard with sharp corners that was on eBay last October - no fancy woods or anything, but perfect for my taste.

Of all the one-offs, the pearl white 4003 was my favorite as well.
That particular bass would have been perfect for me too. IIRC, the description stated that the pearlescent white would not yellow over time - a quality I value - as I really don't like the look of an aged white finish. If Ric ever offers the 4003 in white with BT again, I will be ordering one the minute I hear about it.
I didn't bother bidding because I thought the sale price was going to be much higher, but hindsight being 20/20, I really should have tossed my hat into the ring.

[ricosound]

Both of my 4004 5-string conversions have variations on the 4003 tailpiece. I've also routed a few customers stock 4004's for the stock 4003 tailpiece/bridge assembly.

...or just use a Hipshot for the look.

[aceonbass]

The Hipshot can't be adjusted wide enough.

[aceonbass]

...you're right, the current hump back whale pickguard is a pain in the a.. (eh, eyes)! I can't see any reason behind , not altering back to the '70 style, unless RIC has a huge stock of the current one to be finished first .

Agreed, but the current guard can be reshaped to resemble the earlier guard. It takes about 20 minutes with a Dremmel/sanding drum, 800 grit sanding paper, and polishing compound.

[coolhandjjl]

I've read mention of this 'double hump' pickguard that is an issue for many. Looking at them, I am not seeing it. What am I looking for?

[ilan]

It's below the switch. The Jetglo (L) is pre-hump, the Fireglo (R) has it.

Minutia, but once you notice it, you can't not notice it.

[coolhandjjl]

Damn! Now I gotta fix one of mine

I'll never be able to look at it the same again until I do