Rick 4003 - to Rick or not to Rick

[Bloomyleo]

I spied a newly minted Rickenbacker 4003 selling for 2 large. It would hurt my bank account something fierce - should I take the plunge? I played it for some time and it is definitely a sweet instrument. Any input is welcome!

 

[NathanTbass]

I just bought a 1980 4003 on sunday and i havent had a second thought yet! I love it and wonder why it took me so long to take the plunge...

 

[Rob Martinez]

I would never encourage anyone to be financially irresponsible. So, if you can't afford it, wait.

IF you can take the financial hit, get the Rick. They are great basses and very fun to play. They sound pretty good too!

 

[I<34080]

if you think it's worth it, go for it. As a Ric owner, I'd say that even for a new one, that's a bit high.

 

[RickC]

as long as it's Firelgo, most def!

 

[Spike-]

I would never encourage anyone to be financially irresponsible. So, if you can't afford it, wait.

Advice for life...

 

[Corevalay]

Used... it's the only way to buy instruments

 

[audiomitch]

I'm not sure if I'm breaking the rules here, but there are places where you can buy a brand new one for $1599.

No affiliation

I guess if this post is bad, it will get deleted? Sorry.

 

[Ler]

They can be had for less...

 

[Bloomyleo]

'preciate the input! To mKe things a bit more complicated, there's a '77 Rick 4001 at a different shop. It's going for $1,679. It's definitely in contention, but I worry about the neck. It's strung with rounds, which is what I'd need, and, from what I've read, the neck was designed with the tension of flats in mind. Any advice/input/experiences to help me make an educated decision would be great.

 

[bassguitar808]

I've got rounds on my 4001

there are some great threads about them if you search

 

[hdracer]

You can do a LOT better than 2K.

 

[Billy3000]

Most shops will price match too.. You could try finding a shop selling a new one for cheaper and get your shop to price match it for you. If they won't, then do it on Musician's Friend.

 

[RickenBoogie]

If you find a 70's 4001 with rounds on it, chances are it's been strung that way for a while, and the neck is fine. IF there was going to be a problem, it would have shown long ago. Personally, as much as I've loved all the 4001 and 4003's I've owned, since getting a 4004Cii, I never play my 4003 anymore. Just a thought.

 

[joemer]

if you think it's worth it, go for it. As a Ric owner, I'd say that even for a new one, that's a bit high.

+1 on that. I just bought a brand new 2010 for $1549.

 

[electracoyote]

To getting a Ric, I say, play one first, if you like it, great investment that satisfies that itch and retains its value.

To 2 grand, I say, 2 much. Take the advice given here and shop around.

 

[Bloomyleo]

I'll definitely be looking around. A new 4003 is hard to come by. Anyone have a theory as to why?

 

[cassius987]

Anyone have a theory as to why?

The answer lies in ECON 101: low supply, high demand.

2010 is much than, say, 2008 was as far as supply goes. Which means prices have fallen a bit, and that's how people are getting new 4003s for $1400-1600 instead of $1800-2000 like before.

 

[kcole4001]

Not that hard, just check the recently shipped dealers and hopefully you'll find one in the finish of your choice.

http://www.rickenbacker.com/dealer_find.asp