Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

that tailpiece is top notch!
even better than the real thing, to quote some famous band.
I don't want to minimise his other achievements there, but the rest is nothing any good woodworker can't do really.

The real crafmanship is in the tone of the guitar.
But then again, Rics aren't D'Angelico's are they?

He did what he set out to do, I give him credit for producing what he wanted. I can't say that I haven't thought about building one but I have enough project in my boat to keep me busy.

+1 to Todd's comment. Six years means nothing when the project was 5 3/4 years untouched.


About this law discussion:
In free countries nobody will be condemned before committing a crime/ breaking the law. - This is a right like the copyright, too. In case of doubt even a more important right.

When a successor is trying to sell that one and that will break the law by doing that we are in a new game.
But my job is not to prejudge somebody for something he does not have done.

E.g. Martin offers DIY sets - just without the logo on the headstock. So that attitude is different. To have permanently an eye on copyright infringements is part of the game having a high end brand. I know what I am talking about - that is my job BTW.
Never forget: there is not just one way to handle all this copyright stuff.

Hotzenplotz wrote:Never forget: there is not just one way to handle all this copyright stuff.

Like build and not brag.....

If it never sees the light of day outside a few local bars or your music room, who's to know. You could put your name on the TRC,also carve your faker statement in the instrument wood, thus forestalling anyone mistaking it for a real Rick after you pass. Many lust after a 4005, but JH has repeatedly said it is a no-go at RIC. I'm not advocating copying, I'm just saying.

johnallg wrote: Many lust after a 4005, but JH has repeatedly said it is a no-go at RIC. I'm not advocating copying, I'm just saying.

What Ric should do is put out a redesigned hollow body bass. Something new, but with the classic overtones.

I understand that Ric isn't making the 4005 anymore, but WHY? What is it about the production of this gorgeous instrument that makes it impossible to produce again? Excuse my ignorance, but I don't know the backstory. I'd love a 4005, but first, I've never seen one in person, and second, if I cic, I'd never be able to afford one.

The per unit cost of a 4005 would be more than most would pay...and the top horn looks like a donkey's willy.

The sound hole on the Mickenbacker is cartoonishly large and less appealing than the original.

I can't figure out why anyone would want a bass that looks like a toilet seat anyway. The 4005 is ugly. I own seven Rickenbackers. Give a me a 4001/4003/4004 any day.
If I wanted a hollowbody Rick bass, I'd spend the $, cannibalize a 4003 and a 381 or 330, and make one that actually looked pretty.

4005 style with solidbody walnut wings, 4003 center section w/ classic headstock, large inlays and curent 4003 tailpiece with carve after it and no binding. would be less time consuming.

paologregorio wrote:I can't figure out why anyone would want a bass that looks like a toilet seat anyway. The 4005 is ugly. Give a me a 4001/4003/4004 any day.
If I wanted a hollowbody Rick bass, I'd spend the $, cannibalize a 4003 and a 381 or 330, and make one that actually looked pretty.

+1!

Player balance.....guitar body size and a full scale rick bass will not have what you need.

37012player wrote:Player balance.....guitar body size and a full scale rick bass will not have what you need.

I am sure there are ways to make it balanced; sustain block in the heel end of the body, trim the headstock down to a guitar-shaped headstock, et cetera ... and even unbalanced, I would take it.

If I would be a bass player I would build a double bound 4005...

Like Paul said,the price for making one now like the classic one would make it too expensive to market. Plus,it seemed to be a low seller,which was why it was discontinued IIRC. If you really want one you can get a fairly close approximation with the Italia Rimini. (And it doesn't have the donkey's .....)

Hotzenplotz wrote:If I would be a bass player I would build a double bound 4005...

Or a double neck