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New member saying hello and a question.
Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2003 6:06 am
by harry_harbst
Hi folks,
New to the forum here and I'm enjoying all the discussion regarding Rick's. Looks like a knowledgeable and helpful group.
I've been away from playing for a bit (16 years). Just recently returned with the purchase of another brand. Anyway... I must admit to really missing my Ruby '81 4003. Obviously the only thing to do is try and replace it. Unfortunatley the shops in the area are few and far between and none seem to stock Rickenbacker. I'm stuck trying to find someplace to mail order from and I'm not real keen on the idea so... I'm thinking something new in a 4003 from someone in the Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Indiana area. Depending on distance I could make the trip, or at least minimize potential shipping hazards maybe. The question becomes then...
Anyone have any favorite dealers they wouldn't mind sharing with me? Unfortunately my local source doesn't handle Rickenbacker any longer and I'm lost on who to check with. Feel free to send suggestions through to my e-mail address if you prefer.
Many thanks,
Harry
Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2003 6:13 am
by atomic_punk
Harry,
Welcome! As a Rick owner, I have to share your feelings about not seeing them in stores very much. My thought would be for the best deals and selection, try Ebay. You can also sort it for someone close to you if you are worried about shipping costs. They tend to pop up on Ebay quite often and the selection is usually better than your local dealers.
Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2003 6:17 am
by jwr2
Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2003 6:30 am
by bigbajo60
Howyadoin Harry!
There's also Rumble Seat Music:
http://www.rumbleseatmusic.com/basses.html#rickenbacker
They've got this red '85 posted right now...
http://www.rumbleseatmusic.com/pix/85rick4001car.jpg
Rumble Seat lists it as a 4001, but the split pickguard and extra screws in the tailpiece give it away as a 4003. And if you look closely, it also looks to have an Anheuser Busch pin stuck in the upper horn, but oh well!
They list it as Candy Apple Red, but you never know... that may be the same color that RIC referred to as Ruby!
Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2003 7:40 am
by dave4004
Welcome aboard, Harry. I recommend Jim Rhoads at Rhoads Music, Elizabethtown, PA
http://members.aol.com/rhoadsmusi/store.html . Top notch and excellent prices. Also has the best prices on Rickenbacker strings. He's a frequent contributor at the Voxtalks forum.
Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2003 8:08 am
by admin
Harry: The following Model 4003 in Ruby is available right now from
Mike Parks.
Unusual metallic red finish that was only available from 1980-84.. very good condition with no wear, a couple of dings. Low action, 2 piece pickguard, original black tolex case is missing one latch
Serial # XE 0505 (May 1984) (probably near the end of the run) $1295
Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2003 10:45 am
by harry_harbst
Thanks for all the info everyone. Exactly what I was looking for.
Peter, yep...wow! Thats her. Looks very clean and very familiar. At this point the desire is still greater than the funds. Time to start working out the details methinks.
Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2003 11:42 am
by keb
That ruby finish looks, in a word, delicious.
Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2003 4:04 pm
by rictified
Yeah, that is one beautiful bass, it has Grovers too.
Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2003 6:12 pm
by jps
Hi Harry,
Where are you in Ohio? I am in Cleveland.
Welcome aboard.
Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2003 7:45 pm
by rickenbrother
Welcome to the forum Harry. Be patient and you may find a nice Rick on ebay for a good price.
Posted: Sat Oct 04, 2003 3:42 am
by bottom4
I've looked at that one a few times. That is one sweet Rick!
Mr. Yan, I think that baby needs a toaster to keep her warm. What do you think?
If I didn't have a 4003 and expecting a 4004 I would have jumped on that already.
Harry, work it out with Mike, he's a great guy!
cheers
Posted: Sat Oct 04, 2003 4:32 am
by paul_yan
"Mr. Yan, I think that baby needs a toaster to keep her warm. What do you think?"
Hell yeah!
I say the toaster makes nice warm bread for breakfast too!
Now pass the butter please.
Welcome to the family, Harry.
Pick up the phone and call Mike Parks before Miss Ruby runs away!
Posted: Sat Oct 04, 2003 12:32 pm
by rickcrazy
Nothing like a Rickenbacker bass...
Welcome aboard, Harry.
Posted: Sat Oct 04, 2003 1:11 pm
by harry_harbst
Wow! The enthusiasm that all you Ric cats show is phenomenal. Gotta love a group like this.
Anyway a quick update. In the past 24 hours I've been freaked about this whole Ric ordeal. The picture of that Ruby Ric finally put me over the edge. I made a couple e-mail contacts over night for info on availability and pricing. The folks that were recomended here were aces. Thanks again for all the suggestions.
Armed with that info and a will to make it happen I left Elyria diggin' it into Cleveland armed with a list of music stores in and around downtown. Made a few calls on the cell phone to narrow it down and finally pulled into Sodja's Music. Walked in and found a beautiful MapleGlo 4003 made just for me. The price was right, the timing was right and well...
I literally just walked back in my door, so now I'm gonna go play it.
God Bless, Adolph Rickenbacker, George Beuchamp, all the fine folks here at the forum, and everyone at Sodja's Music. It's cool to still get excited about this stuff after so many years.
Harry
