4000

[quote name='bertbass' timestamp='1366756568' post='2057091'] I think that the shop are being a bit unfair especially after having a chat with Tim about your problems. I wish you all the best. [/quote] Thanks. It's not Tim's fault, or the shop's per se. The way it was explained to me, in simple terms, if that the way that a shop bought bass is logged against the buyer means that they have to take it back as a used item if they take it back and therefore have to sell it as such. It's different for distance buying. So their hands are tied, effectively. Of course I didn't know this; the only stuff I tend to buy off the internet (other than ebay) are books and the occasional cd/dvd, and I can't remember the last time I returned something to a shop or otherwise, unless it was faulty. Even then I think I've returned about 4 items in my life!

[quote name='bertbass' timestamp='1366753526' post='2057028'] Sorry, I forgot the . [/quote] No, I'm sorry. Having just got back from rehearsal I read it back and got it straight away. Apologies, its been a long and stressful day! I also found out at rehearsal tonight that my shoulder has been partially dislocated, most probably for the past couple of weeks. Unfortunately it happens quite often to one or the other, so much so that I don't even recognise it a lot of the time anymore, I just know I feel really rough & sore. When I was seeing the consultant last year I told him that it felt like like my shoulders kept popping out of their sockets and he said "that's because they are". Not what you want to hear! It's now back in so I may give the bass a day or so to see if it makes any difference (I'm not optimistic); if not then it'll be up for grabs. Thanks again for the input everyone. Internet shopping eh? In my day it were Woolworths or nowt......

[quote name='bertbass' timestamp='1366736725' post='2056660'] Are you sure that it's working OK? Didn't I read somewhere that wires are prone to come adrift due to bad soldering making the bass not fit for purpose? [/quote] Er, have you read any of my posts? It's working perfectly. Because of specific medical problems I have I'm struggling with the ergonomics (i.e. shape and contouring) , not the electronics. That's got to be a possible contender for most random post ever...

[quote name='dannybuoy' timestamp='1366734301' post='2056611'] Were there any other basses in the shop you liked the look of? They may be more willing to swap you for another bass as that way they don't lose out on a sale. [/quote] No, sadly. There are very few basses I can play these days; things with small bodies (like my Seis) and Rick 4001s seem to be about it. I've got 2 vintage 4001s which I adore and I don't really like the 4003 as much. They only appear to stock Rickenbacker and Hofner, bass-wise. Oh, and Fender, but i can't play those due to the ergonomics. The only problem I have with the 4004 seems to be the fact that it's actually more contoured (and so for most people more comfortable); I can only think that because I learned to play on a slab-bodied, bound 4001 somehow my body has adapted to that and that has remained the case despite my current ailments. A Fender Jazz for instance just kills me. It's doubly distressing as the SEi I sold was such a great bass and so comfortable, but then at least it's gone to a good home. If I do sell this then I'll be straight down to Mr Petersen's Bass Emporium - which ironically was going to be my next stop before I saw this 4004 - for a [i]comfortable[/i] custom build.

Thanks for the input guys. I've just spoken to the shop and whilst they would be prepared to take the instrument back as used, I'd take a massive hit on the bass, almost half what it cost, so that's no use to me. I'd just like to clarify that Tim has been very helpful and sympathetic over the phone and my issue is in no way meant to reflect on him; apologies if my frustrations make it seem that way. In a sense it seems that the law is backwards in terms of protecting the distance buyer over and above the shop buyer, the opposite of what most shops would want. I've effectively been hoist by my own petard; my need to try the bass due to my conditions has totally backfired, especially seeing as the problems I was worried about didn't surface until later. Ironic when I could've ordered it on the internet, played half a dozen gigs with it and then sent it back without any reason whatsoever. I guess I should have asked about the returns policy, but it just didn't occur. 'No questions' remember? Ah well, keep your eyes peeled; you should - barring a miracle cure - be seeing a stunning, highly figured (lots of flame etc), brand-new-in-all-but-name 4004 for sale at a bargain price some time in the next few days. The longer I keep it the more likely I am to to try and work through the problem and as I found out with the RIM, doing so is generally NOT be a good idea. BTW, icastle, that did occur to me but that's not a route I'd really want to go down. Here are pics as a taster........the yellower ones are with flash, the others in low natural light. [url="http://s290.photobucket.com/user/josten72/media/IMG_5012_zps7156f5b4.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s290.photobucket.com/user/josten72/media/IMG_5011_zpsfdb1c21c.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s290.photobucket.com/user/josten72/media/IMG_5045_zpsd816e604.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s290.photobucket.com/user/josten72/media/IMG_5019_zps4da03ebb.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s290.photobucket.com/user/josten72/media/IMG_5030_zps703dc75b.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s290.photobucket.com/user/josten72/media/IMG_4998_zps5461bd07.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s290.photobucket.com/user/josten72/media/IMG_4996_zps74fec244.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s290.photobucket.com/user/josten72/media/IMG_5046_zpsa60f02c4.jpg.html"][/url]

On the 9th April I saw a gorgeous bass for sale on ebay; something that prompted me to put my Sei bass up for sale. The bass was an exceptional-looking Rickenbacker 4004 Cheyenne II, sold by Sound Affects in Ormskirk (who I wasn't familar with). The auction stated a 14 day return policy, no questions asked. The auction had a "make an offer" facility, which I made use of whilst in my dinner time at work. When I got home I'd received an email counter offer with a note saying if I rang the shop they could do me a good price as they wouldn't be paying fees. It's at this point that it all appears to have fallen down. At this point I'll add that I have pretty well documented physical problems (back/neck prolapsed discs & unstable shoulders with associated referred nerve problems in legs and arms). As some BC-ers will be aware, I had to get rid opf my custom RIM bass almost immediately after receiving it as it agggravated my problems. I also can't generally play basses with forearm contours for the same reasons. I'll add that I've had 12 or so 4000-type Rics in my time and never had a problem with any of them. Back to the 4004; I thought about it and a couple of days later phoned back saying I would come to the shop to try the 2 x 4004s they had to see which worked best for me, given my above problems. Now I buy very little music gear over the internet and have never had to return anything I have bought (music gear or otherwise), so I wasn't aware that the 14 day policy only applied to internet sales. I assumed that it would apply whether I went to the shop or no; "14 day return policy, no questions asked", right? So on the Saturday I went and tried the basses, taking a couple of my own for reference. Other than some niggling in my neck there didn't appear to be any real problems; I discussed my conditions (indeed we compared notes) and the reasons I have to try stuff with the manager, Tim. I liked the specific bass I'd first seen - it was far better than the other one - and bought it. Unfortunately any nerve aggravation doesn't always show immediately and after a few days of playing (I don't tend to get much playing in during the week), lo and behold, the pain started. My left collarbone is now really bad and my right forearm is just searing; the same problem I had with my RIM. So the other night, 8 days in, I emailed Tim to see if I could return the bass because of the problems it was causing me. "No" was the answer. When I asked why I was told they don't do return on shop bought items; it's shop policy and is stated in the shop. No mention of it on the internet auction that I initially responded to - remember [i]they[/i] directed me to contact the shop - no mention of it when I said I was coming to try the bass, no mention of it on my receipts. It may have said in the shop but I can't say I was looking at the time; a friend who gave me the lift down can't remember anything either, but it's not always the first thing you're looking for in a room full of nice guitars. I told Tim the bass is exactly as it was when I bought it; it still has the sticker on etc and the cleaning cloth etc is still in the packet and hasn't been used. He said they simply can't accept shop bought returns, for accounting reasons. I'm somewhat annoyed that if I'd bought via the auction in the first place (even on a whim) and got them to deliver it I'd be able to return it no problem. If I'd bought it as a way to pass a lazy day, I'd be able to return it no problem. However because I actually took the effort to go to the shop, a shop I subsequently recommended to friends, it appears I'm stuffed, to use a technical term. Somehow I don't think the Bass Gallery would be taking the same stance. What's doubly annoying is that no-one pointed out to me that the 14 day return would be invalidated if I visited the shop. I may be niaive in terms of distance buying and associated laws for reasons stated previously, but somehow this just doesn't seem right, if only from a customer service perspective. So, I currently have a stunning Ric 4004, the nicest I've seen and by far the better of the two I played, which I simply can't play. Assuming I get no joy out of Sound Affects, it looks like I'll have to sell at a fair loss as I can't afford to have it around the house. My forearm suffered permanent damage with the RIM and I can't risk anything worsening. The upside - for someone - is that if I get no joy then it'll be up for sale soon and someone will doubtless grab a bargain; it really is stunning and sounds and plays great, with very light weight to boot. Now if only I could have that "uncomfortable" 4001 slab body and edge binding back....

[quote name='geofio' timestamp='1365474812' post='2040101'] that one was actually a replacement that came from Rickenbacker, as these are so hard to get over here the first one had a paint finnish issue and a problematic E string, so i was sent this wonderful bass instead . the rrp for this bass is a staggering £3,350 link here [url="http://www.ricsrus.com/4000-Series.html"]http://www.ricsrus.c...000-Series.html[/url] the build is second to none fantastic woodwork and i love the schaller bridge not sure about those machine heads at the moment give them time and see. pickups are amazing really quiet and loud and huge bass response , through my system it just sounds amazing it's actually frightening lol the bass is actually very different from anything else on the market precision thickness with ric twang . if you can find one go for it. cheers [/quote] Cheers George. Got my eye on one as we speak. What was up with the E?

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1325796168' post='1488004'] Let me kick off this new forum with a thread dedicated to all the wonderful guitars owned by Basschat members. And to start in true BRX style here's my most recent 6-string acquisition - the Hallmark Wing-Bat: Based on the Hallmark Swept Wing design and endorsed by George Bariss of 60s Batmobile fame (amongst others), this is a limited edition of 100. [/quote] I need one!

Thanks. The couple I've played must have had an older neck; one piece, a bit chunky. I know they've gone to a slimmer 2 piece neck now. Played them through a horrible little Fender 30 watt combo; the impression I got was that they were fuller and rounder than a 4001 - a more humbucking sound, obviously - but still had a strong Ric quality. I have two old 4001s that cover the old sound perfectly so a 4004 would maybe compliment them nicely. Yours looks gorgeous by the way; where was it from?

I've been considering one of these so I'd be interested to know too. How are you finding it compared to a 4001 or 4003?