Looking for a (pre '97) 4003/4001 template/tracing

[Iome]

I'm looking for a 4003/4001 template to build me a lefty simil/RickandBacker bass. Could any of you help me? I've got some P,J and Gibby templates if your intersted.
Thanks

[ilan]

That is not legal and RIC have a history of going after makers and sellers of unauthorized copies - even when it's just one home-made guitar. Even if you don't put a Rickenbacker nameplate on your bass or claim that it's the real thing, it's still illegal, RIC has copyrighted the silhouette and almost any other part of their guitars.

My advice... use your own design, it's more fun.

[Iome]

I know, but i thought they lost their rights after 30 or 40 years. There's many brands, like Bach, Frudua and others that now sell basses with the Rick shape. And i'm using a neck with a completely different headstock, i'm only looking for the body template

[Dave W]

Trademark rights go on as long as the products are made. And for better or worse, RIC has a "trade dress" trademark on the body shape.

You may agree with this or not, but we don't want to draw attention to any RIC trademark issues here. If anybody has a template, they should contact Iome privately.

[Lightyear]

What about old stuff that is out of production?  Like the 3001?

[Freuds_Cat]

Ilan I am aware of Rics reputation for protecting their products but I'm interested in what you were saying about home builders. Surely any rights violations only come into existence once the bass is made for sale?

What law is it that stops a guy building a bass that is shaped like a Ric in his shed for his own use.
I find this interesting, just curious.

[Dave W]

Sure, you can build one for your own use. Just don't expect to find a template.

[eb2]

There are more of them floating around, especially in Canada, but they are a hot potato.  You never see them in the US.  The best bet is to borrow or rent a Rick (or Univox) and do it up yourself.  There was a guy who had put up a 4001 CNC program at CNCzone a while back, and that might be there still.  Good luck in making one.

[Iome]

Guy's, i don't want to cause any problems to this board or anyone else, i just wanted to make myself a similRick (not a clone) for my own private use and amusement. I happen to have a neck and wanted to make a Rick-look-alike body, but it will be bolt on, different headstock, different pickups and hardware and also a little different body shape. If the moderators think it's best, then please remove this thread. Otherwise, if you have a tracing, then please send me a PM   . I won't tell anybody  

[dadagoboi]

If you'll be making all those mods I suggest you trace a Pbass or other bolt on body that fits your neck. Then modify that into the Ric shape you want by using the best Ric pictures you can find and a good soft pencil and eraser

The added advantage is you will know exactly where the bridge needs to be located relative to the neck pocket and centerline of the bass.  Everything else you can fake.

[ilan]

IThe added advantage is you will know exactly where the bridge needs to be located

Easy. Measure the distance from the nut to the 12th fret, then mark the same measurement from the 12th fret on the body.

[Electro Dale]

I'm looking for a 4003/4001 template to build me a lefty simil/RickandBacker bass. Could any of you help me? I've got some P,J and Gibby templates if your intersted.
Thanks

Kinda like this:

Or this Lefty:

[ilan]

Welcome aboard Dale! Great job on that lefty burg 3000/330WB-style hybrid and modded Monty.

[weekend warrior]

Beautys Dale!

[Iome]

Hey Dale,
you meen your've made those?  stunning work mate.