• 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.

Is buying a Rickenbacker even possible??

#122
Gilmourisgod said:
Love that guy! His ability say the most blatant and outrageous absurdities with a straight face is unmatched on all of TV Land. Add in the psychotic hairdo, and you have Genius On Display.
Click to expand...
Or what happens when you give the Pizza Delivery Guy a toke, get him started on "we are the Universe experiencing itself subjectively", and then hand him a mic.
 
  • Like
Reactions: mikewalker and Gilmourisgod
#123
Ric5 said:
If you have some skills … build your own
Click to expand...

Building your own also lets you get into crazy stuff like putting a pair of J's in the traditional position, and another pair in the 4003 position, with a switch to go between pairs. Dave Meros of Spock's Beard had that done with his 34" Ed Roman (and his black Rick before that), and it's awesome listening to him go instantly between a burpy Jazz Bass tone to that Rick grind.

I keep telling myself when I get the space to do some woodworking, I'm gonna take my router to something like an SX or a cheap Squier and do that. Still hasn't happened.
 
#124
Felken said:
I finally have a bit of loose change after years of work, and I'm telling myself "you know what? Maybe I could afford myself a little treat in the next few months"

Rickenbackers are so nice man, I can't describe it. That look, that tone, it's so beautiful!

So I go online casually scoping for a few Rickenbackers. I knew they were expensive but... That's an understatement. THEY COST AN ARM AND A LEG... AND YOUR HOUSE PLUS A FEW YEARS OF FREE LABOUR.

These things are like 4000$ CAD No way I could pay for that.

Is buying a Ric even possible? I mean, where do I buy them? How did you get yours? Is it possible getting one for under 1500$ CAD? I can't just wait until I'm 45 to buy one.
Click to expand...
I sold my Ric 4004 to a Mountie in Ottawa for under $1500, so I imagine it's possible someone else would do it at some point.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Felken
#125
Felken said:
I finally have a bit of loose change after years of work, and I'm telling myself "you know what? Maybe I could afford myself a little treat in the next few months"

Rickenbackers are so nice man, I can't describe it. That look, that tone, it's so beautiful!

So I go online casually scoping for a few Rickenbackers. I knew they were expensive but... That's an understatement. THEY COST AN ARM AND A LEG... AND YOUR HOUSE PLUS A FEW YEARS OF FREE LABOUR.

These things are like 4000$ CAD No way I could pay for that.

Is buying a Ric even possible? I mean, where do I buy them? How did you get yours? Is it possible getting one for under 1500$ CAD? I can't just wait until I'm 45 to buy one.
Click to expand...

Where are you looking? There’s a L&M in north Markham (in Ontario) that routinely have brand new rics for 2k or so
 
#127
RyanOh said:
Same. Honestly I never play it. Don't like it. I want to like it, I really do. There it is. I put on a Hipshot bridge, removed the pickup cover, I played the other day and nope...still not liking the ergonomics of it.
And...I waited until I was 45 :/ I suggest OP plays one before living this experience.
View attachment 3470778

And I have lots and lots of different basses. I play Fender Jazz, Stingrays, Guild Pilots, 6 strings, I'm not picky...I try to adjust and adapt. I enjoy the variety, but this Ric hasn't grown on me.
Click to expand...

I currently own, and have owned, a pretty wide variety of basses. Several 4, 5, and 6 string models from 20 to 24 frets, both active and passive, and all different body shapes.

From that experience, so far the Rickenbacker is the most unique playing bass out of them all.

And as much as I want to like it, because I love the look, I just can’t get along with them playability wise.
 
  • Like
Reactions: RyanOh
#129
Coolhandjjl said:
Most large US dealers ship international these days, and there's nothing in Ric's US dealer agreements that prevent a US dealer from shipping a Rick to Canada.

But there's always some sellers on eBay and Reverb who don't want to deal with international shipping because it can be a hassle for the occasional sale.
Click to expand...

OP is looking to save $$$$$.

Figured a buddy in the US would save a bunch on shipping.
 
#135
I’d say try one before you actually pull the trigger. I love how Rick basses play but I hate how Rick guitars play. If you’re coming from a Fender or anything traditional or modern, you may or may not like it. Personally I love the playability on my 4003. I got mine for $1,800 on Reverb which I think is a pretty good deal considering mine is left handed. The guy didn’t even charge me for shipping. Very nice gesture considering he shipped it from California to New York. For the Canadian market, I’m not an expert in but I’d say if you really love Ricks and it’s your dream instrument save up until you see the right moment. That’s what I did and I got a really good deal!
 
#138
Felken said:
I finally have a bit of loose change after years of work, and I'm telling myself "you know what? Maybe I could afford myself a little treat in the next few months"

Rickenbackers are so nice man, I can't describe it. That look, that tone, it's so beautiful!

So I go online casually scoping for a few Rickenbackers. I knew they were expensive but... That's an understatement. THEY COST AN ARM AND A LEG... AND YOUR HOUSE PLUS A FEW YEARS OF FREE LABOUR.

These things are like 4000$ CAD No way I could pay for that.

Is buying a Ric even possible? I mean, where do I buy them? How did you get yours? Is it possible getting one for under 1500$ CAD? I can't just wait until I'm 45 to buy one.
Click to expand...

There are like 3 local to me for $1500 CAD or less. It’s not that hard to find.
 
#139
Felken said:
So far it seems all L&M stores in Ontario are out of stock.
Click to expand...
Keep checking. I haven’t been in that L&M for a few months but I used to go in every month and saw one or two in like every other time I went in. Also, I don’t think everything gets posted on the website.

With that said, I’ve only played two Rics in my life (both brand new 4003s that were two weeks apart) and the difference in feel between them was huge! One had a thin neck (almost felt like an Ibanez SR) and another had one thicker than a P Bass neck. There are some basses I’m comfortable ordering without playing because I know how it will feel (Ibanez, Dingwall, and Warwick). Rics are very much in the camp of “try before you buy”.

L&M may transfer between stores without much of a commitment (unlike ordering a non-stock item), but I’m not sure.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back