Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Perhaps but I think the moment has passed. The cat is out of the bag, as it were. Though a few of you knew what he was up to, Peter deliberately maintained radio silence on that bass. Knowing what a rarity it is, he wanted to protect his chances. At it turned out, so many things went wrong that had his intentions been known, he could have lost it to another buyer. The boat-load of cash it took to land it actually got lost between the banks for quite some time. He had paid but CME could not verify it. Technically, anyone could have stepped in and bought it out from under him. His silence allowed for a nice element of surprise in the early part of the thread.

It's all those little disasters that make this story so compelling. I have found myself at the mercy of fate on a couple of purchases. I have about a 50% win/loss on things working out. This caper was wrought with perils.

Peter, what about this 4005 made her so attractive to you? I am not real familiar with the 4005, but she seems to have an enthusiastic following. How did you happen upon her and had you been looking long? Where there times when you thought about forgetting the whole idea?

I always liked the look of the 4005 but could never find a lefty one (no wonder when they only ever made two of them). I was talking to Scott Silver from CME about how difficult it was to find quality lefty gear and out of the blue he said that he had a lefty 4005 in stock. When I regained my posture we negotiated a price and I gave a hefty cash deposit there and then not even knowing if it really existed or what condition it was in if it did exist, the balance was to be paid by bank transfer within 30 days (My bank sent it 3 days later, but it was nearer 60 days before CME received the money - I didn't want them to think that I wasn't going to pay up and for them to advertise it on the open market). Originally I was going to have it shipped to the UK, but Graham Griffiths (who has a really nice Ric collection) had had one shipped to a hotel where we were staying in Texas in 2004 and it arrived with the headstock hanging off. I really didn't want this to happen for two reasons...

1, It is an irreplaceable bass.
2, I had just paid out more for it than I paid for my first house!

I know that others have said this before but they play so well, they are as light as a feather and the variety of sounds that you can get from them astounded me. I have had other semi basses in the past (Gibson EB2 for example) which tend to sound very bottom endy and woolly, but the 4005 has deep bass, mid grunt and highs. If you have never played one then find one and try it -you will be an instant convert!

Quote:- Where there times when you thought about forgetting the whole idea? NOT FOR A SECOND!

Peter, you and the 4005 now HAVE TO join us next year in Virginia.

OUCH!

My mouth just watered when I saw that photo.
Very beautiful collection.
Where did you get the finish done for the baby blue?

Edgar, only one is mine. The picture is from MARC day 11/05/05. The blue boy belongs to John Wi.

Perhaps John Wi. would chime in to tell us of its' creation..

Peter, as is the case here, life can be so fateful. The accidental way you found her, and the determined way you pursued her is fascinating. Your description of the emotion you felt as a casual conversation revealed an at best, once in a lifetime opportunity, was priceless. Been there, done that, WHOOOPIEEE!!!

Then comes life trying to stop you, and finally, success. Not the cure for cancer mind you, but great stuff.

I often feel I must keep my bass acquisition stories to myself, as most humans would not understand. Thank you for sharing your story, I understand and admire your passion for the art form, "bassesmaximess".

J Gary, I think that we are all in the same boat here regarding searching for the Holy Grail, tell us your tales of conquest, I want to read them!