Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I was thinking about high school the other day and I remembered looking through musician's friend catalogues with my friends. Even people I really didn't know very well would come over and look through. But this one time sticks out for me. This guy I knew, I think his name was Jordan or something was looking though the bass section to show me what he had. He pointed to a Fender P/J. Then I pointed to the picture of the 4003 (although technically I have a 4001) and said "I have that." The reaction? "I hate you."

That always makes me feel better about what I bought on ebay oh so long ago. Anyone else have any similar stories about things like this? Or am I just goin nuts?

I couldn't say that I've ever struck envy, Nate - at least not verbally. Certainly I get some 'oohs' and 'aahs' from those in the know when I use one at a gig. Plus the odd dumb comment, of course..... like "get a Strat" or "what the %#@& is that????"

Been there , heard that Howard !
I pull out my 89 4003S and people say..."is that a 4001?"

I've had quite a lot of comments on my Ricks, all positive. Nobody ever says "Why'd you get one of those, they suck". It's always complimentary, sometimes envious.

Although it's not quite topical I'll tell this story anyway: One guy saw mine and told me about his 72 4001 with checkered binding and so on. He went on to tell me about how it has Seymour Duncan pickups in it and how I've "got to get some of those." I shudder every time I think of it.

Steve, outside of Forum members and Rick-bass owners, I'll bet that 75% of the casually interested folks out there think that ALL Rick basses are the 4001 model. Even some of us here still have trouble distinguishing a 4001 from a 4003. As we gain knowledge here, some of us can distinguish subtle changes in headstock shape, pickguard shape, pickup positions, tuner choices, etc. I remember when I first came here I had no idea that there was anything but the 4001 (like the '72 I have) and the "hollow-body" one. My initial confusion and subsequent education made me realize that a reference book was needed to get all of this information straight. And someday it will come to pass . . . .

I diedn't have to save for mine. I was lucky and got a check for about $6000. I went on Ebay and got me the only bass I still own. I wanted a 5 string, and it figures, as soon as I bought my 4001 an s5 popped up on the bay.

But still, every time I tell someone what I play I get a "Sweet!" or "wow." out of them.

Besides, I have the greatest wife who knows how to save up for me

Ah behind every rickenbacker owner is a wife rolling her eyes

As far as 'Envy from Non Rick players' -I Was One Of Them For Years .
I've been a long time Tele player and always loved seeing the Ricks up on stage, in magazines, or inside Album and CD covers.
I have always admired the Rick Players - Guitarist and Bassist - But not until a few years ago finally bought one.
I play the Rick way more than my Tele or any guitar for that fact. I get it now.
And now I try to share my love of Ricks with all my friends, musicians and non-musicians.
Maybe someone out there envies me for playing a Rick.

Yeah but what about Ric owners who envy other ric owners like Paul Wilczynski and that Gorgeous Jazzbo.I hate that man and his bloody guitar its not fair its not fair!Yes you'd never guess that i want it.

Envy is a terrible thing that eats away at you

That was funny Scott...

scotty wrote:Yeah but what about Ric owners who envy other ric owners like Paul Wilczynski and that Gorgeous Jazzbo.I hate that man and his bloody guitar its not fair its not fair!Yes you'd never guess that i want it.

He built the bloody thing, Scotty! What's stoppin' you?

Everyone who's ever seen any Ric I've ever owned asks me, "How did you THAT?!", "What the hell is that?" and more importantly, "Did you STEAL that?". Others will say, "A RICKENBACKER??? Man! You're lucky!"