New (old) bass

[jps]

That looks great, Ron!

I love the figuring in the fingerboard, especially.

[MaplegloMatt]

Very nice, Ron. That refin by Paul looks amazing.

I have to agree with Jeff, there's alot to be said for keeping a 4003s the way it was created.

Now that's the stuff I'm talkin' about! Great job by Paul, and great job executing your plan, Ron.

And I have to give you a huge HIGH FIVE for leaving a 4003S as it was intended.

Out of the 25 Rick basses I've owned, none are more comfortable, have better necks, or sound better than my '87 4003S's. None. IMO, 4003S's should remain the way they were when they left the factory. They don't need plexi TRC's, pick guards that go to the surround, 1/2 spaced toasters (or any toaster for that matter), horseshoe pickups, or walnut wings.

Sure, the RM1999 is a cool bass, as are all of it's re-issues. But the 4003S is not one of them. What it is, is a fantastic bass in it's own right.

and if I ever did modify my '89 4003s it would be to modernize it in a subtle way. (push/pull tone pot and adjustable pole pieces)

[Ric N. Backer]

That's one sweet looking bass. Congrats & enjoy!

[Lefty4003S8]

WOW!!!! NICE 4003s!!!!! Blue is my favorite color, and that is one beautiful shade!!!!

And like others here......I LOVE the old "S" basses. Much more than the deluxe 4001/4003's.



Lefty4003s8

[aceonbass]

I remember when Ron bought this bass. We were both eying this bass at Bass Northwest, and I decided to buy his 4004MID instead, which gave him the scratch to buy this bass. He told me way back then he wanted it to be refined in trans blue of some sort and it's finally good to see that it's back in his hands exactly as he invisioned it.

[songdog]

This has to be one of the most stunningly beautiful musical instruments I have ever seen. No offense to the many other lovely basses I've seen here, but that blue over the figured maple is heavenly....

The only problem I can see with it is constantly having to decide: pick it up and play it? or just admire it?

[rickenbrother]

The only problem I can see with it is constantly having to decide: pick it up and play it? or just admire it?

Not a problem. It's meant to be picked up and played as well as admired.

[Grey]

The body on this one is certainly different. The shape of the curves and rounded edges, size of the horns etc.

[ram]

The dream lives! Great job Paul, congratulations Ron... as to admire or play... play it in front of a mirror!?!??

[gearhed289]

OH man!!! Very very nice! Congrats. My favorite bass in a killer finish.....

[jingle_jangle]

This project took a bit longer that is usual for me, because the FIRST time I painted it, it developed a flaw on an edge in the buffing process. As many of you may know, touching up a see-through finish is nigh impossible to do, undetectably.

Without a second thought, I stripped the entire bass (except for the fretboard) to bare maple a second time, and redid the finish, no extra charge to Ron, except in delayed delivery.

I think that if anyone pays their hard-earned cash for a refinishing job, they should get the benefit of the highest standards of which I'm capable. These sorts of things come up once or twice a year, but I don't hesitate to re-do something that I'm not satisfied with.

[jdogric12]

Looks great! Well done!

I'll be by this weekend to see it, Ron!!!!

[bosco64]

This project took a bit longer that is usual for me, because the FIRST time I painted it, it developed a flaw on an edge in the buffing process. As many of you may know, touching up a see-through finish is nigh impossible to do, undetectably.

Without a second thought, I stripped the entire bass (except for the fretboard) to bare maple a second time, and redid the finish, no extra charge to Ron, except in delayed delivery.

I think that if anyone pays their hard-earned cash for a refinishing job, they should get the benefit of the highest standards of which I'm capable. These sorts of things come up once or twice a year, but I don't hesitate to re-do something that I'm not satisfied with.

+1000. Paul was a joy to work with and kept me up to date with the progress. When he told me about the flaw, I wasn't upset because I know Paul wants to do the job correctly. Seeing his work past and present, I had no doubt that my guitar was in his talented and capable hands; I knew the final results would be amazing, and I was right.

Yeah, the shape is a little different...when I put it in the vintage case i bought for it, it's a tight squeeze in there. It plays very well, but I'm experiencing a little fret buzz on the 3rd fret with the E string and a slight dead spot on the 8th fret of the E string as well. Just got to tweak it a little more...

Jason, bring over your soldering gun and epoxy...we got a bridge pickup to put back together!

[johnallg]

These sorts of things come up once or twice a year, but I don't hesitate to re-do something that I'm not satisfied with.

Honorable.

[BrockBNoe]

I absolutely love blue ricks. Any of the blues are great looking, the only color I like better is white. Awesome bass you've got there, i'm certainly jealous