Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I was searching images of Maplegloe 4003's and I saw some Mapleglo Ric's with black binding and black pickguards. Was that a 70's or an 80's thing and was there anything else that signified those particular models?

I have an '85 4003 MG with black trim, black TRC and pickguard, and (painted) black hardware.

Not sure if it's specific to that era, or if it's been an available option over the years.

I do know it is some SEXY!

1985-2002, +/- a year or so.

A few examples from the late 70's pop up from time to time.

From my book:

"For a time (1986 - 1992), Mapleglo basses came standard with black trim . . . and black hardware . . . . During that time, they could be ordered with the old standard white and chrome trim for a 'reverse trim' upcharge."

I believe the black hardware was introduced in 1985, so yours would fit. My reference of 1986 reflects the info on the 1986 price sheets, so making the black trim/hardware standard on MG probably started in '85. John is correct: the BT option was discontinued in 2002 (aside from a few recent special builds).

My old '85 4003 MG BT was one of the best basses I ever had! Sold it to Olivia's, who I presume sold it to another happy customer.

Thanks Paul....I have my copy of the book ordered on Amazon. Thanks for the advance info from my future reference material on questions like these.

I believe, if I recall correctly, that there were some basses that had black body binding and white neck binding. I don't know the years.

sloop_john_b wrote:1985-2002, +/- a year or so.

A few examples from the late 70's pop up from time to time.

This is encouraging....I would like to find one eventually and this gives me a good swath of possibilities.

ken_j wrote:I believe, if I recall correctly, that there were some basses that had black body binding and white neck binding. I don't know the years.

Nearly all of the "mixed binding" were 4001 basses from the mid-late '70s. I don't think there were any 4001 basses made with black neck binding, but some 4003 basses with the mixed binding have shown up. I think all with black binding on the body AND neck will be 4003 (oh, and the 4002!).

But the 4002 also has checker...

cjj wrote:But the 4002 also has checker...

Yes, also out of the presumed space/time continuum.