I'm sure this thread will somehow lead to Marc offering his address for the non-keepers.....
I have three 4004's with one on the way and I love each for a different reason but I must admit my choice is an easy one (and likely not much of a surprise)....I keep the 4004LK. Aside from it being a great player it is also the most interesting to look at. It also has a slight "angry" tone edge over the others (not sure of the Trans Green because it isn't actually in my mitts yet).
Fortunately I also possess a nice "arsenal" aside from my Rics so let the uprising begin!
I'd sell my '97 4003 and keep my 4001, until the 4001 doubles in value again- then I would sell and get a new 4003 with Walnut wings, 4001 push pull pot, new bridge, amber glow fireglo, power windows, cruise control.....oops
Two answers to this question - The present and the future.
Presently, I have 2 Rics - A 4001v63 and a 4004LK. I'd probably sell the Lemmy first, only because I'm more inclined to play the 4001v63 out - I'm so frightened of banging Lemmy up, I don't take it out often - Make sense?
As for the future - I have 2 Rics on order - A 360/12VP Blueburst and a 1996. Seeing as I make my living as a bass player, one of the guitars would have to go. It would be the 1996 - I have to keep the full scale 12 string...
Boy - That was like planning for the divorce before I even got married!
Got a pile of 4001's, 4003's and 4004's. Kinda like having a bunch of kids screaming for your attention. If in the divorce only one could live with me, I'd take my favorite little noise maker the 4004LK.
LK doesen't quite look like the other kids, light, fast and articulate. Best athlete of the bunch, excels at all endeavors. With the third appendage, it allows a whole new ability and voice. Very punchy when angered.
Come to think of it, LK is so different from the rest of the kids, I'm wondering who the real father is. That's why I'm divorcing the two timing, no good, dirty rotten wh....., I digress your Honor. Come my little LK.
If they offered the Hemi with the Hillborn Fuel Injection option I might go for it
I REALLY like how the Walnut wings look on the new deluxe 4003's- You won't find a classier bass out there, though a Mary Kaye Precision with maple neck and gold hardware comes close