The Japan-only new limited 4003 with checker binding

[cjj]

I get sticker shock whenever I see the prices here in NZ. A standard 4003 goes for $3600.


Makes the US prices a LOT more palatable. Even the ones in Japan seem like a deal...

[Ontario_RIC_fan]

I can't weigh in much, but having CB added to an instrument should be a minimum cost.

Which just shows that we don't have a clue what these features actually cost RIC to produce.

See this article here from last August. http://www.guitar-bass.net/features/bor ... backer-hq/

[RickyBubba]

Alteast I was honest in saying I couldn't add much! Learning iz gud.

[teeder]

I find it odd that it's completely out of line to offer checker binding on basses because it adds so much to the cost, but the 660's are still offered. Does the added cost hurt the sales of 660's?

I, for one, would gladly pay a premium for a 4001V68 with character maple. As a matter of fact, I'd most likely get 2 if they were done properly.

[loverickbass]

Do you think RIC is missing out big by not having a custom shop?

[sloop_john_b]

Missing out in what way?

[Kopfjaeger]

Do you think RIC is missing out big by not having a custom shop?

I remember JH chiming in on this very topic quite some time ago. I believe he thought RIC was missing out on nothing since RIC is always producing to fill back orders. Now RIC has made limited runs and sold them right from the factory. I remember a few years back a dark Autumnglo run that was called Tobacco something, I think. The 4004 TVY that I use to own was one off that came right from the factory and sold on ebay. So RIC has flirted in the custom shop idea. It's just not very often.

Sepp

[DriftSpace]

Do you think RIC is missing out big by not having a custom shop?

The RIC factory basically produces its full capacity of instruments every day, and has already sold every instrument it produces before they even start making them; they aren't missing anything, financially speaking. RIC seems perfectly happy being a relatively small company operating at full capacity.

[jdogric12]

Do you think RIC is missing out big by not having a custom shop?

The RIC factory basically produces its full capacity of instruments every day, and has already sold every instrument it produces before they even start making them; they aren't missing anything, financially speaking. RIC seems perfectly happy being a relatively small company operating at full capacity.

This.

I see the upcharge from 620/6 to 660/6 is $820 list. Surely CB is most of that. Is it worth it? That would make a 4003 list for almost $3K. Yikes.

[teeder]

Rick may not be missing out of anything, but I am!
Most of my interest in Rick basses is for the look of the older ones. There's nothing cooler in that regards.

[Kopfjaeger]

Rick may not be missing out of anything, but I am!
Most of my interest in Rick basses is for the look of the older ones. There's nothing cooler in that regards.

Big +1 Kevin! The look, the feel and the tone!!

[RickyBubba]

One could turn this around and ask if the demand is so high for CB binding, how many luthiers are offering the service? Can they get a material that is close enough to meet folks tastes?

[vax2002]

They have always done custom runs to export countries.
This is what makes them unique, you can not buy everything they make off the shelf.
You have to hunt down those exclusive runs and get your hands on them.
Personally if you could just tick box every model made, the brand loses kudos.
They cost, because lots of work using home labour paying living wages goes in to the instruments, no budget, no Chinese knock offs.Rickenbackers are Rickenbackers, you either want one or not.
I am sure some of these wildcard basses will be hunted down, thats the fun of it to me.
What can you find.

I walked in a shop a few years back to see a red and black 4003's with black hardware hanging in the wall. the excitement of seeing such a rare model made me drag my credit card out.
It was mine and I would have fought to the death for it.
What other brand has this attraction.
Get hunting and find the Coupe de Ville hunted down.
If yiu want a tick box options instrument, buy a Fender.

[Captain Bob]

So close to a V68...........

And, that will be for the Japanese market too....

[DriftSpace]

http://www.guitar-bass.net/features/bor ... backer-hq/

Thanks very much for this article, Brian.
$200,000 for a cubic meter block of checkered binding from Italy; that's a pricey hunk of plastic.