Sam Ash- I could, & probably should, sell Ric basses for the
Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2013 3:30 pm
OK, I needed a 12 inch patch cord for my rapidly expanding pedal board so I went on down to my local Guitar center but alas, all they had was ****. Before leaving I looked for any Rickenbackers hanging in the "high end" room. Nope, none to be found. I then went to my local Sam Ash dealer. As I walked in there was an older gentleman ahead of me as we walked toward the guitar section. As A salesman descended on me, hoping to sell me something worth his time, the older gentleman in front of me asked to see and play the Fireglo 4003 they have hanging out of harms reach above the doorway to the drum room.
The salesperson told the customer that if he was interested in buying this bass he could cut him a great deal on it since it had a small chip near the jackplate. As I was paying for my meager $17.00 purchase, I was paying more attention to the lack of details being offered by the salesman. The 4003 was plugged into an Ampeg stack and almost immediately the customer began to to tool away on it. I've played on that particular Ampeg before and it is no slouch but the 4003 sounded anemic. I turned to see what on earth the customer was doing to it and I immediately realized the salesman had plugged him into the Ric-o-sound jack. I leaned over the counter and whispered to the salesman, who was now behind the counter, and told him of his mistake. He then bee lined it to the customer realized I was correct and fixed his mistake. He returned thanked me and began to walk away when I asked if he was going to give the customer some info on the instrument or was he hoping for it to sell itself. When the salesman asked, "like what?", I said nevermind and walked away. I began to browse the instruments and made my way closer to the customer. I made small talk by remarking on what a stunning instrument it was. I then told him that I had several Rickenbackers and the newer 4003's were amongst my favorites. I told him about the two piece neck, and the vintage push pull pot. He told me he owned a 4001 many years ago but sold it. he was now in the market to replace it with a newer Rickenbacker. I remarked that the bass he held in his hands was almost identical in body shape to the 1973 4001 I own. I also told him that both pups had adjustable pole pieces to tailor each pole to his own liking and about the new style truss rods. he was very appreciative and shook my hand before I left.
Not sure if he purchased it but at least he was armed with the info he'd need to make an informed decision. I had fun too!
Sepp
The salesperson told the customer that if he was interested in buying this bass he could cut him a great deal on it since it had a small chip near the jackplate. As I was paying for my meager $17.00 purchase, I was paying more attention to the lack of details being offered by the salesman. The 4003 was plugged into an Ampeg stack and almost immediately the customer began to to tool away on it. I've played on that particular Ampeg before and it is no slouch but the 4003 sounded anemic. I turned to see what on earth the customer was doing to it and I immediately realized the salesman had plugged him into the Ric-o-sound jack. I leaned over the counter and whispered to the salesman, who was now behind the counter, and told him of his mistake. He then bee lined it to the customer realized I was correct and fixed his mistake. He returned thanked me and began to walk away when I asked if he was going to give the customer some info on the instrument or was he hoping for it to sell itself. When the salesman asked, "like what?", I said nevermind and walked away. I began to browse the instruments and made my way closer to the customer. I made small talk by remarking on what a stunning instrument it was. I then told him that I had several Rickenbackers and the newer 4003's were amongst my favorites. I told him about the two piece neck, and the vintage push pull pot. He told me he owned a 4001 many years ago but sold it. he was now in the market to replace it with a newer Rickenbacker. I remarked that the bass he held in his hands was almost identical in body shape to the 1973 4001 I own. I also told him that both pups had adjustable pole pieces to tailor each pole to his own liking and about the new style truss rods. he was very appreciative and shook my hand before I left.
Not sure if he purchased it but at least he was armed with the info he'd need to make an informed decision. I had fun too!
Sepp
