spongebob

Rickenbacker 4004cii. I'm a Ric-addict, and I've been after one of these for a while!

I've just managed to snare my dream bass on E-bay, from the USA. I've worked out the cost of purchase, shipping, etc, with the conversion before buying. However - when it comes to the customs charges and VAT - do I have to pay on a used instrument? I've already budgeted for a big lump on top! Are there any tips here? What can I get the seller to mark it as to help reduce the cost? Any ideas here welcome!

As it's your first post, maybe you could introduce yourself, who you are, etc, and provide a weblink or something? Might help anyone interested gauge more of an idea of what's on offer. Just a thought!

There's a really nice Trace 715 SMC 150 watt combo on e-bay right now with no reserve.

I am - and very happy I am too!! Come and check us out tomorrow night in Sheerness (shameless plug)!! That's the last time I do anybody else a favour!! BTW, do I know you Galilee? Have we met?

Sorry, I meant to say this was on behalf of someone else - he's now told me he's not looking as he's found something through another site.

My 150w Trace has a single speaker.....so I would assume output would be fairly similar to the Mini Mark?

Nice avatar Sk8! TBH, I've always found my Trace to have a fine amount of power for me. Other places where there's been a dediacated soundman, he's just line'd me out to the PA. I tend to use it in small clubs/pubs, and it's always had enough power to cut through. Then again, I'm a biased Ric player....and they sound great through anything! I've noticed a few Mark Bass players on here, so there's quite a following? I'm just looking for a way to plug 'n' go, whilst matching the quality and sound of my Trace.....

The place we've been using recently for practice has got an old Carlsbro combo. It has to be, the worst thing I've ever plugged into! TBH, it makes my Rickenbacker sound like a buzzing fly! Terrible!!

My current bass amp - a Trace Elliot 150w combo, serves me well with a teriffic sound, and output is more than good for me. However, at around 30k's or more, it weighs a ton (not literally, please forgive my calculations). Basically, I'm looking for an combo of 150w or similar that I can lift on my own, without risking a double hernia. I'd also like to be able to leave the gig without any help - I always find my amp is the last to get lifted out of venues whilst I'm helping the others! It would be nice to have amp in one hand, and bass in the other! I've seen the Markbass Mini Mark - seems to give out 150w, but they say it weighs under 10k! Has anybody got/tried one of these? How do they sound? I'm really interested to hear everybody's thoughts, as they seem quite expensive for a combo - just under £800. I was also searching the net for more pictures - I can only find the front, not the switches/inputs, etc. All help and suggestions please!!

Like most guitars, keeping the Ric original is the key. Any mod will affect the value for sure. With the early 70's 4001s especially - you want to do more research on the variants.....and maybe change the pup back as well!

[u][b]"When I changed over to a Precision the drummer commented that it sounded like I had gone from a £9.99 Argos special to a real bass."[/b][/u] ....and there's me normally arguing against the normal drummer jokes!

You'll find everything you need to know on here - [url="http://www.rickresource.com"]http://www.rickresource.com[/url] I am a Rickenbacker nut - you'll never catch me with anything else. I have also had some other bassists who have said to me that a Ric is not a 'real' bass as you need to use a pick. Of course, those people and opinions are simply nuts. Across the board, you'll find a real mix of Ric players who favour either finger style or pick. Geddy was a finger player....one of the most famous Ric owners! It all comes down to personal preference, and if you want that Ric sound. I've never had any complaints about using mine - it's all a part of the sound I bring to the table...and as I said, I'll never use anything else. Then again, if you can find a decent one at a sensible price......good luck!! There is currently a 2 year plus waiting list on new ones, and with the pound/dollar problems, I believe that prices have risen again to nearly £2000 for a 4003. This may also be raised by the time of delivery if rates change.

Excellent! I'll give some a try and see how we go!! Thanks guys.

Adding to the many list of string questions..... I have been using Roto's nickel strings for a bit, and their stainless before that. Only changed over after reading about increased fretwar to my precious Rics! I have been looking at the Elites Players series. Anybody on here use them? I always go for standard gauge, out of interest! Looking for an Elites website, I couldn't find one! Does it exist? I just wondered if anyone on note is an Elites player (not that it actually matters...!

Thanks guys. Valuable info for me to work on!

Linked to my previous post about getting a Ric 4004.... Has anyone had any experience of importing from the USA? I'm looking at used/nearly new. My concern is the customs charges - how they are calculated, and so on. Any thoughts or experiences on this would be great, I'm a bit worried that I might get stung!

Many thanks for all that. I'll register on there today and see how things go. There must be one out there.......!!

I'm looking to buy a Rickenbacker 4004 Cheyenne in Maple glow. I'm not new to Rics, already being well into my 4003's. However, I have hit a real problem. The main 'distributor', Rosetti, list loads of dealers, but most of the shops don't stock any Rics at all....some barely stock any basses! Basically, can anybody help me here? I don't know where to look - I've trawled the net, but to no avail. E-bay hasn't been much good, either! Maybe someone can provide some decent web links to shops they know which regularly stock Rics? I'm keeping my eyes on the classifieds on basschat as well. I'm not just after only new....I'd definitely consider a used if a good one was to turn up. All suggestions and help welcome!

Interesting debate. I come from the background of being a drummer/bassist. In my experience, its always the rhythm section in general which people don't appreciate. I have had so many 'you'll be fine...' type auditions. They just automatically assume, its only got 4 strings, or you're just hitting stuff. A good response is to simply stop playing mid-song or guitar solo. They'll soon realise how important you are!

Thanks guys. That has kind of surprised me - I thought the one I tried was great. I have found that my Trace sounds a bit like I'm playing in a wind tunnel, whereas the Laney was really punchy, and bought out the best Ric tone I've achieved for a while! If I do change, and ideas of a sale value of my Trace? It's A1 condition, but just not the tone I like.

I have owned my Trace Elliot 715 SMC 150 watt combo for a bit. However, I have never been really keen on my sound. It's a fantastic amp, but I don't think it brings out the best in me (I play Rickenbacker). However, during two recent rehearsals, I plugged into different combos which totally changed my sound. First was an old Carlsboro....but last night was into a Laney...and what a superb tone. Does anyone on here play these, or have any opinions? I see that they come in at 150 and 200+ watts. My TA is 150, so that's probably enough for the gigs I do. The one I used wasn't near new... are the newer ones much cop? Also....any ideas on the value of my Trace, as a private sale and a trade-in? It's wooden cased, and the condition is superb, no joke! Now I've played the Laney, it's got me thinking about a change!

This coming Friday (14th), Dayfall will be playing a benefit for the Kent Air Ambulance in Sheerness. There will be 4 bands in all, and we are on at 9pm. Venue is the Ivy Leaf. If anyone wants any further details or directions, PM me and I'll happily provide what you need. Please come along and give generously!!

What's the opinion on the Squires? Are they radically different from the standard Mexican Precision? As a '2nd' bass, is the standard really worth the extra?