Sparky Mark

Reading all the changes that have been made it's probably worth less than half the asking price.

That's great news. The difference is subtle but significantly improves playability for those (of us mere mortals) that the binding aggravates.

How's it going with a 4003S?

Pencil or nothing back in those days was common. I think stamps came in later.

That is brilliant; all that technology to replicate what we do almost without having to think about it.

Yes thanks, I had to click on the link at the top of one of those threads. The old no Ricky sticky was front and centre previously.

Found it! Rule 8. Cheers.

I can't find the answer either. Although others on here believe the ban on genuine Rickenbacker product sales/trades has been lifted. Maybe one of them could point us towards the evidence?

That's great news. I might add another to my brace of 4003S if they start appearing here.

If they're "brilliant" and "great" (and cheap) why didn't you keep them please?

Your Italian cabs may well have B&C drivers in them. These have quality die cast frames as opposed to the pressed steel frames of the later (cheaper) Yellow Line drivers. Assuming you're not over driving your cabs I'd expect them to outlive your amplifier. Personally, I'd buy secondhand B&C loaded MB cabs before Yellow Line versions.

I agree those artists played Japanese basses at some time but those aren't the models they are now associated most closely with.

For me the major difference is that Fender guitars have been associated with so many iconic artists since the the 1950s; I can't think of any bassists of iconic stature that have the same relationship with these 1970s/80s Japanese basses (John Taylor included).

So you're wanting to compare the most expensive non Custom Shop Fenders with the cheapest Rickenbacker? A Fender American Professional Jazz is £700 cheaper new than the £2200 cheapest Rickenbacker. However I was hoping to hear ftom Rickenbacker players about their playing technique not argue over pricing.

Those 80's Japanese basses will only appreciate to a certain point. Like all vintage stuff, once us oldies that have fond memories of them first time around retire, their prices will probably decline back to their intrinsic value.

There are probably better PJ available new than the Westone. They were decent basses in their day (esp. Thunder 1A) but are average by today's standards and possibly heavyweight if that's a consideration. Aria SB1000 is the only model I'd look at owning again if it was cheap enough.

Really? You won't get much change from £2500 for a new 4003. That's several hundred pounds more than a USA Fender. Plus Rickenbacker don't have a lower entry point such as Mexican Fenders or Epiphone. Rickenbackers are a big investment/risk if you're not 100% sure you'll eventually gel.

Absolutely agree that Rickenbackers are versatile but their unique ergonomics stop many bassists from even trying to use them. (Maybe their relatively high price compared to many FSOs plays a role in this too?).

Not wanting to extinguish your BBQ, but I wouldn't say that the S versions have contouring, simply a radiused slab body. It does soften the edges compared to the bound tops but still not as comfortable as a Fender IMO. I hope I've overstated it so please keep us updated.

When the LM3 replaced the LM2 they were class AB. My 2009 LM3 is class AB. Class AB LM3 and Combo 2 heads continued until 2012 when the class D power section was introduced without publicity.

How old is the LM3? I'd be interested to know if your broken and 'new' ones are class AB or D?

Agreed. Mine are both S models as I found the binding really uncomfortable.

Thank you. It's interesting a bass that a fair percentage of players just can't get on with at all is perfect for others. Yes, the SRs are probably as comfortable to play as any bass out there (unless thin narrow necks aren't your thing) but as you say specific conditions can turn things upside down. I've found that as I have gained more experience that I can adapt to almost any bass (shortscales, Hofner violins, Gibson SG, Warwick Thumb, etc.) but the Rickenbacker is my biggest challenge. Maybe I should've retained the pickup cover and anchored my wrist on that when using a pick?

Yoiks, that is unusual! Agony in seconds? How come?