4003 Head Stock

[edrowe]

Is there any rhyme or reason to the 4003 head stock? Some have wings and others don't.
-Ed

[aceonbass]

To clarify, all RIC basses have headstock wings. Walnut wings (probably what you're referring to) ended around 1972. They were reintroduced on the first 4004's and V63's, then discontinued when the walnut RIC was getting had problems splitting(as I recall) then reintroduced on all RIC basses about a year and a half ago, gradually being phased in over a period of a few months.

[edrowe]

I just purchased a "new in box" 4003 with a mfg code of 2007 31st week and it does not have the walnut wings. I was sorta disappointed.
-Ed

[sloop_john_b]

I just purchased a "new in box" 4003 with a mfg code of 2007 31st week and it does not have the walnut wings. I was sorta disappointed.
-Ed

I had one built roughly the same time as yours (as did another forumite), and was also disappointed by the lack of walnut wings (as was said other forumite).

[NSH]

I just picked up a Blueburst serial number dated for the 23rd week of 2007 and that has the 'wings'.

Neil

[bassduke49]

As with most of RIC's production changes, the timelines are very fuzzy. There were probably instruments made and shipped before yours that did have the walnut wings, and probably more after yours that did not. I wouldn't be surprised to find some shipping out right now that don't have the walnut wings. Verrrrrrry gradual changes. Just my feeling.

[cassius987]

Yep, I have seen 2006 4003 AFGs with walnut wings and my 2008 4003FL has them, but my 2007 4003 does not! It must have something to do with what's in stock when the bass comes up. Either way my 2007 has gotten tons of remarks for its beauty and its sound and that's what counts. I learned pretty fast not to count on a brand new feature coming with your bass unless it's formally announced or you get a pic first.

[rickenbrother]

Ed and Neil, welcome to the forum.

I have a Monty Brown from '06 that does not have the walnut wings, but I think the burst on the headstock of the Monty Brown 4003's looks better without the walnut wings.