Cool Rics on eBay / Reverb / Craigslist

[ilan]

Another one-off short scale 4030, this time in Bottle Green, offered through Ric Boutique for $3,199. BT, CB, toasters.

[Dave W]

Thumbs down on that color. Almost as bad as Antigua. Oh well, it will make someone happy.

[ilan]

[clasbas]

But still, I wonder how many opportunities to own a 4030 there will be...

[Dave W]

Maybe they're testing the waters for a regular issue 4030.

[the mojo hobo]

Thumbs down on that color. Almost as bad as Antigua. Oh well, it will make someone happy.

I like Antigua, at least the recent Mexi version. This green, not so much but the black toasters are cool.

[gearHed289]

The finish has a cool* 60s Teisco vibe. But I can't get on board with the bridge/tailpiece in the middle of the body like that. I already dislike those outdated things.

Also not crazy about the multi-ply pickguard.

Interesting that they're advertising it as having "hot toasters". I've got those in the neck position of all 3 of my Rics. Noticeably louder and bassier than the 7.4K scatterwounds.

*YMMV

[ilan]

But I can't get on board with the bridge/tailpiece in the middle of the body like that.

To me that is the best feature. You get a comfortable and round-sounding short scale bass but the nut and 1st position notes are right where your left arm "remembers" them.

[ilan]

For $3,199 you'd expect a cleaner job on the bridge.

[ilan]

The toasters reveal their 6-pole construction.

I do like their layout, with a real bridge-position pickup. I'm curious to hear/play a 4030. In a nicer color and a realistic price tag I'd be tempted to at least consider buying one. Imagine this in BG, with the same 3-ply black guard and cream binding, very Gibson-ish.

[gearHed289]

To me that is the best feature. You get a comfortable and round-sounding short scale bass but the nut and 1st position notes are right where your left arm "remembers" them.

If it were a normal Schaller or something, it would be fine. I just think the old school tailpiece looks weird there.

[Dave W]

It does look weird there. That's where you expect a guitar bridge to be, But i do see Ilan's point.

[ilan]

If it were a normal Schaller or something, it would be fine. I just think the old school tailpiece looks weird there.

A black tailpiece on Jetglo will make it look right.

[ilan]

March 1979 (listed as 1980) White 4080 in Italy, #TC1171. $18,800

[Dave W]

That seems way overpriced.