I think it's a valid question. Vintage Fenders often go for much more than similar vintage Rics. It's all market driven, and who the hell understands the vintage instrument market!? 
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If Ricks Are So Coveted...Why Are They So Cheap?
- Thread starter plangentmusic
- Start date
It's not that vintage ric are cheap, the problem is IMO that the "vintage" market is overratated and Fenders are overpriced.
- Feb 16, 2008
- 21,240
- 23,638
- Disclosures
- John K Custom Basses
IMO, vintage fenders are overpriced ONLY if they are not selling at the prices people are asking for them.
if you bought a brand new p bass in 1969 like i did, it retailed for $271 plus $89 for the case. in 1969 gas was 35 cents a gallon. it's about 10X that now, so $2700-3000 for a late 60's early 70's vintage p bass now is just the price of inflation, which seems fair to me.
There are no "Pre-(insert corporate giant here) Rickenbackers.
I'm sure if Leo never sold the company, old Fenders would be a lot more reasonable.
Ric has stayed consistent through the years.
And try Barts in a Ric... Mine is awesome tone-wise!
I'm sure if Leo never sold the company, old Fenders would be a lot more reasonable.
Ric has stayed consistent through the years.
And try Barts in a Ric... Mine is awesome tone-wise!
If anyone can point me in the direction of a factory/new 4003 for under $1500.00 I would be grateful as I only see em for just under 2k
There you go again, trying to insert logic into things. Dagnabit, I bought my [insert vintage bass model here] in [insert some year from the 60's/70's here] for [insert low price here]. These prices today are a rip off!!!
It's funny -- I bought mine new in 1987 for $1100. Of the dozen or so bassists I new in person at the time, at least 5 of them had a 4001 or 4003.
Now the mid 70s P basses were cheap and everywhere as I recall it
You might be right. But one thing is inflation, not the value an item acquires with the passing of time. 1 dollar is not the same now as it was in the 60's,70's. but gallon of gas is the same amount as it was 40 years ago, it may seem that it costs more, but that's because of inflation. You can not say that a bass you bought 30-40 years ago is the same as it was at that time, hence it should gain value with the inflation.
TO me the vintage market is just a way people have to try and convince themselves that products manufactured before were better because America was a better place to live in the "old days"
- Feb 16, 2008
- 21,240
- 23,638
- Disclosures
- John K Custom Basses
alot of the value of a vintage fender bass's price is based on its originality and condition, which corresponds to it's rarity. likewise, a rare or desireable baseball card in excellent condition isn't based on the quality of the cardboard that it's printed on, and isn't made any better than the ones being produced today.
Exactly.
If you want to see some really high prices, try looking at 1972 and earlier. Very rare (few produced, and even fewer survive intact) and possessing some of the best aesthetic features, in my opinion.
1973 saw a marked increase in production, which is probably why they did away with the checkered binding, and full width inlays part way through the year. It slowed production.
I fully agree with many, though, that the new 4003 is easily better than the 4001, not to mention needing no restoration/refinish/refret etc.
I've got 1970s basses, and most of the mojo comes from others, while my new bass is played daily and the others rest in their cases for the most part.
Of the three I've played, I could never find a usable tone for any of the music I used to play.
I almost look at the Ric the way I do the 'Rays. I think theyre cool as all hell, but could never picture myself shelling out for something that would probably sit in its case. I guess I'm just one of those damn PBass guys, haha.
If I could find a stripped rick, just a neck and body, I'd be ecstatic. Hello Dark Stars, Hipshot A bridge, ultralite elephant ears, and checkered binding that matches my Vans slip-ons.
Heck, I always pointed out to my customers who bought Scott Pilgrim; "I think its pretty rad they chose to give him a Ric instead of some Fender clone. Very nice touch."
I don't know, hopefully one day I'll pick up a Ric that'll sing to me, and when/if that day comes, I just hope I'll be able to afford it!!
I almost look at the Ric the way I do the 'Rays. I think theyre cool as all hell, but could never picture myself shelling out for something that would probably sit in its case. I guess I'm just one of those damn PBass guys, haha.
If I could find a stripped rick, just a neck and body, I'd be ecstatic. Hello Dark Stars, Hipshot A bridge, ultralite elephant ears, and checkered binding that matches my Vans slip-ons.
Heck, I always pointed out to my customers who bought Scott Pilgrim; "I think its pretty rad they chose to give him a Ric instead of some Fender clone. Very nice touch."
I don't know, hopefully one day I'll pick up a Ric that'll sing to me, and when/if that day comes, I just hope I'll be able to afford it!!
I'm really glad we don't all like the same tone.
I often get a dose of inspiration from someone's tone or playing that is well outside my own preferences.
I often get a dose of inspiration from someone's tone or playing that is well outside my own preferences.
If anyone can point me in the direction of a factory/new 4003 for under $1500.00 I would be grateful as I only see em for just under 2k
Not under $1500, but close. No affiliation. I've posted this so many times it's probably gone by now, but this is a typical price for the savvy buyer.
North Coast Music Discount Quote - RIC 4003 Bass
Friday, December 17, 2010 6:15 PM
From:
"[email protected]" <[email protected]>
Thanks for your request for a discount price on a new RIC 4003 Bass in Fireglo, Mapleglo, or Jetglo from North Coast Music.
In this email, you will find not only discount price info, but shipping options, guitar setup, and in stock availability information as well.
I am offering this bass at a discounted price of $1599 including the standard black molded RIC hard shell case, but not shipping costs. The retail price is $2159.
<b>Is this guitar in stock?</b>
Yes, one is in stock in Jetglo.
<b>Will my guitar be properly set up and adjusted before shipment?</b>
Before shipment, North Coast Music performs a complete set up on each new RIC guitar purchased. We check and adjust the neck truss rod for minimum relief, lowest action before fret buzz, and intonation.
<b>How much is shipping?</b>
Shipping is $45 within the continental United States, fully insured and double boxed by Fed Ex ground service. Please click on the link below to see faster shipping options on RIC guitars If your email does not provide you this link, please just copy and paste this URL address into your browser.
<http://www.voxshowroom.com/northcoast/rickenbacker/shipping/index.html>
By RIC franchise restrictions, I may only ship RIC products to addresses in the United States, Canada, or Mexico. I cannot ship RIC products to anywhere else in the world, including Europe, Africa, South America, Oceania, Japan, Australia, or Asia, sorry.
<b>What if I am not happy with my purchase?</b>
North Coast Music offers a 48 hour inspection period during which time frame you may return the guitar for a full refund, less all shipping costs. If returned, the guitar must be in the same, pristine new condition as when it was sent to you, and with all packaging and paperwork included.
North Coast Music does not accept trades or sell used instruments, sorry.
If you have any other questions, or you wish to purchase a new RIC guitar from North Coast Music, please feel free to contact me.
Thanks,
Gary Hahlbeck
North Coast Music
3383 E Layton Avenue
Cudahy WI 53110
Fax: 414 483-3344
eMail address: [email protected]
Fax or online service only
No orders accepted by phone
Invalid Link Removed
+1!!!
Ill never understand why someone thinks a 196X pre-cbs Fender is worth five figures. Its absolutley ludicrous what we as bass players buy in to. $20k Fenders, $10 Alembics, Warwicks, and other boutiques that aren't even custom tailored to ourselves. Yet we still keep buying the crap that is in no way shape or form half as good as some basses at a fraction of their price.
/rant.
Not really disputing whether you're right or wrong, but I have to point out that using gas as a reference point for inflation is kind of a bad example. It's far too volatile. Inflation has little to do with vintage instument prices. It certainly should affect new instrument prices, but not vintage instruments.
I bought my white (now yellow) 1978 Ric 4001 new for $375 at Alex Music 48th St. NYC. Replaced the stock tuners with Schallers because the stock ones wouldn't stay in tune. I had the bridge pickup rewound so that it really cranks. Had a brass nut put on because I broke the original jumping around at a gig. I have no idea what it would sell for now on the open market...
+1!!!
Ill never understand why someone thinks a 196X pre-cbs Fender is worth five figures. Its absolutley ludicrous what we as bass players buy in to. $20k Fenders, $10 Alembics, Warwicks, and other boutiques that aren't even custom tailored to ourselves. Yet we still keep buying the crap that is in no way shape or form half as good as some basses at a fraction of their price.
/rant.
I agree with the boutique comment. Many are just stock instruments that someone wants you to believe is superior. Alembics that those amazing pu's and pre-amps that sounded like nothing else way back when. But the 80's are over and I think that sound is kinda dated. And they're heavy as hell.
The appeal of pre-CBS Fenders is twofold. One: They're rare. So just like a rare bottle of wine doesn't necessary TASTE better than a vintage 2008, it will cost more.
And two: A lot of them really are special. 20 grand special? No way. But if you've got it to spend, why not? And apparently, there are people who do.
- Feb 16, 2008
- 21,240
- 23,638
- Disclosures
- John K Custom Basses
i use gas prices since gasoline directly or indirectly seems to effect the price of everything else. it costs the farmer more to harvest & the trucker more to get the goods to the market so the market charges more for the their product. then, since food and gas costs more, landlords raise their rent to make up for it. unfortunately a dollar just ain't what it used to be. when i was a kid, my allowance was $1 week and i'd buy two 50 cent matchbox cars with it.
I know why. Two words, "baby," "boomers."
They excell in taking what was cool when they were kids, and marketing it back to my generation at an inflated price. There's your inflation, there's who's saying "you gotta have it!" There's your answer.
