Advice on '73 Rick requested, please

[hieronymous]

Yeah, the first time I saw someone PUUUUSH on the neck I couldn't believe it! (I think it was John Mouradian, son of Jim who also made basses for Chris Squire.)

RE: Ric-o-sound - you basically need a cable that's stereo on one end and that ends up having two mono plugs on the other end. The Ric-o-sound box isn't being produced anymore, but there are alternatives.

[Denis]

I can imagine: I'd probably faint. Thanks for the link to the replacement Ric-o-sound box. Pretty neat and cheap enough to try on a whim!

[Dave W]

Denis, talk to Mike Parks in Raleigh http://the-music-connection.com/ric.htm about who to take it to. I can't remember whether or not he does service and repair on guitars he didn't sell, but if not, he should know who can help you.

[ilan]

Ted's explanation is excellent. Every owner of a pre-85 Ric should read it.

Personally I find it easier and faster to stand up with the bass in front of me facing forward, pulling lightly on the headstock with one hand and at the same time pushing the middle section of the neck with my knee to a slight back-bow, turning the hex wrench with the other hand. I understand why it can be scary. But I'd be more reluctant to give the bass to a luthier who's not a Ric specialist.

Once you know how to adjust them properly, the old style expansion rods do their job just as well as the newer compression rods.

[Denis]

Denis, talk to Mike Parks in Raleigh http://the-music-connection.com/ric.htm about who to take it to. I can't remember whether or not he does service and repair on guitars he didn't sell, but if not, he should know who can help you.

Thanks, Dave! The Music Connection was a pretty reputable music store here in town up until maybe the 1990s. The name Mike Parks seems familiar. I will contact him and let you know what happens.

Yesterday morning  I'd emailed Rickenbacker for suggestions and just got a response from Richard Cannata at Ric, who gave me the same contact. Good to know you guys are all in line!

[Denis]

Looks like Mike will get the Ric on Saturday and give it a going over.

[Hornisse]

I've bought a lot of parts from Mike.  A real stand up guy.

[patman]

Hey Denis...any news back on your RIC yet?

[Denis]

Hey Denis...any news back on your RIC yet?

Not yet, but I only dropped it off to him Tuesday. Here's what I posted on the Ric forum about meeting Mike.

"Tonight after work I met Mike over at his shop where he gave the 4001 a quick look over. He's a trip and a half and I vaguely remember him from all those years ago when I visited Music Connection.

He thinks the neck is probably okay but he took it home with him to check out the electronics, dead bridge pup and some other things. So far he thinks nothing is serious. I almost had a heart attack when I watched him bend the neck and adjust the truss rods! However, I think the old girl is in good hands and he said he'd have a report in a couple days.

Afterwards we stood around and shot the breeze for a while and he showed me a new 4003. HOLY SMOKES that thing is beautiful! He told me it was the color of the year at NAMM (Montezuma Brown, sound right?) and that John Hall has a sick sense of humor as he was in Mexico at the time. Took me a few seconds to remember that term "Montezuma's Revenge" and apply it to the situation. That was funny! But that bass was stunning and whoever gets it is going to be happy as can be. I see now why Rics cost so much!

[gearHed289]

I see now why Rics cost so much!

Actually they're an amazing bargain. Have you priced a Spector, Lakland, or Alembic?  Plus they retain their value incredibly well, they have history, and you KNOW what you're getting. They never did a "budget" or import line. Santa Ana, CA baby! Do I sound like a fan boy? Crap..... better get over to the Rick Resource Forum. 

[Dave W]

Montezuma Brown was the color of the year about 2004. I had one, sold it to Scotty Allen.

The Montezuma's Revenge angle never occurred to me. No brown notes, please. 

[ilan]

Monty was COY for 2003 and extended to 2004 because demand was high. It was the only COY for which they took orders over two years.

[Dave W]

The one I had was actually in stock at Bass Emporium in Austin. I traded a CS P/J Fender for it.

[Denis]

Got a call from Mike today. The 4001 has no neck issues! Whoo hoo, that's a big one, considering I was sweating that. The bridge pup was pretty much dead, so he put in a new pup with a new chrome ring (the one with the cutout so the action can be lowered) and a cover. He says it's a really good bass, plays like a dream and that I'll be happy as hell with it. Can't wait to get it tomorrow!
Thanks for everyone's help with this!

[patman]

great news!!!!!!!!