Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

OK, you know the story...
http://homepage.mac.com/baltimucho/PhotoAlbum1.html

In comparing this '84 4003S to my '42 4003, I noticed that the neck radius on the 4003S was VERY round, almost P-Bass like, while the 4003 has a very flat, thin (RIC like) radius to it.

I first thought that the '82 4003 not having strings and also having been refinished with tung oil had something to do with it (like an illusion), but my friend brought his '84 4003 last night and he also has the flatter, thinner "normal" neck radius.

I have yet to take exact comparison measurements, but this is just another mysterious feature to a bucket of already mysterious features.

I'm almost hoping someone can discredit this bass, so I can have the neck radiused and refinish it all in tung oil (or white), without feeling guilty! =)

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I bet that '42 4003 is pretty valuable these days ...

Oh it IS Jeff! But for YOU... I'll make you an awesome deal!

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I had an 84 4003 and the neck was much thicker than your average early 80's Ric bass. (a lot thinner than the 42's though hahah!) I have measured a lot of Ric necks and they are all different, maybe yours is on the outer fringe of the thicker ones, the finish sanding is done by hand so the thickness varies.
I have 78 and a 79 4001's, the 78 is thicker than the 79 and much stronger and stable.

I am thinking that someone had that bass custom made or it was some kind of test piece or even a prototype. It does not appear to be a production instrument. I almost thought it was fake but too many details are just exactly right.

Oh THAT bass, hummmmm..... I'm still wondering if it is a faker with all Ric parts on it. Why are you so positive it is real Mitch?

I have never seen a faker that has body-end truss adjustment and a split guard. It is entirely possible for someone to make one that way but why? On the other hand, the tiny headstock pocket is not consistent with any 4003 I have seen. I am stumped.

Mitch I think Ted is on the right track. there are so many aspects to your 4003, which continue to point at it being some form of test piece.

Maybe someone found two leftover neck halves from the Skunk stipe days, and decided to use the stock.

In the end, it's your's and should you wish to have the neck redone, then go for it.

However if it is as potentially unique as it seems, literally one of a kind, then if it were me, I'd not physically alter it.

I'd also not hide that lovely Maple. even if you don't go Fireglo, don't hide the grain !!!

It has a fantasic fingerboard. The color and grain are just perfect.

jh,could shed some lite on this he would be the one to authenticate this unique bass,then again was jh around in 42.

dont alter it - leave it be - its interesting! Besides a fender- with its curved radius is a good bass, so what is this one has a curved radius......

Mitch: Are you talking about the fingerboard radius or the back of the neck?

The back of the neck. I need to take some comparitive pics and measurements... For YOU, anyway.

We're probably the only two that care! HA!

I see Mr. Hall has recently posted here and there.

Ted, has he said anything to you about "our" bass? =)

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Nothing that I have seen.