Looks like a winner! Maybe it's just me but I believe rics all play and sound the same...the truss rod system did improve after the 70's though.
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About to pull the trigger on a Ric
- Thread starter catcauphonic
- Start date
I just fail to see any reason to buy a 2012 ric for more than the cost of a brand new ric.
No. That is list price but nearly every dealer will give a discounted quote. Sweetwater quoted me $1950 for a 4003 fireglo. But I ended up buying from wildwood last month for $1750 plus tax and free shipping. And I got a free tee shirt. Bass was setup perfectly too
Cool... I've owned a few but never bought new. Last one I bought was a silver and black 1986 for 1350.
You're hella tempting me to call your dude for a quote, which if it did lead me to go the route of mail order, would totally bust my 'try it before I buy it' rule
Isn't there extra $$ for tax? Who eats the return shipping if I'm just not feeling it, yet it's not a mechanical failure of any sort??
Like someone else mentioned upthread... if something were to go wrong like bubbling paint, it would have already happened on a model that's a few years old.
I'll probably give em a jingle tomorrow just to see what all my options are. Thanks all!
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Have you ever played a ric before? Wondering because it's a big purchase unknowing. I know players that love them but don't like playing them. I personally love playing them but my taste has changed last few yrs.You're hella tempting me to call your dude for a quote, which if it did lead me to go the route of mail order, would totally bust my 'try it before I buy it' rule
Isn't there extra $$ for tax? Who eats the return shipping if I'm just not feeling it, yet it's not a mechanical failure of any sort??
Like someone else mentioned upthread... if something were to go wrong like bubbling paint, it would have already happened on a model that's a few years old.
I'll probably give em a jingle tomorrow just to see what all my options are. Thanks all!
Cat's played Ricks before; he knows what he getting into.
I want a 4003, and finally have the money. Problem is that there are none available in the shops at rhe moment, with most on pre order for indeterminate dates in the future.
Over the course of 5 years (1988 - 1993) I owned 3 Ricks. I bought a new jetglo, then traded it for another jetglo and then traded that for a 70's Mapleglo. I found myself in a life and death situation in late 1993 and I had to sell the Mapleglo. Since then I've lusted for another. I'm FINALLY getting close to being able to get another 4003 jetglo. I have been following the prices over the years, therefore I realize that they're not $800 new like they were I. The 80's but now I can't find one new under $2000. Someone said call a dealer and ask for a discount. My problem is that I live in Japan and the prices are at least double from the States. I could buy one online (from a US dealer) and have it shipped it to a family member or travel to a dealer when I visit NY again, (probably this Christmas) but I'm unsure which way to do it. Any advice from the Ric experts?
I've always been able to find Rickenbackers. All you have to do is shake the bushes a little bit.
Bass Guitars | Wildwood Guitars
Bass Guitars | Wildwood Guitars
I'll agree, I cant see any reason to pay more for a used bass, unless its one of the "deluxe" 60's models with CB and crushed pearl inlays, there's nothing special about a 10 year old Ric. The $1750 price seems to be a common average from Wildwood, but you might have to wait for it. Ric intentionally keeps production low and prices high, and so far thats been a good business model for them, they sell every bass they make. The newer basses are just better made IMO.
@bassnyc1
In your shoes, I'd fly to NYC to pick it up. Theres an inherent risk of finish checking anytime you put a bass in an unheated airplane hold though. Is there any way to request a heated hold, or maybe you can buy the seat next to you and prop it up like a passenger?
They must have some safer way to transport instruments. I hate to even ask what they get for a Ric in Japan. Would you have to pay some kind if import duty? A lot of the special runs in crazy Anime/Manga colors were built just for the Japanese market, they occasionally pop up on Reverb or Ebay for insane prices.
In your shoes, I'd fly to NYC to pick it up. Theres an inherent risk of finish checking anytime you put a bass in an unheated airplane hold though. Is there any way to request a heated hold, or maybe you can buy the seat next to you and prop it up like a passenger?
They must have some safer way to transport instruments. I hate to even ask what they get for a Ric in Japan. Would you have to pay some kind if import duty? A lot of the special runs in crazy Anime/Manga colors were built just for the Japanese market, they occasionally pop up on Reverb or Ebay for insane prices.
If it's exactly what you want, and you can play it and it clicks, there is value in that.
@bassnyc1
In your shoes, I'd fly to NYC to pick it up. Theres an inherent risk of finish checking anytime you put a bass in an unheated airplane hold though. Is there any way to request a heated hold, or maybe you can buy the seat next to you and prop it up like a passenger?
There's usually no import fees when you carry an instrument. I've done it several times. I just put the bass in my Sadowsky portabag and check it with the luggage. I always fly JAL and they are much more careful than other airlines.
In Tokyo, it's heaven for finding vintage Fenders and such but the prices.... at least double what you'd pay in the States.
The next time I'm home, I hope to be in the position to buy. But where? I'd like to try it first. Bringing it back would be no problem.
Therein lies the rub. Most stores never even hang them on the wall, they are just filling backorders. I can't figure out if GC is still an authorized Ric dealer or not. Supposedly Ric dropped them , but I recently saw a brand new Ruby red one for sale at the Boylston Street GC in Boston, which would bring the grand total of stores that actually have Ric basses in stock in Boston to (2). the only other place I know of in Boston is Mr. Music in Allston. Is it any better in NYC? Wildwood Guitars has a good rep for pre-inspecting basses to weed out the lemons (mostly finish issues), but I think that's mail order only, so no try before buy option. Sweetwater is a crapshoot too, they are notorious for selling returns as brand new, but some people have had good luck buying from them.
Si. See post #37
Well, I just spoke to Troy at Wildwood, who was hella cool and informative. Not pushy at all. He quoted me 1,799 plus tax, includes shipping. One gets 48hrs return window no questions asked.
Of course i could only think of half of the questions i wanted to ask them. I best make a lil list.
Hmmm, the plot thickens.
I think you'll be happy. I only bought a '86 because I wanted to replace my '80 that was stolen...Rics are so consistent and well made regardless of year.
