The Japan-only new limited 4003 with checker binding

[matbard@me.com]

http://www.rickenbacker-jp.com/news/201 ... -fb-cb.php

[iiipopes]

You know, I love my 4002, my 360-12, and my 320. I don't currently have any plans to purchase another RIC instrument. But if these instruments were available domestically, I just might. My personal opinion is that Mr. JH should make these models available in the USA as well. I have always considered that checkerboard is one cosmetic detail that sets RIC apart and above the rest of the manufacturers, and the home market should be taken care of first.

[DriftSpace]

viewtopic.php?f=68&t=412153

I'm not sure if you missed the above thread, but there's also a metallic Jetglo with checker binding and mirrored plastic which is exclusive to Japan.
Word has it that a similar instrument in pearl white is headed there as well...

[Gilmourisgod]

Arrrgggghhhhh! I am a complete sucker for the checkerboard binding. Dare I ask what they are getting for these from Japan? Serious GAS for a Jetglo with checkerboard. Just kill me now and spare me the pain.

[DriftSpace]

Serious GAS for a Jetglo with checkerboard. Just kill me now and spare me the pain.

Metallic Jetglo, even.

One shop in Japan quoted me around $2,500, shipped to the US.

[RickyBubba]

Check E-bay. The Hiroshima dealer had about 5 or 6 listed the other day. Not cheap..

[DriftSpace]

eBay basses are overpriced; I've done business with Ishibashi Music, and had a great experience, so I'd personally save $1,000 and deal with them as opposed to eBay.
Ikebe Gakkai was significantly cheaper than eBay after shipping to the USA as well.

[loverickbass]

What is it about Japan that RIC has to kiss their butts all the time? Why no checkered love for North America?

[cjj]

The word is...
http://www.rickenbacker.com/forum/viewt ... a0#p174774

[loverickbass]

We live in a country where we pay almost 4k for a Les Paul standard, I think we can handle some checkered binding.

[bottom4]

Sorry, I support most everything RIC states, I'm current living in Germany and I simply don't believe that statement to be correct. I say try limited editions in the US at higher prices...

[Ontario_RIC_fan]

Sorry, I support most everything RIC states, I'm current living in Germany and I simply don't believe that statement to be correct. I say try limited editions in the US at higher prices...

They did Andy. 50 Units of a 4001S bass, a 1996 reissue and a "GH" FG 360/12 for Guitar Centre.

They got nothing but grief on the forums for their efforts. (and as a result John Hall no longer posts anything here).

They are also offering these same instruments for Japan - but with much less acrimony I bet.

http://www.rickenbacker-jp.com/news/201 ... l-1996.php

[Kopfjaeger]

You know, I love my 4002, my 360-12, and my 320. I don't currently have any plans to purchase another RIC instrument. But if these instruments were available domestically, I just might. My personal opinion is that Mr. JH should make these models available in the USA as well. I have always considered that checkerboard is one cosmetic detail that sets RIC apart and above the rest of the manufacturers, and the home market should be taken care of first.

Big +1!!

[Kopfjaeger]

The word is...
http://www.rickenbacker.com/forum/viewt ... a0#p174774

Ugh! And this is one of the reasons why JH is so endearing to most everyone. He's got a knack of annoying people with his words. I hear his dad was not this way, quite the opposite I'm told. Unfortunate, it really is.

Sepp

[electrofaro]

Ugh! And this is one of the reasons why JH is so endearing to most everyone. He's got a knack of annoying people with his words.

As someone who sells a brand name to musical instrument dealers I can tell you JH is quite right and on the spot. The people who are really annoying are those that make remarks without any experience of the topic! Sometimes I do get why he stopped posting here.