Rick's Fine '52

[quote name='dood' timestamp='1421599364' post='2663105'] Wasn't the Riccie version just slanted in one direction though? Not strickly a fan-fret system and the benefits that brings in terms of a longer scale length for the lower strings, but just to ease the playing angle or something? I've not seen the Fender version, but I do know that Novak has customised strats to take the full fan fret system. [/quote] No, the Rick was fanned like a Dingwall, although they did make a slanted version too, they did several models in fact. The fender version was just slanted frets on the Marauder, in 1966. Here's some example pics, but google images is a good enough source for similar; [url="http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb290/rosesguitar_2007/rickfanned_zps9c4e93a0.jpg"]http://i208.photobuc...zps9c4e93a0.jpg[/url] [url="http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb290/rosesguitar_2007/rickfanned_zps9c4e93a0.jpg"]http://i208.photobuc...zps9c4e93a0.jpg[/url] [url="http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb290/rosesguitar_2007/rickfanned_zps9c4e93a0.jpg"]http://i208.photobuc...zps9c4e93a0.jpg[/url] (Photobucket copy isn't working, so you'll have to click it, sorry)

Fullerton reissue from 1982. if the poles are flat then its a '62 P reissue. Nice set of pickups, pretty sought after.

[quote name='ead' timestamp='1420998146' post='2655998'] I quite enjoyed them, but moved mine on in the end. I can't quite get the idea of the Super P & J where the scale length on the upper strings is shorter than a Fender. Presumable to go for heavier strings, seems to fly in the face of the purpose of a Dingwall. [/quote] This, plus.... Fender and Rickenbacker have both tried fanned frets in the 60's, soon ditched. Not for me, but each to their own. You defo need to try before you buy i reckon though, as its clearly not everyones taste.

The Fender Bass-an Illustrated History by Black & Molinaro, as stated above is the best all bass book. The Fender Bass by Klaus Blasquiz is pretty poor, cheap....for a reason! Fender-The sound heard around the world by Smith, is a good Fender company history reference book Fender-The golden age by Kelly is really good book showing all of Fenders work from '46 -'70. Fender-The inside story by Forest White is another good Fender history book Fender Precision Basses '51 to '54 by Detlef is also great, but only covers the earliest models How the Fender Bass changed the World by Jim Roberts is good, but again lots of reference and history lots of others, but they are the mainstream ones I would recommend the top one, it pretty much covers everything you are likely to need, on Fender basses, great detail, reference, dating info, and of course some fine GAS inducing pics.

[quote name='Beedster' timestamp='1420668946' post='2652090'] £50 says scam. Even if not, as someone who's sold a thing or two on here, if in the same situation I'd decline the sale and seek a more straight forward deal. Good luck either way. C [/quote] More straightforward than cash on collection? Is there one? I think this thread got people over excited. The only way i do business, if i dont know the person, is cash on collection/delivery. In my experience, which is considerable, it is the only safe way to trade. Just make sure the cash is legit. We should be more trusting of people methinks.

I dont think its odd at all. If an instrument is well looked after, and not gigged every day, then it should be in this condition. The '52 I owned until recently was in near mint condition, and the '53 I now have is the same, well looked after instruments, which is why they command big money, the same as any well kept antiquity. Out of thousands of examples produced, to find a dozen or so still in top condition is not that unusual, imho. Not everyone gigs their gear either. That was also the same back in the 50's. I stopped gigging in '94, so for the past 20 years, my basses have been in cases, for the most part, so have not aged at all in that time. If someone bought a bass in the 50's, and played in their houses every couple of weeks for an hour, and it was in a case, it would be still almost mint, with probably some light lacquer checking. The '52 I had was never kept in its gig bag as they are not very protective, so was always kept in a hard tweed case for the majority of its life.

I had a similar dealing about 5 years ago with a Russian buyer, no problems either. To be honest, if they ahve the cash, then sell them the head, its no different to any other cash on collection sale. The fact its a Polish middle-man, I think is irrelevant. But, as has been muted, if the guy turns up and says theres a last minute problem, just turn away. And, get a test pen from a bank for testing notes. I know Barclays give you them, because i've got several over recent years, very quick peace of mind.

[quote name='JamesBass' timestamp='1420399313' post='2648932'] Cheers Rick! Just out of curiosity where do you go for your necks? [/quote] I'm still searching for the right spec Jazz neck for one of them, and the other was for a '66 slab precision, and had to be a maple-cap neck, which are very scarce, so i had to get that from a Roger Waters signature reissue. Good, vintage correct necks are surprisingly hard to get hold of!?!

Great spot, what a fab example. Not a bad price either imo. It does annoy me when people put the bridge covers on the wrong way round though!! Also, as has been mentioned, sloppy stringing, for a 20k bass! I'm trying to convince Detlef to do a second edition of his book, as there are quite a few great examples not included in his first issue.

[quote name='JamesBass' timestamp='1420395002' post='2648825'] Is that 2 bodies or 2 full builds? [/quote] Just bodies, i prefer to do the rest myself, and it keeps build costs down.

MJT, in my opinion, do the best relic paintjobs around. Genuine checking, unlike anything i've seen elsewhere or currently available. I've bought 2 in the past, both exceptional.

Try something like this, theres lotsof different styles available; http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=221554637961

[quote name='Bassman Steve' timestamp='1419108146' post='2636748'] May I ask the serial number? I'm almost certain my '53 (#0189) had a neck date of 26/3/53. [/quote] its #1025

[quote name='bluejay' timestamp='1415385470' post='2599875'] Great stuff, Nik and Colin While I'm sifting through the pics from the bash, I feel I really have to post one of Chimike with his awesome, still unfinished amp/cab jobby. It's the one at the centre of the group photo above, and we had stuck on the amp a piece of paper with "Ped" written on it! [/quote] I don't think I've ever seen someone dress in attire that deliberately colour matches their amp.....works well, i may try that, i'm sure i have an old tweed coat somewhere! (Lovely acoustic rig btw!!)

[quote name='JamesBass' timestamp='1418862057' post='2634321'] Jesus! I really don't know how you manage to find these basses!? That 53 and 55 are gorgeous! How does the 53 compare to your 53 build? Likewise, how does the 66 compare to the 66 build you did? [/quote] Thanks. Found them by simply searching. The '53 was from Rumbleseat in NYC, and the '55 from Fiesta in California. The '53 and '66 are very comparable to my build versions, although alot of effort went into sourcing as many original parts as possible when assembling them, for that aim. You can never replicate the 'feel', and 'vibe' of an original though, but for around 10% the cost of a real one, they represent great value, and were very rewarding and enjoyable putting them together.

Here's my new 'old' '53, barely a mark on it;

[quote name='gary mac' timestamp='1418831284' post='2633817'] Wow Rick, that is handsome. Give me a shout if you decide to move it on. Meanwhile, hope you enjoy it [/quote] Thanks Gary, will do, and yes, I will/am!

New, 'old' P bass, a '55, with Koylon tweed;

[quote name='Clarky' timestamp='1418824009' post='2633697'] Wow, Rick. That is drop dead gorgeous! I presume this is the product of the multiple-part trade you mentioned to me? [/quote] Thanks Clarky, and yep, the others are P's, and will be in the P-Porn section shortly!!

Here's my latest Jazz, another '61;

I messaged the seller when he first listed it months ago, for £3600. I was concerned at the neck pocket, it should be a lot darker, full of black paint, and look at the lack of black on the front if the upper horn, its a bit lacking? He replied saying he didnt know if it had been repainted? No mention of that in the relisting though? Hmmmm....

In response to these latest threads, i can see both sides. It does depend how much you want something,a nd its value of course. I've gone to the US to buy a bass before, because it saved me £5k on the price of one here, took the opportunity to have a few days in the Big Apple whilst there, so it was worth it. Would i get the train to Wigan and back for 10 hours to buy a £700 bass or amp that is generally readily available elsewhere, not a chance, better things to do. Would i travel 10 hours to Wigan and back for something rare that i have always wanted that rarely turns up, absolutely. Horses for courses. Having said that, it is frustrating when someone wont spend half hour packaging something up, but its their choice, and they risk not selling as a result, but its the sellers choice, not the buyers. We are all different. Its the same as when people wont take off three screws of a contol panel, to lift it up and tell you pot codes? Frustrating, but we have to accept, and respect, their position (even if it makes our blood boil).