1978 Rick 4001, stripped down, reversed headstock - $1500

[belinmad]

This one I could see myself going for. I'm not a Ric expert, is it kosher?

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[PunkRockBassist]

where is it being sold? link?

[AustinLeftyBass]

Looks legit to me.

[AzWhoFan]

Looks legit to me too. A bit hard to see on my computer if those are original knobs, but they look like they are in the ball park.

If you don't want it, I'll take it

[Retag]

where is it being sold? link?

I suppose you don't want it for yourself, huh?

The story of how I got my Rickenbacker:
Some kid was posting on another forum about how they spotted a good deal on a lefty Rickenbacker. He was a righty, but wanted to convert the bass since it was a good deal. All the other lefties were pleading not to do it. I did some detective work on the username and eventually found his location (same name, different website). I called every music store in his area until I found the Rickenbacker. Great bass, even better price!

[belinmad]

Seriously considering pulling the trigger on this one. Pitty I can't test it first hand before buying

[belinmad]

So after some back and forth with the seller I ended up buying this one. And after some typical craigslist-induced-panic-attack-like anxiety due to a feeling of too-good-to-be-true and some lack of communication after sending the money I ended up getting it today.

I can't spend a lot of time playing with it today, it will have to wait until the weekend. I also need to take it to my tech (Gary Fried in Brooklyn, can't say enough good things about him) as there's some weird vibration going on when I play the A string, but overall it looks great, and feels very smooth and comfortable to play. I've never played or owned a Ric before, so any comments/suggestions/questions are very welcome. Also, I need to decide whether I keep it sanded, or send it to Pat Wilkins for a refinish. What do you guys think?

[Matt R.]

Nice! Refin!

[AzWhoFan]

it's sanded? I never picked up on that in the original post. Hey, if you got it for less than $1500, I'd get a nice nitro coat put on there unless you keep it in it's case the closet. W/o the finish it's going to pick up oil, sweat, dust and dirt in no time and look like poo.

That A string vibration might be something as simple as a bad core in the string, especially if the others check out fine. None of the other Ric's i've owned exhibited that particular symptom. But I have had it happen on other strings on other basses.

Hope you bond with it, I love Ric's!.

[pjmuck]

+1. Mapleglo isn't my favorite Rick finish but in this case I think it's the way to go. Some nice wood grain there. Congrats!

Doesn't Rick offer refinishing services? I had thought they did at one time. That would be my first choice. There finishing is second to none, IMO. Of course, you may very well end up paying the same amount you'd pay for a stock lefty Mapleglo when all is said and done.

[belinmad]

it's sanded? I never picked up on that in the original post. Hey, if you got it for less than $1500, I'd get a nice nitro coat put on there unless you keep it in it's case the closet. W/o the finish it's going to pick up oil, sweat, dust and dirt in no time and look like poo.

That's my initial reaction as well. I ended up paying well below $1500, so I think getting a refin makes a lot of sense to protect the wood of the instrument. Not sure how the previous owner managed to keep it as clean as it is now with continuous use.

That A string vibration might be something as simple as a bad core in the string, especially if the others check out fine. None of the other Ric's i've owned exhibited that particular symptom. But I have had it happen on other strings on other basses.

I'll look into this, perhaps I'll just swap in new strings and see what happens. I understand old 4001's are "finicky" about string type and gauges. Any suggestions?

Hope you bond with it, I love Ric's!.

I already am!!! It is a lovely instrument, comfortable and has a great sound! It's the beginning of a very promising relationship!

[belinmad]

Doesn't Rick offer refinishing services? I had thought they did at one time. That would be my first choice. There finishing is second to none, IMO. Of course, you may very well end up paying the same amount you'd pay for a stock lefty Mapleglo when all is said and done.

That's an interesting bit of information. I'll definitely look into it! If not, Pat Wilkins is a great alternative, I love the work he did on my Japanese Fender Jazz.

[AzWhoFan]

Not so sure Ric offers that service anymore. What with a 2 year backlog of orders, I doubt they'd do something they would consider a 'custom' job. I have heard stories of 3+ month wait times for finish touch ups on warranty'd instruments.

There's tons of great peeps out there who can take this on. I'd give a thumbs up to RS Guitarwork's crew. The fellow who does Rod's basses (tho there can be loooong wait times) also comes to mind. You could also search or post on TGP for recommendations and see what you come up with.

And if I were you, I'd spend the extra bucks and get a nitro finish.

OTOH, once the honeymoon wears off, you could sell it to me

[belinmad]

Not so sure Ric offers that service anymore. What with a 2 year backlog of orders, I doubt they'd do something they would consider a 'custom' job. I have heard stories of 3+ month wait times for finish touch ups on warranty'd instruments.

There's tons of great peeps out there who can take this on. I'd give a thumbs up to RS Guitarwork's crew. The fellow who does Rod's basses (tho there can be loooong wait times) also comes to mind. You could also search or post on TGP for recommendations and see what you come up with.

And if I were you, I'd spend the extra bucks and get a nitro finish.

OTOH, once the honeymoon wears off, you could sell it to me

Thanks Az, I will look into these options. Any reason why not go with Pat Wilkins?

Also, any suggestions to my question above on what strings to use?

[fivebass52]

I agree with some of the other comments here... the front has beautiful grain, so I'd give it to someone reputable to clean up the remaining blue "residue", and put a clear finish on it. It's a beautiful bass! congrats on the new acquisition....

[AzWhoFan]

Not familiar with Mr. Wilkins work, so I can't comment there.

As for strings ... well, there always Rotosound

If cash is tight, maybe peruse juststrings.com and see what they have in singles