Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I received some pics from Paul today of my Laredo "none more black" project. Paul gave me the option of stripping and refretting the neck to do the job "properly" but the price difference was prohibitive considering that this is certainly going to be my main workhorse. I should have it back in my mitts by the end of the week.

It may not be as complete a transformation as some of Paul's (or Dale's) steller projects but it is exactly the semi-subtle change I wanted. Now I can say that I am officially out of the running for the next Blackstar that surfaces for sale.

That looks really cool, perhaps RIC should make a Blackstar II using the 4004L?

WOW! That thing looks cool as hell. Going with chrome, gold or black metal?

Me likey!

Brian, I'm afraid I'm going to have to steal your idea if/when I get a 4004L.

That change, although subtle, is friggin amazing looking. I think it'll look cooler than the blackstar because the blackstar had all of those chrome screws.

DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF THE DARK SIDE

I do have to admit that looks nice Brian. Can't wait to see the finished product.

Given that 4004 players often comment on the darker tone of these basses an ebony board could work both for looks and sound.

I bought black hardware when I purchased the bass and I have black coated strings in transit. I'd like to find some black Ric strap buttons but it isn't too big of a deal since you don't see them when the strap is on anyway......I'll probably just paint mine and have to touch them up now and then.

Here is pic of it when I received it and a few with the black hardware....

Thanks for the comments!

I must say also that Paul was a great hire. It was easy to get the details worked out and a schedule reached.....communication has been excellent. There was a delay due to NAMM that I knew was a possibility and he had some other projects that were ahead of mine so the 4004 has been out of my hands for about a month. The price was quite fair and the results (as far as I can tell) are just what I hoped for.

Maybe I'll just buy another 4004 and have it refinished in Trans Green as my next project!

Nice project, Brian!

Can't wait to see this come to completion! Soooo....what are you going to name her?

How about Black Mariah?

That's pretty sinister!

I generally just refer to refer to my Rics by kind, color or kind of wood. The walnut, maple, s8, Tux, Blue, etc. The only exception is the LK which I usually call "the Lemmy". So I'm sure this will simply be "the black" one. Sorry to be such a disappointment!

Looks great Brian! How are you going to find it on a darkened stage when it is on a stand, a black one of course? Now where did I put it?