Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

jps wrote:

rickenbrother wrote:

sloop_john_b wrote:Jeez, really Joey? What do you have, like 12 Cheyenne's?

No, just two!

Yeah, but they are both 5 strings!

No, those are the Cii/5's!!
Okay, I have 4 Cheyennes if you include the 5'ers. Hey, different model, ya hnow!

So now he fesses up!

Now I'm really curious--
Does anyone have any idea (or know for that matter!)
How many Rickenbacker Cheyennes and Laredos are built/available each year or whatever time-frame??

I'm not even sure if it can be "per year" given the waiting periods that I hear mentioned.
This intrigues me!

Anybody??

Except for "certified" limited edition instruments (the ones with certificates stating "No. xx of xxx"), RIC does not reveal production numbers. My calculation of 1 4004 to every 100 or 200 4003 is just a wild-*** guess on my part.

That said, you can kinda get the feel of production by observing the "recently shipped" feature on RIC's website. This recent spurt of 4004 Cheyenne production is the largest since that feature became available. There was a batch of Laredos this summer/fall (?), and now the Cheyennes. There's no way of knowing if these batches of production will fulfill all outstanding 4004 orders, and RIC won't (and shouldn't be expected to) say. I believe there is continuing demand for these models, but it is small compared with the demand for the classic 4003.

Thanks Paul- Years back I was being offered a job at a ! Chocolate Candy Company!!
(Good stuff- Hawaiian Chocolate/ w/ Macadamia Nuts! )

So as I'm being shown around chocolate-land, I asked how much candy they make per day- each one was a little square..

The guy was HORRIFIED! "I can't tell you that! We're not allowed!"
Ok, I understood I coulda been a spy for SEE's Candy or something-

But I sort of figured that Ric was propietary about their production; more so than a Candy Comapny- And I know there are very valid reasons for all that.

Also, the ratio of 4003 to 4004 is easily understood, by a "former sinner" like ME! Insofar as I didn't dwell on Rickenbacker as a bassist, because the 03 didn't seem to be a fit for what I look for.
Now don't get me started (I played again this morning)- but the 4004's are MORE than I expected or was ready for in a Bass guitar. Ab-so-lutely awesome in tone, feel, playability, and build. I got a "growl" on the highs and mids that was sweeter than, well, my "other" good-growling bass guitars- and lemme tell ya they are good, but THIS!
In all of my many projects through the years, I honestly can't recall a guitarist I've worked with that played a Ric- usually Les Pauls, Strats Teles, etc. etc.
The Rickenbacker guitar legacy is pretty well-defined however- Byrds, Beatles, Petty & more, and the Bass- all about the 4003's. It's an icon.

But apparently the Cheyenne's and the Laredos have GOT to be the most undercover Bass guitar, mfd. by a well-known builder on the Market!

If I say so myself, I know the MI biz a little and am a proud gear-head.
But I confess, Brothas, I did not have a clue-
I do now. Big Time.

What would your GUESS be, as to annual builds of 4004's Cheyenne and Laredo Models. Would you venture one?

bassduke49 wrote:Except for "certified" limited edition instruments (the ones with certificates stating "No. xx of xxx"), RIC does not reveal production numbers. My calculation of 1 4004 to every 100 or 200 4003 is just a wild-*** guess on my part.

That said, you can kinda get the feel of production by observing the "recently shipped" feature on RIC's website. This recent spurt of 4004 Cheyenne production is the largest since that feature became available. There was a batch of Laredos this summer/fall (?), and now the Cheyennes. There's no way of knowing if these batches of production will fulfill all outstanding 4004 orders, and RIC won't (and shouldn't be expected to) say. I believe there is continuing demand for these models, but it is small compared with the demand for the classic 4003.

I've been watching the 4004 shipments intently for three years (for obvious reasons) and remember a large number of Montezuma Browns coming out either the spring or summer of 2006 to fill those orders. Since then, only a handful had been made until Spring of 08 when a few were released. RIC has made a few every year for NAMM and the translucents always look really nice. There are various posts around with pictures from the 07 and 08 NAMM shows (I don't have a link off hand) and the Rickenbacker corporate site has a few from the 06 NAMM show. If I ever get famous ( ) I'll probably order a Translucent Green as a backup.

As for annual builds...that would be cyclical (it seems as if all the "off normal" instruments are cyclical, which makes sense to maximize production efficiency) depending on demand. As I mentioned, not many at all had been made for a couple of years and now a relatively large number are being shipped. Only the guys at RIC know for sure what the production numbers are and how they schedule production, but I am certain that if the demand were higher they would make them more often. Our job, then, is to convince the bass playing public that they should play a 4004!

Thanks for the input- (Now I'm really DYIN' to know!!)


Only the guys at RIC know for sure what the production numbers are and how they schedule production, but I am certain that if the demand were higher they would make them more often. Our job, then, is to convince the bass playing public that they should play a 4004!

Well, they have their reasons and it's none of my business, I'm... just...curious..

I have to admit- I consider myself quite knowledgeable about the builds and the tones of basses- And we all have our different likes/dislikes and views- I, for instance have tried a number of well-regarded high-end basses- And either they just didn't feel good to me, or else I thought that the price was nutz!

But I had not played a Ric, specifically the 4004. Maybe- I guess maybe- a bassist could try the 04 and be indifferent or prefer another- Why not, I have 7 other basses.
And it might be a good thing that the 4004's are so undiscovered, otherwise, the demand could easily exceed the supply.

I do think that the main "issue" is that the current 4003's and the Vintage models 4000, 4001, etc. so overshadow the 4004's in the mindset when thinking of or considering Ric, that the Cheyennes and Laredos are waay under the radar.
Certainly was the case with me- And all the on-line retailers eg, all make a statement about proudly carrying the Ric bass, but it comes down again to the 4003. They are really cool basses, and I'm PROBABLY going to wind up with one, just because...

But I think I found "the Grail" with my Laredo- It is that good.

(Wonder how many there are? )

nukebass wrote: RIC has made a few every year for NAMM and the translucents always look really nice. There are various posts around with pictures from the 07 and 08 NAMM shows (I don't have a link off hand)

But I do!
From NAMM '08.



And individually (pics too high to display here):
A Trans Red Cii:
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o85/ ... M08_26.jpg

A Trans Blue Cii:
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o85/ ... M08_25.jpg

LOOK at those Headstocks!

Unbelievable.

I'm going to pay a little,... ummm.... "Visit" to the Ric Booth at NAMM...Now--
Where did I put my Ski Mask??

Here's a nice fireglo Laredo for you, Larry. This one is from NAMM '07

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o85/ ... G_2000.jpg

rickenbrother wrote:Here's a nice fireglo Laredo for you, Larry. This one is from NAMM '07

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o85/ ... G_2000.jpg

NOTE TO SELF:
NAMM Gear to Bring:
Suit
Tie
Notebook
Sales Order Pads
Book-"How to sell Guitar Straps and Influence People"
Book- "Rickenbacker" (on Order from Amazon!)
Breath Mints

Accessories for visit to Ric Booth:
Ski Mask
Medium Size Cart- Capacity for 3-4 Cheyennes/Laredos
Get-away plan- Map to 710 Freeway On-Ramps

Truly beautiful builds.

Tomorrow, tomorrow...I love ya tomorrow...you're only a day a way.....WHAT A PUTRID SONG!

But, I will be watching the recently shipped page again, hoping my phone rings with a voice telling me my 4004Cii has arrived....

GOOD LUCK!

ajish4 wrote:I will be watching the recently shipped page again, hoping my phone rings with a voice telling me my 4004Cii has arrived....

I'm hoping for you, Tony. Not only is it an excellent bass, but I think the weight and design will suit your needs well.

Tony, either I missed it or have ADD, but what Cii are you awaiting??