Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I really want a new 4004cii5, but I want black hardware, a translucent black finish and maybe even an ebony board with custom inlays. If I can get one with just the electronics and unfinished in all other respects, is this something you'd be willing to undertake?

What do you think?

Interesting ....YES!!

Mark,
What's the turn around time for a refin? I'm deploying to the Middle East in Oct and was thinking of dropping a 4003 in your lap for a refin. It seemed to be the logical thing to do since I couldn't play it.

Great! If you don't mind, post (or email) an approximate cost & turnaround time for a job like that with and without the ebony board & associated work.

This is something I definitely want to pursue.

Mark, consider too the possibility of doing two basses at once in similar manner. Joey Vasco is also interested in a similar setup on one of these 5 stringers. We would likely have you do them at the same time.

Not to put a damper on anyone here, but as I understand what you're saying, you want to see if Rickenbacker would sell you a new guitar with No Finish on it so you can do it yourself??[or have it done, as the case may be].I suspect that If Rick agreed to do this, somethings regarding the warranty might be affected.Write John Hall a letter and just ask him. Eliminate the middlemen in the information chain, and get your answer.
Then let us know what Rick says.

Brad: I can't imagine RIC agreeing to have this done. They have built their warranty and reputation on instruments finished to their specifications for 70 years. The scenerio that you describe opens the door for all sorts of modifications in a new instrument that would have the public thinking that the work was done by RIC at the factory.

I too would be most interested in what John Hall would have to say about this. Please do let us know.

Don and Peter - Brad and I were discussing whether or not RIC would let us purchase them unfinished for the reasons you guys have stated. It would definitely be an exciting project if they would let us do it, but I respect their reasons if they won't.

Mark - I thank you just the same for agreeing to do the job for Brad and I, even if RIC doesn't let it be possible. It's still possible to refinish them, and replace the fingerboard, but that's alot more work.

Brad - it's amazing how we think alike!

Joseph: It is an interesting idea that you have posed and in the end it is only John Hall who knows the answer. Who knows, you may have provided the stimulus for a new colour.

We will let you know what Mr. Hall says. I think it would make sense to just sell the basses stripped down since we would intend to refinish them and change hardware anyway. Having a former Ric luthier do the work should make it even more reasonable of a request. No warranty? No problem, I'm not concerned about that. I've had 12 Rics over the years and the warranty has never been an issue anyway. I think Ric could view it as a way to experiment at our expense since we would be sure to provide details of the outcome of the project(s). I want a Ric of the future, and I think this is the way to go!

Peter said - Joseph: It is an interesting idea that you have posed and in the end it is only John Hall who knows the answer.

When I met John Hall at the NAMM show, I had suggested the transparent black finish. He really didn't give an answer, he just looked like he was in thought, and said hmmmmmm........then said "Well solid black is a good possible option".

It's just that guys like Brad and myself are such Rick bass fanatics, it just drives us nuts that RIC is so rigid and limited with their options.

A transparent black finish is not a problem , th eebony fretboard is also something that could be done .

Getting this from Rick is the real test .

Having me do the rest ....not a problem .

I use a OEM Cat. Urethane .... this is a proven finish on instruments .

Oooh... I'm developing my first real case of G.A.S. in years!

Update:
Mark, I've not abandoned this idea, I'm just waiting to see what Ric will do after the bugs are worked out of the new 4004CII/5. I will definitely be getting back to you. My friend Joey Vasco & I are still both interested in what we discussed.