Those Silver Tolex Ric cases.....

[pflash4001]

I'm glad I found this thread. I just picked up my third Ric about 2 days ago. I haven't dated it yet (there are other issues with dating it that I'll address in another thread) and I need to find a case for this bass. I personally love the aesthetics of the silver/blue tolex cases. In fact, I'd love to see if anyont could restore the original silver case for my '68 4001 that was at one point my grandfather's bass. I also have a '79 4001 in the black/red tolex case. I have been looking for a fitted black case for this 4000, but wanted to make sure that the bass would fit in it. I know my '68 doesn't fit in the black case. The headstock is too long. I'd still like a black tolex, but if the 4000 doesn't fit it, will the SKBs fit ANY Ric model year? These cases aren't cheap and I want to make sure that I get an appropriate case to protect this great bass. Mr. Hall, thanks for your input on this topic!

[ilan]

I have been looking for a fitted black case for this 4000, but wanted to make sure that the bass would fit in it. I know my '68 doesn't fit in the black case. The headstock is too long. I'd still like a black tolex

Get a 70's Fender "amp logo" hardshell case. They are slightly longer than the Ric cases. My '73 4001 lives happily in one of those.

[pflash4001]

I have been looking for a fitted black case for this 4000, but wanted to make sure that the bass would fit in it. I know my '68 doesn't fit in the black case. The headstock is too long. I'd still like a black tolex

Get a 70's Fender "amp logo" hardshell case. They are slightly longer than the Ric cases. My '73 4001 lives happily in one of those.

But is it fitted? I don't really want the bass sliding around in there...

[ilan]

It protects Fenders fine, should do the same for a Ric. You can probably find a 70's amp logo case in a nearby music store, try it out. Or get one off eBay and if you don't like it, resell.

[DriftSpace]

I will concede that the feet of the SKB's are more delicate, however, SKB has done some work to beef that area up. The case sizes on some models have also been increased recently to add more padding between the instrument and the valance.

Mr. Hall, would you care to elaborate on this, please? What has been done to "beef up" the support for the case feet, and when did the improved cases start shipping with new RIC instruments?