Here we go again... the S/5 is back

ilan · January 20, 2018, 03:23:38 AM

https://www.facebook.com/ricguitars/photos/a.235194499897542.57215.235019996581659/1674999699250341/?type=3&theater

RIC's official facebook page: "Who's ready for NAMM next week?"

Assuming the TRC is the standard dimensions, my guess is string spacing is still tight (5 strings crammed in a 4 normal neck) and consequently a 5-saddle bridge in a modified tailpiece.

Dave W · January 20, 2018, 01:11:24 PM

It will sell, whatever the spacing. And Jeff R. will find a reason to be unhappy, whatever it turns out to be.

ilan · January 20, 2018, 06:04:17 PM

Quote from: Dave W on January 20, 2018, 01:11:24 PM
And Jeff R. will find a reason to be unhappy, whatever it turns out to be.

So true

Alanko · January 21, 2018, 01:59:30 PM

Rickenbacker basses are a daft candidate for 5-strings anyway. What next, 5 string Hofner Violin basses? If Rickenbacker redesigned the 4003 from the ground up for 5-string configuration then fair enough, but I wager they've simply tacked on another tuner, filed the nut with 5 slots and stuck 5 saddles on the bridge. Maybe jimmied 5 poles onto the pickups as well.

Dave W · January 21, 2018, 04:02:35 PM

I remember John Hall posting at the pit about 10-12 years ago that none of the top ten selling basses were 5 strings. RIC doesn't see the demand. They sell everything they can make to their authorized dealers, I sure don't see them designing a 5er from the ground up. Why bother?

doombass · January 25, 2018, 07:45:45 AM

They're made with a twist:

gearHed289 · January 25, 2018, 08:01:43 AM

Glad to see they finally put a Schaller on a 4003. I miss the big chrome treble pickup surround. The pups look like early Alembic.

patman · January 25, 2018, 08:41:55 AM

Having been a RIC guy back in the day, and being a fiver guy now, I would like to try one.

Being a RIC, though, I know I can't afford it.

ilan · January 25, 2018, 09:53:10 AM

It's like they're not wearing any underwear

patman · January 25, 2018, 11:08:36 AM

The aesthetics ARE a bit odd.

ilan · January 25, 2018, 12:03:09 PM

Quote from: patman on January 25, 2018, 11:08:36 AM
The aesthetics ARE a bit odd.

A wider guard may help. I did a quick mockup:

patman · January 25, 2018, 01:05:37 PM

Maybe a chrome pickup ring?

Rob · January 25, 2018, 02:23:12 PM

Both a wider guard and a ring.

Dave W · January 25, 2018, 02:44:55 PM

Daniel_J · January 26, 2018, 06:37:25 AM

They should just have got rid of the pickguard altogether IMHO.