Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

My first Ric (Fireglo 4003) was bought in December 2001, at the age of 29...so I guess I'm kind of new to the club!

I remember seeing a Ric in a guitar shop in Devon (UK) just after I had started my first band at the age of 17. I thought at the time that one day I would have one of those, and now I do!

UK prices are rather high on Rickenbacker, both on new and used models and left handed versions are a nightmare to find...hence the long wait.

I got mine in October of 2000; I was 24. It's a '76 4001FG. It came with no case, totaly dead strings, and a wad of cat hair in the treble pickup. This bass shares the same month and year as my birthday, so for this being my first Rickenbacker, it has sentimental value.

I got my first one, a '78 4001 that's now a lovely shade of nicotine-glo, in late 1997, shortly after I turned 30. It's subsequently been joined by a '68 4001 (FG), a '93 4003 (JG), a 90-something 360/12 (JG). But the first one still gets the most playing time ...

I was 19 in 1974 when I got my 1st burgandy 480 (a 1973 model).

I was 43 when I finally got a RICKENBACKER in June of 2001! A '01 Jetglow 4003. I've alway loved to hear the tones of a RIC. This is my main bass, and always will be! NOTHING BEATS A RICKENBACKER!!!

I was 15 in 1976 when I picked-up my first Ric - a used 4001MG. It had white binding so I figure it was post '73. I nolonger have that bass :<

In 1985 I bought a 4001V63 MG which I still have and love and just a month ago I picked up a mint 1997 4003 JG. Nice bass!

I was 18 when I found my first Rickenbacker a used '72 4001 in mapleglo, that was in '74. Unfortunately I ruined the neck on that bass by using Rotosounds (not my opinion but documented in a letter I still have from Francis Hall). I sent it back to the factory in '78 and for $150.00 they basically took all the hardware off my bass and put it on a brand new body and neck assembly. So somewhere out there in the world is a Mapleglo 4001 with a '72 serial number and hardware and '78 inlays, binding etc. I wish I hadn't sold it, but did find a '72 4001 in Fireglo two years ago, so I'm happy.

I would love nothing more than to have RIC open a shop that would "fix" aged Ricks and bring them back to spec. I know that some of you here can do that, and that is what I ultimately will have to do for mine. It just would be nice to have the "factory" be able to do it.

I was 16 when I was lucky enough to happen by my '88 360WB and saw a $800 pricetag on it. Sadly I had no money. Two months later I saw it again at the same shop. I asked the guy if I could get it for $550. He said yes! I quickly sold my awfull Les Paul that I had bought new and an old 12 string dreadnaught and looked in my closet for change. I paid about $30 in change alone! 8 years later I still have it. The same place had a 362 6/12 the next year for $900 and I missed out! But in 2000 I got really lucky and found two more Ricks with my name on 'em. A Custom translucent purple '92 330/12 for $630 and a 98' 330 turq for $610. You may not believe me but the turq has A WIDER NECK which I didn't think ever happened on a 330. This makes it the best lead guitar I have ever played.

The year was 1976, I was 14 and bought my first 4001 (a used '74) which quickly replaced my '72 T-Bird and '72 Jazz. It was my fourth bass overall, bought with money I made from a paper route. Since then I've had 12 Rics altogether and currently own a '86 4003, '93 4003S/5 and a '88 620.

Christmas 1967. I was 15 was in a start-up band that played at dances. Had a Harmony electric and fell in love with Rickenbackers at the music store. Woke up Christmas to a brand spanking new Jetglo 450 under the Christmas Tree. Undeniably the BEST present I had ever got (Thank You Dad !)
Been playing it ever since. That's why I joined this forum.

Ah yes...it was 1979 and I was 18. My first real job paid for my first real bass, a new Fireglow 4001. After 3 years of Squire worship with an Ibanez Rick copy I finally had the real thing. Alas it was not to be. Six months later it was stolen at a gig. It was replaced my a used Jetglo 4001 which I stripped and finished in Mapleglo with black pickguard and truss rod cover. I still have the lucite white one. The Roto-Sounds were doing their thing on that neck so I sold it. But your first is always your favorite. I still miss the Fireglo bass, Serial#RI 5051.

i am 26. i got my mapleglo 330bt yesterday. my fiancee got it for me as a wedding present, thanks to the kind folks at pick of the ricks.

Congratulations and Congratulations!

I was 16 back in the mid-80's, my first Ric was a used 4003 bass. Then I saved up for a 620/12. Both in Jetglo.