Is this bass seriously worth $30,000

[mccartneyman]

I would like to get a vintage 4001, to get a Paul McCartney-ish vibe, but it's way more money than I have.

Get Paul to buy it and give it to you for a $15,000 donation to PETA.

 

[SurrenderMonkey]

It's worth whatever the punters are willing to pay. If it doesn't sell at $30,000, then it wasn't worth it!

Frankly, if I was loaded, I'd rather have a vintage Fender (or Rick, whatever your poison) hanging on the wall than most pieces of contemporary art. At least it will retain some of its value. Then the added bonus is I can play it.

 

[ryognbass]

not 30,000. just 29,800

 

[RAM]

Collectors make decisions on emotional value not intrinsic value. This is a perfect example.

To answer your question: it's worth it to a collector who's willing to pay that much, but if you have to ask, clearly not.

 

[Korladis]

Without even looking at it, no, it's not worth that much (at least to me). No electric bass is.



Now that I've looked at it, that's a sweet bass. I'd rather have a 60's one, though.

 

[ksandvik]

Heh, if someone is willing to spend $30k, or even $3k, that's their problem.

Bass guitars are to be played, not placed on a wall.

 

[skiscem]

30k and no free shipping?? give me a break

 

[I<34080]

It's selling for that price because it's a 4000. Sound wise, a 4001/4002/4003/4004/4005/4080 are better

 

[LCW]

Like most vintage instruments its worth it to a collector , its like an antique. People pay alot for an old chair when a new better made custom chair can be had for less , same applies to basses.

Its cool but if i sold all i had i think i would still be a couple grand off.

 

[Ric5]

That pickguard is crazy ugly ... like a Flash Gordon outfit or something.

 

[GregC]

Soooo, can anyone with knowledge of the market for early Rics say where this price fits in? I'm curious. That would be more interesting to read than the Captain Obvious "it's worth whatever the market will bear" answers.

 

[Korladis]

It's selling for that price because it's a 4000. Sound wise, a 4001/4002/4003/4004/4005/4080 are better

I dunno about that. Wouldn't a 4000 be somewhat close to the 4001/4003 played bridge pickup only in sound? And that's the sound I actually prefer on Rics for any sort of loud rock.

A very early 4000 like this is obviously a collector's thing, but I wouldn't mind having a 60's or 70's 4000, it would be a rocking machine.

 

[Past 11]

Soooo, can anyone with knowledge of the market for early Rics say where this price fits in? I'm curious. That would be more interesting to read than the Captain Obvious "it's worth whatever the market will bear" answers.

That's what I'm still waiting for. At least that was my impression from the OP.

 

[Slaine01]

These things are mainly bought at that kind od price for investor/collectors (look at the selling price of early Les Pauls now compared to 15 years ago).
Japanese collectors are paying big bucks for items like this so it will probably sell.

 

[abstractart06]

I was in a pawn shop recently, and one of the managers was a collector of vintage instruments. He said that collectible guitars have been appreciating at a rate of 30% a year. That's why auction houses like Christie's in New York are getting record prices for rare guitars. They are a better investment than the stock market.

 

[Matt R.]

Wow

 

[mellowgerman]

lol

 

[shadowmac]

Serious question
Sick bass, but still
http://cgi.ebay.com/RICKENBACKER-40...itar?hash=item20ad4d21fb&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

NO.

Though in reality, it's worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it, right?

 

[pigsonthewing]

Soooo, can anyone with knowledge of the market for early Rics say where this price fits in? I'm curious. That would be more interesting to read than the Captain Obvious "it's worth whatever the market will bear" answers.

Haha yeah, that's what I meant. I know if someone will pay it, then it's worth that, but I was wondering how much these usually go for, I don't recall ever seeing another one.

 

[pigsonthewing]

Like most vintage instruments its worth it to a collector , its like an antique. People pay alot for an old chair when a new better made custom chair can be had for less , same applies to basses.

Its cool but if i sold all i had i think i would still be a couple grand off.

I'd probably be 28,500 off.