Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I don't think the 3rd p/u adds enough for the trouble it would take to cleanly add one to an existing bass. There is a definite gain in overtones and harmonics but it doesn't offer any huge tone advantage IMO. That being said, I wouldn't mind seeing Ric offer a 3 p/u 4004 model....maybe the 4004Ciii/5.

how long can we hold our collective breath?

Well, it went for $7,600. Thought it might go higher...

I'da thunk higher as well. Thought about bidding but just couldn't get fired up about spending 8 grand on a bass.

I would have bid to about $8500 but after having contact with the seller I have some serious doubts that it wasn't a scam so I backed off.

I thought you would have scored that one, Brian, given the price...the scam alert went off, eh?

Hi Brian, I also tried to talk to the fella with limited success. I initially did get some communication, but things got a little quiet as we neared crying time. I had to gracefully bow out as I did not feel the "love". I'm thinking most LK guys would be rather chatty about their battle gear.

He may just be a busy fella, but I would think an LK sale at this price range should get a little more consideration. Hopefully all is well and both parties got a good deal.

Brian, one thing that concerned me was the pickup spacing. Old #27 here is loaded with the bridge pup at 1/2" from the bridge. I believe this have something to do with the real nice & nasty bite this baby has when switched to that pup. No other Rick I own has the same attack. When used in conjunction with the Bass Driver or Multi Drive, I can knock the drummer off his throne. He is not a fan of a loud bass so I try to do it as much as I can. As we are a three piece, I get a lot of chances to be bad. Sound is like a big Les Paul power chord.

My 4004ci has a 3" spacing and the ebay LK looks to be in that vicinity. Have you ever had an opportunity to play one with the alternative spacing? If so have you noticed a difference?

On that note, has anyone out there played both versions that can comment on the difference? Oh, and if one did play both, how the heck did you manage that?!! I'm jealous!

The only one I have ever played (or seen in person) is mine so I have no idea of any tonal differences the "other" p/u spacing has. That is one reason that I wanted it!

Initially the seller told me he'd be out of town for a few days and would be back to get me the specific pics I wanted before the auction was over. Also he said he'd be around for me to pick it up in person. Then things changed and he wouldn't be back to next week so I couldn't pick it up and he wouldn't be able to provide the pics. I understand that some people have lives and travel BUT why would you have an auction for a high dollar item during a travel period and not have any resources to get pics taken while you are away (a wife, child, friend)? There are bound to be specific requests on an item like this. The short description, lack of "Rickenbacker" mention, "0" feedback and registered a few years ago with Ebay also made me apprehensive. Something just seemed odd. When I was bidding on the German LK last year the seller was VERY open and responsive to questions and my pic requests......that seemed legit and this one did not. Oh well....

I'm with you on this one Brian. I think it was wise to stay away...