Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Jake, thanks for the reply. I went through that September 2007 thread and came away puzzled as to the various sentiments about the Shadow v. Blackstar. For two basses that have as their main difference only the black fretboard v.the CB, there is quite a divergence of opinion on which is more desirable.

Here's a few quotes from that thread:

“I don't think the Shadow will ever have the same status of other collectables like the Annie, Blackstar, Squire even though there are supposed to be less made.”

“Whatever the price or rarity, these are IMHO the best looking Ric basses ever. Absolutely stunning.” [Shadow owner.]

“After all it's the JH [John Hall?] signature model. It was his weapon of choice as I recall.”

“I'm still surprised that their value isn't more [$2800 in Fall 2007] considering only 50-60 units were produced!” [Potential Shadow owner.]

“I like the Blackstars a lot better.”

And "none more black?" That would seem to be the Blackstar (no CB + black board) not the Shadow.

Go figure. In any event, if it has 4 strings, Paint It Black. And put black strings on it.

Yeah, although I think they're both so rare that a lot of people don't know about both of them, or can't really tell them apart. I think they're both super cool, I just happen to like binding a little more.

Also, besides the fingerboard, the Shadow actually has blacker trim than the Blackstar -- neck pickup bezel, bridge pickup cover, and maybe a few other details are black on the Shadow and chrome on the Blackstar. You know, since it wasn't confusing enough already.

bassduke49 wrote:The Shadow is more like a 4003 with the bound body and neck(?) and stereo output (right?), while the Blackstar (and the Tuxedo and Redneck) are 4003S models (SPC officially) and are mono with no binding. In case you haven't seen them, here are all three SPC models together; Ted Staberow's collection:

Paul or Ted, if you have a slightly higher res of this, I'd love get one to use this as my desktop background.
Stunning shot.

Rick, I'd like to comply, but I really must retain all high-res versions of my photos for use in the book I'm working on. If everyone had access to BIG versions of the shots I've taken, it might limit the appeal of the book. Hope you understand.

rikk wrote:

bassduke49 wrote:The Shadow is more like a 4003 with the bound body and neck(?) and stereo output (right?), while the Blackstar (and the Tuxedo and Redneck) are 4003S models (SPC officially) and are mono with no binding. In case you haven't seen them, here are all three SPC models together; Ted Staberow's collection:

Paul or Ted, if you have a slightly higher res of this, I'd love get one to use this as my desktop background.
Stunning shot.

Paul took that picture at the Milwaukee Confluence. I agree it is a great one. I bought the Blackstar back in '92 for about $600 which seemed like a lot at the time. It came with a cert and all of the case stuff. The Tux came next about 3 years ago as an Ebay purchase. It also has a cert but is not quite as clean as the Blackstar. The Redneck was an indirect Ebay purchase. Marc Seligman bagged it and sold it to me a few weeks later. It is spot on perfect. Not a mark on it. The only thing missing is that new-Rick smell.

bassduke49 wrote:Rick, I'd like to comply, but I really must retain all high-res versions of my photos for use in the book I'm working on. If everyone had access to BIG versions of the shots I've taken, it might limit the appeal of the book. Hope you understand.

For me high res images would work like an apetizer for the book.

bassduke49 wrote:Rick, I'd like to comply, but I really must retain all high-res versions of my photos for use in the book I'm working on. If everyone had access to BIG versions of the shots I've taken, it might limit the appeal of the book. Hope you understand.

Paul, I respect your view. I'm going to buy your book no matter what.

I didn't know what to title this photo.......... "Shadow Bookends" (How decadent) or "Who let the White One In? The prices on the basses have been in flux for the past year. One big reason is that they rarely trade hands and as time goes on they become more desirable. I paid far more than my significant other for my Shadow. I paid close to $3000.00 for it. I took some good natured teasing for paying over $4000.00 for the Tux but that was extenuating circumstances.......birthday present for the significant other. I play guitar.........if you can call it that and I just started playing bass. I have fun playing both at home and with my students. I use the guitars as a form of mental health and as an investment. Do I know all the finite nuances of each guitar? No. However, I am learning. It is just one of my hobbies.

I couldn't leave the others in the cases

Great pics! I also have two Shadows. I got the pup 2 years ago, and the bass last month. I think I spent similar amounts on each ....

drkatherine1 wrote:I didn't know what to title this photo.......... "Shadow Bookends" (How decadent) or "Who let the White One In? The prices on the basses have been in flux for the past year. One big reason is that they rarely trade hands and as time goes on they become more desirable. I paid far more than my significant other for my Shadow. I paid close to $3000.00 for it. I took some good natured teasing for paying over $4000.00 for the Tux but that was extenuating circumstances.......birthday present for the significant other. I play guitar.........if you can call it that and I just started playing bass. I have fun playing both at home and with my students. I use the guitars as a form of mental health and as an investment. Do I know all the finite nuances of each guitar? No. However, I am learning. It is just one of my hobbies.

Doc, if there ever comes a day that you or the siggy other decide to part with a Shadow, please let me know!

Very nice basses! And Jake, that one cleaned up very nicely.

forget the basses, check out that view

Beautiful basses, beautiful view, Dr. K.

I don't mean to bug ya but those stands are a Ricky face-plant waiting to happen. Their center of gravity is too high and they have no locking mechanism. Your Ricks are too nice to risk it.

I have no stock in this company, but you should consider these!

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/ ... sku=450417

bassduke49 wrote:The Shadow is more like a 4003 with the bound body and neck(?) and stereo output (right?), while the Blackstar (and the Tuxedo and Redneck) are 4003S models (SPC officially) and are mono with no binding. In case you haven't seen them, here are all three SPC models together; Ted Staberow's collection:

Man, I am in luv with that redneck Ric.

Can anyone post or direct me to the photo featuring Tom Petty with the red neck?