Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I just added a '75 3000 in mapleglo to my stable -- had some mods and was advertised as a refin, but the good news is now that it's in my hands, I'm sure it's not a refin, and it doesn't look like the body was routed for the new pickup. I think that all I would need to get this back to stock is to replace the pickup and pickguard (the pg was routed for the new pickup) and then hopefully find a case to keep it in.

As I understand it, the 3000/3001 pickup is a single coil, not like the current HBs. It actually sounds pretty good with the replacement pickup, but of course I'll be curious until I hear what a stock 3000 sounds like.

Also, what are people using for strings on their 3000s? I took off the ancient rusted rounds and put a fresh set of (long scale) rounds on, but it feels like it might be really well suited to some thumpy flats.

I'd like to hear some other impressions of the 3000. So far it's interesting. I haven't played many short scale basses, so that could be part of what's weird to me, but it definitely feels and plays differently from the other Ricks I've owned (4001 through 4004, inclusive). I think I like it, but I want to figure out what it's best at, if that makes sense.

Cool! Something different.

Different is good!

Pictures. Must have pictures!

daveman wrote:Pictures. Must have pictures!

Agreed, pictures are necessary!

Yeah, you know, without pictures...

I will take some good pics this weekend and you all will be the first to see them! It's been played, that's for sure.

aceonbass wrote:There's been someone trying to sell an NOS pickup for the 3000/3001 basses on Ebay off and on for some time. IIRC the price was around $90.00. There's another one that shows up for around $450.00, but it never sells.

Kenny Howes is already in the process of hooking me up with a NOS pickup (and knobs, too -- thanks again, Kenny!). $450 is a laugh. That's not much less than I paid for the whole bass. I suspect the case is going to be harder to track down.

Jake, nice find. I just had the opportunity to play a 3000 a couple weekends ago when forumite Andy brought his over. It is a sweet bass and sounds great. He has Rotosound flats on his.

If you ever decide to move it, let me know.

Yeah Baby!!!!!

I love my 3000, is a 1976 mapleglo too. I am first time owner of it too...

I am guilty I need to post photos of my babies too

Congrats on your find!!!!!

I just started playing bass in a band. I had always played guitar in bands before and kept basses at home for writing/recording purposes. I love my 4003 but I'm only 5'7" and I'd really like a shot at finding a 3000 so I could have a short-scale to move around on. I'm using my Allen Woody while I'm learning the catalog because the shorter scale is a bit easier. If anyone happens to run across one, I'd appreciate a heads up.

Thanks,

Harley

Harley:

Get in line!

Not too many 3000's were made, & when they do come up for sale, they aren't cheap. One could say they are overpriced at this point - but then again, it's what the market will bear.

There are many less expensive alternatives if you need a short-scale bass.

Anyway - good luck in your search, and if you find two at a good price, let me know!

Elderly just sold a '76 3000 for around $585. Advertised as a white re-fin; needed rods removed and re-bent and some other not too major things. I almost pulled the trigger last weekend after a few whiskeys (Irish), but now it's gone.

I think $600, even if it needed a couple hundred in repairs/work would be worth it. As of right now I have two full scale basses (4003 and Geddy Lee) and a short scale (Allen Woody). A short scale Rick would be a great thing to add to the arsenal.

I'm not particularly opposed to selling it -- I picked it up on a lark as a fixer-upper and found it in better condition than expected, and if there are people actually seeking one, then I can certainly let it go. The rods could use a little work but it's not real high priority because the action is close to dead straight even though I loosened the rods all the way. I just need to get a pickguard from pickguardian to work with the NOS pickup and it'll be sweet. The best part is that it has a black plexi TRC! I figured even if I had to part the thing out (if it was trashed) this was worth a good chunk. It took me ages to find one for my '72 4001.

I will do my best to snap some pics this weekend.