NBD - Fireglo?! 4003

[Ninja_Baby]

As soon as it appeared on the BassBros socials I had to have it. My 2nd birth year Rickenbacker. Fireglo…..but I kinda feel it’s not actually fireglo but maybe Autumnglo?!

 

It’s a lot darker and brownish to what I’d expect a fireglo to be (pictures show it lighter than it actually is)
 

Either way I love it. 
 

[Lozz196]

That’s a beaut, see what you mean re the colour, Autumnglo for definite!

[HeadlessBassist]

And another +1 for Autumnglo. That's lovely. Hope you enjoy playing it!  

[SurroundedByManatees]

Looks nice!

 

Doesn't appear te be fireglo indeed,  but also not like autumnglo. Autumnglo has a way more soft brownish to yellow fade. This looks more like a traditional burst.

 

Might be a special edition?

 

Anyway, enjoy! 🙂

[Skybone]

Agree that it doesn't look like a FireGlo, my guess would be an AutumnGlo as suggested, but that is a guess.

 

Looks like an early/mid-80's 4003 with the split scratch plate, but it looks like it's in fantastic condition. 

 

Enjoy! 

[AMV001]

Possibly Walnut? Paul Boyer's book mentions that Walnut was available in matt and gloss finishes up to 1985.

[Ninja_Baby]

44 minutes ago, Skybone said:

Agree that it doesn't look like a FireGlo, my guess would be an AutumnGlo as suggested, but that is a guess.

 

Looks like an early/mid-80's 4003 with the split scratch plate, but it looks like it's in fantastic condition. 

 

Enjoy! 

 

Yeah it’s an ‘82. With the slim line Grover tuners too which I didn’t know they still put on . It’s definitely showing signs of wear, but for a bass the same as me it’s aged better 🤣

[Ninja_Baby]

This pic I took captures the colour better.

 

also…my perfect 3 bass setup 😍

[King Tut]

Nice!

[Ninja_Baby]

I think it may be Montezuma Brown, as I’ve seen another (from 1981) that looks very similar.

 

[Mokl]

That's a fantastic colour, enjoy the bass

[Skybone]

Don't forget that it is an ever so slightly different beast from your FSO's, if you play finger style, try playing it between the pickups rather than between the bridge and the pickup.

[12stringbassist]

It almost looks a little more liek a Montezuma Brown finish.

 

https://reverb.com/uk/p/rickenbacker-360-color-of-the-year?hfid=91724846

 

or maybe an Autumnglo https://www.andybaxterbass.com/products/2022-rickenbacker-4003cb-autumnglo

Edited yesterday at 00:23 by 12stringbassist

[Skybone]

11 hours ago, 12stringbassist said:

It almost looks a little more liek a Montezuma Brown finish.

 

https://reverb.com/uk/p/rickenbacker-360-color-of-the-year?hfid=91724846

 

or maybe an Autumnglo https://www.andybaxterbass.com/products/2022-rickenbacker-4003cb-autumnglo

Montezuma's AutumnGlo

[Misdee]

On 19/12/2025 at 16:43, Ninja_Baby said:

As soon as it appeared on the BassBros socials I had to have it. My 2nd birth year Rickenbacker. Fireglo…..but I kinda feel it’s not actually fireglo but maybe Autumnglo?!

 

It’s a lot darker and brownish to what I’d expect a fireglo to be (pictures show it lighter than it actually is)
 

Either way I love it. 
 

That is a beautiful Rick.

 

I've seen a couple of  one-off Custom Shop basses that Rickenbacker have offered for sale in that dark Fireglo finish. Whatever it's called, I really like it.

[Grooverjr]

5 hours ago, Skybone said:

Montezuma's AutumnGlo

You should be able to get some pills for that from the pharmacist. 🤣

Absolutely gorgeous bass, though. 

[Ninja_Baby]

3 hours ago, Misdee said:

That is a beautiful Rick.

 

I've seen a couple of  one-off Custom Shop basses that Rickenbacker have offered for sale in that dark Fireglo finish. Whatever it's called, I really like it.

Thanks. Pictures really don’t do it justice. It’s soooooo nice. This is my 6th Rick and in my opinion sounds the best by far. Nice chunky neck too that’s effortless to play. 

[AMV001]

Referring once again to Paul Boyers excellent book 'The Rickenbacker Bass, 50 years as Rocks Bottom'. He states in the chapter dedicated to finishes that Montezuma Brown was only available between 2003 and 2006 (it first appeared as a Colour Of The Year in '03 and was the only colour programme to be extended). Therefore the OP's bass, being a 82, can't be Montezuma Brown. 

 

Pics from the book attached- 2 Monte Browns and an Autumnglo & Walnut comparison. The latter are very close in colour, however the accompanying text states that Autumnglo disappeared from RIC price lists in 1980 but Walnut continued until early '85 although it was described as 'shaded brown' from '81.

 

I'd still be inclined to say the OP's bass is Walnut.

Edited 1 hour ago by AMV001
Spelling

[Ninja_Baby]

40 minutes ago, AMV001 said:

Referring once again to Paul Boyers excellent book 'The Rickenbacker Bass, 50 years as Rocks Bottom'. He states in the chapter dedicated to finishes that Montezuma Brown was only available between 2003 and 2006 (it first appeared as a Colour Of The Year in '03 and was the only colour programme to be extended). Therefore the OP's bass, being a 82, can't be Montezuma Brown. 

 

Pics from the book attached- 2 Monte Browns and an Autumnglo & Walnut comparison. The latter are very close in colour, however the accompanying text states that Autumnglo disappeared from RIC price lists in 1980 but Walnut continued until early '85 although it was described as 'shaded brown' from '81.

 

I'd still be inclined to say the OP's bass is Walnut.

Ah the plot thickens! Great info though, thanks! I think I need to get me a copy of that book!