Affordable Rickenbacker copies

[Crazyeelboy]

I remember the Ibanez and Univox Rick copies from the 1970s, but I have to say that even back then when I had no bux, they had no appeal. For some reason, the Fender copies seemed OK, but the Rick copies just didn't cut it. The only Rick copy I have seen recently was a "Rockinbetter" in a London shop. My guitarist and I still joke about that thing.

For what its worth, a used Rick is a better option than a copy.

 

[Phalex]

A Ric is awesome. A Peavey T-40 is pretty badass too.

 

[ThunderLizard]

Electra!! They made some great copies back in the early 70's.

 

[Lefty Geek]

Are there any lefty copies? I have a 4001, but would like another cheaper version. Right now the only lefty Rick on Ebay has a high bid of $2200. Yes, over $2K for a 4001.

I don't need the look, just the sound and the feel (I like the necks).

 

[Lynwood James]

Who would have known there were so many copies? I thought my Schecter 004 looked Ric-ish but these are serious lawsuit copies.

If anyone can get me an original, unmodified 4001/4003 in working order (that is, frets don't need to be dressed yet, truss rods work and it's set up, electronics are fine), I'll give you $1000 for it right now. Seriously, contact me. How I wish I lived in Houston!

 

[Musky]

Electra!! They made some great copies back in the early 70's.

They certainly badged up some great copies. The Electra ricks were made by FujiGen, Matsumoku or Kasuga at various points.

 

[Spleenface92]

I still say buy a used ric 4001. They go for under around a grand, and they are actual rics. Unless, you don't like the ric sound.

 

[JimmyThunder]

I haven't seen a 4001 go for under a grand in a long time.

 

[kcole4001]

I've got 3 Ricks, and have only had the opportunity to try one faker, and it couldn't be considered representative, it was used (abused) and a terrible clunker.

The only advice I can give is: if you really want a Rick, what you'll want is a real one, so start looking and save up some money.
The good thing is that if you decide it's not your thing, you can sell it and you shouldn't lose any money.
Do a bit of research BEFORE buying, though.
Forewarned is forearmed.

Look around for a while, I live in a smallish town in Canada and I found three locally (bought two, I may still buy the third, no money at the moment), and bought a third on ebay.
They're all worth more than I paid now.

 

[Spleenface92]

I recently saw a couple used 4001s on ebay for about a grand. One was Azureglo, too.

 

[rokkitt]

John would not be haaaaaappy...

hey, save a few more dollars and get a real one....that is my take on it....

you can only play one fake at a time, and only one ric at time.

so, why not the ric?

al

find a used one....and trade up if you can , or keep it...till you save more money