The Golden Years...... whap whap whap

[karma-lite]

Hi Rickolas and Rickolettes
I'm a Wirgin on this site, I have an 82 4003, don't laugh......
My question is.....There's lots of threads re the best Ricky years and I was wondering what the 'Golden years for 4001 and 4003 are IYHO.
Any thoughts gratefully read and digested.

Cheers

[woodyng]

ALL the years are golden---it just depends upon what your preferences might be.....it seems to me that the early 80's were very solid and substantially built,maybe with somewhat fatter necks,but i am sure there are variations in every vintage. i had an 83 4002 which was built like a tank. my other rick's vintages have been 1972,1974,1979,and 2004. i've not had the pleasure of playing a 50's or 60's model,so i can't really comment- i am sure i would find them extraordinary....

[rickfan60]

Those early 4003s are an interesting mix of construction features mostly because Rickenbacker was apparently using up their inventory of of pre-cut material intended for the 4001. Some early 4003s have three piece necks (with maple in place of the 4001s shedua) some have two piece. Toward the end of that run some have one piece necks. Anyway, the build details did not settle out much before 1984 when JH acquired the company. The only negatives from '81 to July '84 in my mind are the old style rods with the body-end adjusters. That setup complicates things and is a bit ungainly. Otherwise the basses from that time are just as solid and reliable as any other. I don't mind the old style rods at all but having to adjust them from the body-end is a complete pain in the association.

[teeder]

I can't say what's the best years, but there are a few time periods that are my favorites.

1964-'67 - RM1999's
1968-early '73 4001's
1990-'93 - 4001V63's

[rickaddict]

I'd also say that they're all great. Unlike some other instrument makers, RIC didn't have a time period where they were producing junk. It's all just a matter of what you like. Older necks are smaller, newer necks are stronger. New body horns (post 1997) are more slim, like the horns from the 60's. The headstock and inlays have changed over the years. Tone has changed some and preferences there are obviously going to be different from one player to the next as well.

[badeggs]

1968-early '73 4001's

I concur with this statement...but yeah they're pretty much all good.

[gearhed289]

My personal favs are late 80s-early 90s. Great necks, hot pickups. All the 70s basses are pretty special too, but for my personal style, I like my '89 4003S, '92 4001CS, and '93 4003S/8.

[wints]

Welcome Chris,

That's a subjective question, as we all love different things about our Ric basses. Do you like thin necks or thick necks? Loud, hot pick ups, or the warmer type? Horseshoes or hi gains? The list goes on...

Most people will tell you the 60's basses up until 73 are the best, but these can have problems with years of abuse and the like. The later basses are much more reliable and practical, if not as cool or individual as the earlier models.

You pays your money and takes your choice!

[chucksimms]

The best playing Rick I've had was my '89 4003S (that I foolishly sold). I would agree that I've never played a bad Rick bass. I love the C Series basses as well. I've only played one '60s bass (a 4005/6) and didn't really suit me.

[rickenbrother]

The time period of when Rick basses are most golden is subjective and totally up to the player. I love them all, however the least golden in my humble opinion are the early 4003 years. However the production of 4001's that overlapped at the same time period still get two thumbs up from me.