Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I'm looking for a case for a modern 4003. What is looking the best these days? Do RIC dealers keep the extra cases around for sale?

John Hall thinks the current SKB case offers better protection to the instrument. However, the vintage one gets points in the look department.

POTR's online shop list both cases. Currently, it looks like only the vintage style is in stock. Just had a look at RIC's online boutique and no bass cases were available. I thought I had seen both styles listed there before.

I have been thinking about the possibility of swapping the SKB case for a vintage one with my 4003S on order. Not sure if that could be done and how much extra it would cost me, though.

When I got a new 4003 I posted that I wish I had the old style case and Mr Hall responded similarly. He said they dropped them off the roof and the skb protected the sample bass inside better. I'd just go with their new one.

cassius987 wrote:I'm looking for a case for a modern 4003. What is looking the best these days? Do RIC dealers keep the extra cases around for sale?

What is your intended use for it? Will you be constantly schlepping it about to gigs, or is it more for occasional outings but mostly to keep the bass safe at home? I am not gigging these day but I used to take my basses in their vintage style cases with no issues, but I am always careful with my gear anyway.

To what Jeff said,I would just add that both kinds work well,but i think the skb not only secures the bass better,but as an added bonus is a bit more streamlined,and lighter,as well,which makes schlepping the bass easier.
The silver case looks awesome,but in terms of functionality,i think it's overpriced.it has a rather loose open interior with a smallish neck support area.
Carvin's tolex case for their AC hollowbody line holds a Rick,(and quite a few other bass types) very securely,and are lot less money than either new Rick case options.

jps wrote:What is your intended use for it?

Schlepping for sure.

woodyng wrote:Carvin's tolex case for their AC hollowbody line holds a Rick,(and quite a few other bass types) very securely,and are lot less money than either new Rick case options.

Thanks Woody -- Do you mind linking the Carvin?

I have an SKB that came with my Laredo, and I presume a late 70's/early 80's case that came with my '75 4001. They are interchangeable, and both very good cases. The 4001 took a tumble out of the back of a pickup truck in the late 70's case, and aside from a scuff on the case nothing much was to be seen. For some reason I just feel like the SKB provides a little better protection, but it's not based on any evidence. Obviously the older case does a fine job.

cassius987 wrote:

jps wrote:What is your intended use for it?

Schlepping for sure.

woodyng wrote:Carvin's tolex case for their AC hollowbody line holds a Rick,(and quite a few other bass types) very securely,and are lot less money than either new Rick case options.

Thanks Woody -- Do you mind linking the Carvin?

Sorry about not linking, but the Carvin case item number is HC8WN on their website.

Good enough for me Woody -- I am confused about the difference between that case and the other model. If it's not too much to ask I would really love if you took detailed pics (area around tailpiece, around body wings, around headstock) of one of your Rics in that case. If you don't have time to, though, don't feel bad. I appreciate the tip.

You're challenging my tech skills.
Ok i had to divide this into 2 photos in order to make it work. The case i have is an older tweed one,but the new black ones look the same on the inside.
Here's the body side....

And the neck side...

The Carvin case is $190,plus shipping,so the RIC Skb case may be the better option. (I haven't priced one recently).

I wonder why Carvin chose not to have an accessory compartment on the other side of the neck, the one that is provided seems a bit small (for my needs, at any rate).

I voted for the SKB case, because that IS what you get if you buy a 4003 these days(unless you specify the silver case, for additional $). I agree with Woody that the SKB offers a little better protection, but for sheer groovy-ness, you can't beat the silver reissue case. I never had a problem with either of my v63s when I was schlepping them around in the silver case, and folks often recognized the instrument just by the case. "Hey, that's a Rickenbacker!"

That's just, like, my opinion, man....

woodyng wrote:The Carvin case is $190,plus shipping,so the RIC Skb case may be the better option. (I haven't priced one recently).

It's about $70 more. The Carvin looks like a great fit--thank you! Now I must think... Hmmm.