I want to buy a RickenBacker 4003.
I want to hear your thoughts...
Do you think it's worth the price?
I want to hear your thoughts...
Do you think it's worth the price?
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
I want a RickenBacker 4003
- Thread starter johndoe123
- Start date
To the people that love Rics (me) the price is irrelevant. To the non-Ric people they are over priced. There have been at least 2 threads in the last couple of weeks discussing the merit of Rics and the price. Enjoy!
Ric5
Inactive
- Jan 29, 2008
- 29,772
- 30,452
- Disclosures
- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
Exactly. Just rip a few hundred dollar bills off of your money tree. =p
Wish I had money for a Ric. Then of course sell it for profit.
Way to not answer the question. If he posts in a Rick Club or post you have a bunch of disciples clanging the Rick Gong of Approval. If he posts out of that box he gets a broader sample of opinions and maybe some suggestions of other basses. You even own one and don't offer up a simple opinion.
Definitely more info on what he wants if FOR would help.
I suppose short answer is yes a Rickenbacker is worth it if you want and like Rickenbackers. Try one. If you like it buy it. If you don't try maybe a Jazz or Thunderbird which are in the narrow necked family of basses. Prices have gone up quite a bit from the demand for these basses and guitars. And that is a way for the company to keep up and stay the smaller stateside run company they are. Used may be an easier cheaper route.
I want one too. 
I played one many years back, there was nothing quite like it IMHO. That's not saying there may not be better basses out there, it's just the Rickenbacker was one of the most unique feeling/sounding basses I've played.
I played one many years back, there was nothing quite like it IMHO. That's not saying there may not be better basses out there, it's just the Rickenbacker was one of the most unique feeling/sounding basses I've played.
Ric5
Inactive
- Jan 29, 2008
- 29,772
- 30,452
- Disclosures
- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
i always see a lot about the price of rics.
but mine cost me less than an american fender jazz would have.
mind you, the same guy has pushed his prices up $800 in the last 3 or 4 years.
but they are still cheaper than a lot of musicmans or warwicks i've seen.
but mine cost me less than an american fender jazz would have.
mind you, the same guy has pushed his prices up $800 in the last 3 or 4 years.
but they are still cheaper than a lot of musicmans or warwicks i've seen.
You may want a Rickenbacker, but do Rickenbacker want you to have one !??
The current stock situation around the globe suggests to me that they don't want anybody to have one
. So, if I were you, I'd grab the first one that you see for sale (used or otherwise), before Rickenbacker suddenly realise that paying people to make basses that never leave the warehouse is a bad business strategy 
.
Don't flame me, this is a humourous comment on the (apparent) complete lack of new Rics in stock (particularly in the UK and Europe), which has been going on for over a year now.
!??The current stock situation around the globe suggests to me that they don't want anybody to have one
. So, if I were you, I'd grab the first one that you see for sale (used or otherwise), before Rickenbacker suddenly realise that paying people to make basses that never leave the warehouse is a bad business strategy . Don't flame me, this is a humourous comment on the (apparent) complete lack of new Rics in stock (particularly in the UK and Europe), which has been going on for over a year now.
Aussie Mark
I come from a land down under
- Oct 26, 2002
- 1,161
- 206
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Fender; O'Neill Amps; Cave Passive Pedals
Great info. I had no idea this resource existed. Once I get out of my 'economic doldrums' I plan on visiting this site regularly.
I own a Ric. I think they're nice basses. However for the $2000 they're asking for one, I'd rather get a used Sadowsky metro or a used USA Lakland which are head and shoulders above (in terms of build quality) anything Ric is currently putting out.
The only reason why they can charge as much is they do is because, like they say, nothing is quite like a Ric and John Hall intends to keep it that way.
The only reason why they can charge as much is they do is because, like they say, nothing is quite like a Ric and John Hall intends to keep it that way.
There is an endless supply of good basses out there. Stock instruments from a bunch of solid companies, custom builders, one of kind builders, guys who assemble parts... some are crazy cheap some are crazy expensive. I recently bought a 1985 4003 Jet Glo in fantastic shape for $1900 and a Squier '50s Vibe P-Bass for $300 both are great. My point is apples and oranges I don't think you can compare one brand or build with another. Even within brands there is so much disparity. Just go to your local store and try 3 or 4 of the same model bass... chances are there is a difference... In my opinion buy what you like, what feels good in your hands and what you can afford...
I'm totally pleased with my new 4003, but I am a Rick believer. As for price, $2,000 is a bunck of cash, but there are a lot of other instruments out there for that much and more. The key is whether you will value the Rick. I read so much about long waits, but I was able to buy mine this summer from MF when they had them in stock - it only took a few days to get it. I guess God just wanted me to get that 4003!
By the way, the bass in the picture is a 1974 4001 - still crazy after all these years!
By the way, the bass in the picture is a 1974 4001 - still crazy after all these years!
The first bass I ever coveted was a blue Ric, back in the 70's. I've never owned one and, now that I know more about them, I don't want one at all. I don't think their performance lives up to their mystique.
A '75' Ric was my first real pro bass, but since I don't play 4 string anymore I'm really not that interested in them that much. If they made a 5 string 4003, I'd be on it in a second.
i love my rickenbacker 4003 (2007 model).. it has a very different feel to my other basses ( stingray and warwick corvette) but i like the wat it plays..
i think the main attraction to rickenbacker basses is the sound, its very different to pretty much every other bass
i think the main attraction to rickenbacker basses is the sound, its very different to pretty much every other bass
