Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

"And they could do a run of more 4001CS models and charge $2000 per bass and they would sell ..."

I hope not. I'd prefer that my 4001CSLH keep increasing in value.

I am curious what the ratio of 4003:4004 models are ordered from dealers.

I guess in some ways it's good that some of these things have been discontinued because I would keep dreaming of getting one of each... I feel blessed with the Rickenbackers I have to play and write music with. But- that kid in you that dreams- it would be cool to have one of each of your favorite stuff, maybe if you're rich and have nothing better to do..
But sometimes, and due to the limits of your pocketbook, the dream is better than the real thing.. Being an avid hobbyist, I hold with that theory with old Lionel Trains too.
Maybe I should play powerball more...

Oh yea, and the 4003 should stay just as it is.. It's just a classic. ( bridge, ric-o-sound and all. )

there's a life lesson in here somewhere...

Well, can I buy the parts from Rickenbacker to make a 4003 into a 5 string? I might be okay with that.

As for missing out on the 4003S/5, I just couldn't get to it it time ($$$ issues, of course). It just didn't occur to me it would be discontinued. It's impossible to predict that kind of thing.

Maybe a notice from Ric that "Due to slow sales we will take FINAL orders for 4003S/5's. Last call!". Otherwise, it just happens one day and it's all over.

Last call at the Ric-O-Saloon!!!!!!!!!

Good point.

Paul ... to turn a 4003 into a 5 string ... you need to do a few things ...

1 - change the tuners from the big ones to the smaller schaller ones.

2 - drill a hole and add a new tuner

3 - replace the nut with one cut for 5 strings.

4 - replace the neck pickup with a toaster

5 - change the treble pickup from 4 pole to 5 or more poles

6 - modify the tailpiece to accept the 5th string

7 - modify or replace the bridge

that's a fairly complicated process ... certain parts are hard to come by and may have to be custom built.

Doing a 4003 into an 8 string would be easier.

and doing a 4004 or 2000 series bass is easier because fewer components need to be modified.

Jeff,
I am going to take you up on that 8-string one day so I can send the Hamer 12 into retirement. As much as I love it, I'm sure I would love a 4003/8 a lot more!

or even a 4003S/12 ala surfrat.

Do you think a Ric neck could hold 12 strings? It does have a double truss rod, as does my Hamer, but I know the Hamer has a very special neck construction in order to hold all of that tension...talk about tight spacing!

12 strings on a 4003 ... sorry not enough room on the neck for that many strings and not enough room in the headstock for that many tuners ... go buy a Hammer ...

But what about turning a 4004CII5 into a 4004CII-10 .... heheheh that would be cool ... the headstock and neck could take it ... the problem is that would be an expensive custom bridge ...

Is a 4003 neck strong enough for 8 strings ... sure ... heck my 1968 has round wound strings ... it has been stressed past its design specs since 1973 till today and it does fine ... if ric 4 string neck can support 5 strings then 8 should be no problem ... this will require a truss rod adjustment ...

Warning these mods will void your Ric Warranty ...

I think any of those mods would void a warranty, plus I wasnt serious about it holding 12 strings anyway, I think I know better than that! And I already have a HAMER.

Thanks, Jeff. I guess it looks like a used 4003S/5 is a better route to go! (though entirely unpredictable).