How would you revive this Greco Rick?

bunnykeeper · #1 12-11-2011, 04:40 PM

I just picked this up on Yahoo Japan auctions for around $60 shipped, including the case.

I've never owned a Rick (or Rick copy) before, much less owned one, so I could use any input that fellow TBers might have. Care to take a look and tell me what you'd do with it? I'm not looking to restore it, just get it playing well, sounding good, and looking passable.

BTW, if I understand correctly (my Japanese isn't so hot), the truss rod is broken, so I'll need to remove & replace it, or use a different neck.

HeavyRockBasser · #2 12-11-2011, 07:42 PM

As a Ric owner, this is wrong on so many levels... But I'd say start with the neck. You need to find out if it's repairable or replacable, first. Just the cost of that might be a deal breaker. I'd gut the electronics and replace with genuine Ric parts. You could save a little money by using Duncan or Bartolinni pick-ups, but you get what you pay for. If you choose to go that route, you might be able to find some used ones, cheap. A lot of guys try these and end up not liking them, and pull 'em back out. I'd pull the tuners and refinish the headstock. It probably won't match the body, but it would be less unsightly. Price all of this stuff out, before you start, because you need to decide if it's worth even taking this on in the first place.

bunnykeeper · #3 12-12-2011, 02:25 AM

I've already bought it. I paid about $65, including shipping and case.

perogato02 · #4 12-12-2011, 02:34 AM

$65 is cheap, but you will have a lot of work to make it playable again by the looks of it:
replacing the truss rod, refinishing the neck or even the whole package and rewiring all the electronics or even replacing it ... Personally I would refinish the whole bass

rocmonster · #5 12-12-2011, 01:39 PM

You could consider buying a new neck with an uncut paddle head, and use the shape of the old headstock as a template. But then again, the cost of that neck and replacement pup's and hw will set you back a few hundred, let alone the cost of refinishing. I would do it because it would be a fun diversion project knowing full well it will cost me a pretty penny versus buying a new and funtioning MIM Jazz bass... I do love that Rick shape.; but to each his own, good luck!