Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I'm new to Rics and would appreciate the views of more seasoned Ric owners on early 90s models. A 1991 4003 to be exact, which I'm looking at possibly buying. Pic attached. Are there any issues I should particularly look out for on an early 90s model? Are the early 90s generally regarded as a good period for Rics or is it a period to avoid? This one has a much fuller body shape with fatter horns than usual, does this body shape detract from the value or general desirability? There are hairline cracks on the binding near the fret ends and also a few on the body binding, is this normal for older Rics? Otherwise it looks in pretty good shape. Any thoughts or advice appreciated.

Welcome!

As to most of your questions, others will be more informed regarding 'this bass. But this question:

ikay wrote:Are the early 90s generally regarded as a good period for Rics or is it a period to avoid?

This is not Fender or Gibson, for a couple of examples, where era definitely makes a difference.

Welcome Ian. Rick eras do vary wildly. They're mostly good, for different reasons. 91 is a solid year (unlike 78 for example). 92 you start to see very minor transitions to late 90s. You can expect a pretty comfortable medium slim neck (as opposed to the fatter 98-06 period), although not as slim as the 60's and 70's, or even early 80's. Good luck! Seems good to me.

jdogric12 wrote:Welcome Ian. Rick eras do vary wildly. They're mostly good, for different reasons. 91 is a solid year (unlike 78 for example). 92 you start to see very minor transitions to late 90s. You can expect a pretty comfortable medium slim neck (as opposed to the fatter 98-06 period), although not as slim as the 60's and 70's, or even early 80's. Good luck! Seems good to me.

What's wrong with 78?

The thing is that there are as many fans of different eras/features as there are different eras/features. My own preference is the start of ‘73 or earlier, because of the features, necks (relatively wide/flat feeling), pickups etc. I’m not a fan of the big horns for aesthetic reasons. I also don’t like the narrower, rounder necks of many post-‘72 basses. But there are people who prefer the fat horns and narrower, rounder-feeling necks, just like there are people who prefer a toaster neck pickup (me) or a neck high gain.

Is a ‘91 particularly collectible, in Ric terms? No. But that means that if you like it you get a bass you like for hopefully decent money, unlike someone like me who has to pay through the nose for his preferences. And if you decide to sell it on, you’ll still make your money back.

Thanks for replies so far everyone, very helpful.

78 was an inconsistent year. More dogs than in other years.

Fat horns and thin necks in the early 90s!

Isaac wrote:

jdogric12 wrote:Welcome Ian. Rick eras do vary wildly. They're mostly good, for different reasons. 91 is a solid year (unlike 78 for example). 92 you start to see very minor transitions to late 90s. You can expect a pretty comfortable medium slim neck (as opposed to the fatter 98-06 period), although not as slim as the 60's and 70's, or even early 80's. Good luck! Seems good to me.

What's wrong with 78?

Mine 4001 is a 1978, and it's an amazing bass. But what were the issues of basses from that year? I really want to know because I've never heard that, and perhaps I just lucked out?

Cool, you have one of the good ones from that year. All my comments stand. I've heard directly from a couple of people who have owned hundreds of Rick basses that 78's simply have a higher ratio of problems than other years. I never said all 78's were bad. Good ones are in fact great, as in any year.

jdogric12 wrote:Cool, you have one of the good ones from that year. All my comments stand. I've heard directly from a couple of people who have owned hundreds of Rick basses that 78's simply have a higher ratio of problems than other years. I never said all 78's were bad. Good ones are in fact great, as in any year.

Oh, I understand you, and I take no offense at all. I have only recently joined the forum, and I have never known much about the history of 4001s and 4003s, nor the different specs

So what you told me was interesting, and I was just trying to learn about the shared knowledge on the subject. I'm really glad to learn things about these basses.

I've also had the worst models of guitars from years in which the models were highly praised--just the luck of the draw.

ikay wrote:Thanks for replies so far everyone, very helpful.

I have a '87 4003. It has the same cracks on the binding. Lovely bass with a lot of character.

J_vanvoorst wrote:

ikay wrote:Thanks for replies so far everyone, very helpful.

I have a '87 4003. It has the same cracks on the binding. Lovely bass with a lot of character.

Cool, and welcome. What color?

J_vanvoorst wrote:

ikay wrote:Thanks for replies so far everyone, very helpful.

I have a '87 4003. It has the same cracks on the binding. Lovely bass with a lot of character.

Welcome to the Forum Jasper

jdogric12 wrote:Cool, you have one of the good ones from that year. All my comments stand. I've heard directly from a couple of people who have owned hundreds of Rick basses that 78's simply have a higher ratio of problems than other years. I never said all 78's were bad. Good ones are in fact great, as in any year.

I do, too. A BG 4001 with Bartolini pickups. One of my favorite basses.