Full width inlays on new basses?

[rickfan63]

I've said repeatedly that I wasn't going to buy another bass, but those walnut wings, and full width inlays are starting to make me reconsider.

[rickaddict]

WOW!!

Great job, RIC!!

Now we'll be able to see those cool shark fin inlays from across a football field!

Hmmmm...what could be next?

[markbass99]

Can a V68 be too far behind.....? One more step....or two....other than the CB ......the C64 is using a tailpiece that looks period acurate......

[cheyenne]

I'd hate to have a 4003 on order right now. Who know's what you'll get.

[86kubicki]

Wow, this is incredible - well done RIC!

[ajish4]

This is so cool.

[bosco64]

Oh, no! It looks like I'm gonna have to dip into my 401K! My dealer does have a midnight blue 4003 on order... Great job RIC!!!!

[tmossman]

Um......wasn't the idea to REDUCEthe backlog?

[doctorwho]

All I can say is "WOW!"!

[86kubicki]

Um......wasn't the idea to REDUCEthe backlog?

I wonder if these new inlays might actually help to speed production as the inlays are no longer poured (which sounds like a more time consuming process).

[JakeK]

I'm gonna have to buy me a 4003 FG when I get the money!

[jps]

Hooray to RIC! Nice to see these features being restored, nothing like the great, classic, iconic look!

[jingle_jangle]

Um......wasn't the idea to REDUCEthe backlog?

I wonder if these new inlays might actually help to speed production as the inlays are no longer poured (which sounds like a more time consuming process).

Bingo.

[paologregorio]

Wasn't it stated the new routs for the also-routed inlay material is a lot shallower, thus not weakening the fretboard like the old deeper cuts?

Yup. The new material is not as thick as the old poured inlays, so the routs are not as deep. My own belief is that, although full-width inlays probably do decrease total strength of the neck, it should be remembered that the neck of a Rick (bass or geetar) is very shallow and incredibly weak without a fretboard. Once a fretboard is glued on top, it becomes a tension/compression member, and actually gains strength from the presence of the two truss rod channels, although substantial material is remove in the process of routing them.

Anyway, this discussion is now history:

DSC06335sm.jpg

DSC06340sm.jpg

DSC06336sm.jpg

Was that a hidden camera factory tour?

[tmossman]

I don't disagree that the new process is more than likely well thought out and designed to improve production and thereby reduce the backlog. My joke/comment was referring to the number of posters who specifically stated something along the line of "...I wasn't planning on buying a new Ric BUT now.....WOW" etc.


I promise to use the proper emoticon next time.