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1979 Rickenbacker any good?!?!

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by Harry Lime, Nov 10, 2001.

  1. Nov 10, 2001 #1
    Harry Lime

    Harry Lime

    Sep 8, 2001
    Rhode Island, USA
    I'm seriously thinking of purchasing this 1979 Rickenbacker 4001, Jetglow(Black), Excellent, OHSC, for $975.00.

    But I've only been playing for three months. I just don't like the sound of my Squier P-Bass that I bought for a cheaply $150. When I hear other bassists play in songs, I'm like..."My bass could never do that!" Besides, I bet John Taylor had a model like taht on the early Duran Duran songs.

    So do you think that's a good price for it? I haven't tried it out, I just found it on this guy who sells guitar not too far from here. Here's the website and photo of it:

    http://www.gbase.com/gearlist/guitar_picture.asp?guitar=253446&home=dealer
     
  2. Nov 10, 2001 #2
    Intrepid

    Intrepid

    Oct 15, 2001
    I love my Rick. Is it a 4001 or 4003?...I heard 4001s don't handle large guaged strings very well. About the only bad thing I've heard bad about Ricks. Awesome tone and best action anywhere. Mine happens to be a 97 4003. Also you have to do a little work to older Ricks because apparently one of the capicators cut down on output and you have to bypass it. That particular one is a bit over priced. p/u cover is gone, has that scratch on the back and some of the pots aren't original. Plus 79 isn't exactly vintage if you were looking for something vintage.
     
  3. Nov 10, 2001 #3
    Harry Lime

    Harry Lime

    Sep 8, 2001
    Rhode Island, USA
    Intrepid:

    Well, actually I don't know what I want. But if that isn't vintage then I might as well get a newer one. But it's hard to find vintage Rickenbacker's isn't it? Where do you find them?

    A guy told me taht the newer Rick's arent any good, that the quality has gone down. That site had two other pics of Rick's if you want to check em out.

    I really just want a bass that's better than this Squier by Fender P-Bass. Anything online thathas a good bass for good price you know of? Thanks.
     
  4. Nov 10, 2001 #4
    Intrepid

    Intrepid

    Oct 15, 2001
    Probably meant Fender or something, RIck's quality as goten better in my opinion. To me Vintage is like 76 and below. You'll just want to buy a new one. Musician's Friend sells them for like $1000. Check ebay, but always make sure that you can send the bass back if you don't like it. Could be a good brand and a bad bass...happens.
     
  5. Nov 10, 2001 #5
    barroso

    barroso

    Aug 16, 2000
    Italia
    rickenbacker quality is out of doubt great. it was great years ago and it is great now. there were no lowdowns on their production. a lot of what they do is still handmade, they use great woods and everything is made in usa except some tuning machines. you can dislike their sound, but their craftmanship is out of question. i have and play a mapleglo 4001 produced in the january of 1980. the bass is equipped with the rickenbacker double truss rod system and i play with roundwound without any problem. it's a bass that allows a really low action, it's fast. ricks are strange beasts. try one before you buy, the sound is not for everyone. they are not versatile. not modern and not really powerful in the low notes section. great with picks.