Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Richard, its tempting.

If one could buy a new 4003 from a USA store for 1200 USD, pay UPS to ship it to the UK, about 300 USD, then pay import and VAT tax on the whole deal, about another 20%, making a total of about 1800 USD, which is just about the price of a new 4003 if one really looks hard and twist an arm or two.

Of course being an honest upstanding chap I would never dream of buying a new 4003 in the US and bringing it back without paying the tax. That very illegal route would certainly save quite a lot of money...

If you bought it (physically) in the U.S. you'd have to pay the tax there. Then customs charges, etc. upon re-entry.

Holy ....! You have to pay 20% tax? Ouch.

Ehhh, just ship an old beat case to the US, come over and buy a new 4003, put it in the case, take it with you on the plane, saying it is your usual gigging bass! Did I advocate that?!?!

I have to echo Mark Gilbert's statement on the 4004 necks - my 4004Ci has a very front to back narrow neck that is a joy to play. And I though my 4003 (bigger neck) was comfortable! {Which it is, of course.}

There would be no warranty bringing it back from the US either Bob. Hopefully you wouldn't ever need it, but there have been a couple of tales of woe told here, by people with no warranty.

Kevin, the VAT and import duty together really would be over 20%.

And I thought 15% was bad!