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Rickenbacker 4003 Pricing

BassDaddy77

BassDaddy77

Feb 12, 2010
1,266
2,600
NE Ohio
#1
Can anybody make heads or tails of brand new Ric pricing? I mean depending on where you look to buy, it seems the prices range from in the $1300s to above 2 grand! And then there's the 4003w "walnut" model which has an even crazier spread of asking prices. I've read through several threads here on TB and can't figure out what someone should actually expect to pay for either the 4003 or 4003w model as a general rule.

I've wanted a Ric for some time, but am very weary of the discrepancy in pricing. I'd really like a walnut model, but again, what is a reasoanbly good price at this point in time? Any words of wisdom on current selling prices? Would anyone care to share what they paid for a new 4003 within the last 6 months to a year? Thanks!
 
#2
First off, understand the "suggested list price" found on RIC's website:

4003 -- $2159
4003W -- $2159
4004L Laredo -- $2459
4004Cii Cheyenne II -- $2729

Now, retailers obtain these basses from Rickenbacker at substantial discount (don't know the exact percentage) and then choose their own selling price. Some of the most reliable dealers sell their 4003 and 4003W at the same price; some tack on a premium for the new walnut model. You should be able to find dealers who will sell either model for somewhere between $1500 and $1800, and more for the 4004 models. The secondary ("used") market is more difficult to assess as it includes some discontinued or limited-edition models and finishes that may have been rare to begin with.
 
#5
Thanks for all the info Paul. It's interesting to see that there is no difference in cost to a dealer for the "W" model, yet I just got off the phone with one that is asking $2036 for a W model vs $1799 for a regular model - a $237 premium! That just seems wrong. It's frustrating dealing with so much inconsistency, but such is life, right?

Pentatonic, it looks as though Wildwood only has Mapleglo and Ruby in stock right now, but pricing seems better than the big box stores, until you factor in discounts.

Has anybody paid sub $1500 for a new 4003 lately?
 
#6
It amuses me when I see used Ric 4003 basses selling for $1500+. Why would someone pay the same as a new 4003 for a used 4003 with no warranty? I guess these sellers are relying on ill-informed buyers.
 
#7
BassDaddy77 said:
....Has anybody paid sub $1500 for a new 4003 lately?
Click to expand...

I went on a 4003 pricing research mission a couple of months ago. My findings were that resellers are selling them at price points all over the place, but many places sell them new for $1500-$1600 with free shipping. Anyone actively seeking a used 4003 should keep this information in mind and make offers accordingly.
 
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#8
Warpeg said:
I went on a 4003 pricing research mission a couple of months ago. My findings were that resellers are selling them at price points all over the place, but many places sell them new for $1500-$1600 with free shipping. Anyone actively seeking a used 4003 should keep this information in mind and make offers accordingly.
Click to expand...
This seems consistent with my findings as well. I'd like to think it's reasonable to find places selling the walnut version for the same price, i.e. $1500-$1600. Also, Go Browns!
 
#9
BassDaddy77 said:
Can anybody make heads or tails of brand new Ric pricing? I mean depending on where you look to buy, it seems the prices range from in the $1300s to above 2 grand! And then there's the 4003w "walnut" model which has an even crazier spread of asking prices. I've read through several threads here on TB and can't figure out what someone should actually expect to pay for either the 4003 or 4003w model as a general rule.

I've wanted a Ric for some time, but am very weary of the discrepancy in pricing. I'd really like a walnut model, but again, what is a reasoanbly good price at this point in time? Any words of wisdom on current selling prices? Would anyone care to share what they paid for a new 4003 within the last 6 months to a year? Thanks!
Click to expand...

I agree it's really weird. I test drove a 4003W at a local GC and honestly it seemed like a lower quality instrument than a standard Ric.

Not sure how to describe it really but a standard Ric is like a classic American car, whereas that 4003W felt like semi-amateur furniture. Definitely seems like it's less work on their end to put a W together.

Definitely try before you buy, and I'd have a hard time paying more for one than a standard.
 
#11
Pentatonic said:
Check with Wildwood Guitars in CO, they seem to have the best pricing on new Rics.
Click to expand...


+1 for www.wildwoodguitars.com they are simply the best for pricing on Rics, as far as any other Ric dealer it sounds like a case if they can charge as much as they can due to availability and if people are willing to pay for it they will continue doing as long as they are able.
The best thing to do is check pricing with every Ric dealer you can and find out the best deals, one thing is funny to me that a dealer like Wildwood Guitars has a huge selection of Rics and they give the best deals on pricing too and other dealers that are specifically Ric dealers (I won't mention any names) never hardly have any 4003 in ever and if they do they get used ones in and sell for more than a brand new 4003 sold at Wildwood Guitars.
 
#12
PaulBoyer said:
First off, understand the "suggested list price" found on RIC's website:

4003 -- $2159
4003W -- $2159
4004L Laredo -- $2459
4004Cii Cheyenne II -- $2729

Now, retailers obtain these basses from Rickenbacker at substantial discount (don't know the exact percentage) and then choose their own selling price. Some of the most reliable dealers sell their 4003 and 4003W at the same price; some tack on a premium for the new walnut model. You should be able to find dealers who will sell either model for somewhere between $1500 and $1800, and more for the 4004 models. The secondary ("used") market is more difficult to assess as it includes some discontinued or limited-edition models and finishes that may have been rare to begin with.
Click to expand...


I heard musicians friend pays right around $900 for a 4003, which makes since when they didnt blink selling me a 4003 in mapleglo for $1080 almost 3 years ago.
 
#13
Dealers pay around $900 for a standard 4003 with case. Ric dealers have to use MAP pricing as a term of the dealer contract, Minimum Advertised Price. Fairly common in the retail world. Then you have to email, or add to your cart for better price. They can then actually sell them for whatever they want. Typical dealer markups to stay in business run 60~100%, so selling it at $1450 gets them pretty close to the bottom end of their planned margin. Calling always gets you the best deal. It's just like buying a car. Hit 'em up at the end of the month, and you would most likely get the best price as store managers will do about anything to get those month end sales numbers up. Dealers keep the margins on the walnut 4003s higher because they can. Those will sell out first.
 
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#15
In addition to Wildwood, there's Pick of the Ricks, and North Coast Music. They photograph each instrument so you can examine the grain, the degree of color burst, etc. There's obviously lots more, but I've dealt with these three, and they all make internet shopping a pleasure and risk free.
 
#16
Warpeg said:
This thread should be considered a mandatory read for anyone buying a new or used Ric.

Stop overpaying for them; just do a little searching!!!
Click to expand...

Sadly many dont and then they complain why the price is so high, A Jetglo 4003 is $1799.99 at musicians friend right now. They also have a 15% off orders over $399 right now. If you were to call and talk to a cool sales rep within 15 minutes you could have a 4003 for $1500 shipped today. If a sales rep denied you for $1500 you just need to call back and talk to someone else. People are to anti social and timid to pick up a phone so they turn to the inter-web to blast a company.

A FYI, a few years ago musicians friend was charging $1949.99 and now there $1799.99, what other basses prices have went down? American Fenders in that time frame went up around 15-20% and Gibsons have almost doubled in price in the case of the Thunderbird.
 
#17
A-Step-Towards said:
Sadly many dont and then they complain why the price is so high, A Jetglo 4003 is $1799.99 at musicians friend right now. They also have a 15% off orders over $399 right now. If you were to call and talk to a cool sales rep within 15 minutes you could have a 4003 for $1500 shipped today. If a sales rep denied you for $1500 you just need to call back and talk to someone else. People are to anti social and timid to pick up a phone so they turn to the inter-web to blast a company.

A FYI, a few years ago musicians friend was charging $1949.99 and now there $1799.99, what other basses prices have went down? American Fenders in that time frame went up around 15-20% and Gibsons have almost doubled in price in the case of the Thunderbird.
Click to expand...

Supply of new and used Rics is getting closer to matching demand. Check the 'bay, Craigslist, TB; the market has plenty to offer. So, new prices go down. Used prices will probably follow.
 
#18
BassDaddy77 said:
Can anybody make heads or tails of brand new Ric pricing? I mean depending on where you look to buy, it seems the prices range from in the $1300s to above 2 grand! And then there's the 4003w "walnut" model which has an even crazier spread of asking prices. I've read through several threads here on TB and can't figure out what someone should actually expect to pay for either the 4003 or 4003w model as a general rule.

I've wanted a Ric for some time, but am very weary of the discrepancy in pricing. I'd really like a walnut model, but again, what is a reasoanbly good price at this point in time? Any words of wisdom on current selling prices? Would anyone care to share what they paid for a new 4003 within the last 6 months to a year? Thanks!
Click to expand...

I got a new $1700 Ric 4003 in 2013 at Sam Ash. I traded in another bass and ended up paying $600 total with tax.
 
#19
Warpeg said:
It amuses me when I see used Ric 4003 basses selling for $1500+. Why would someone pay the same as a new 4003 for a used 4003 with no warranty? I guess these sellers are relying on ill-informed buyers.
Click to expand...

The new Vintage Guitar Price Guide lists 1993-1999 4003s at around $1900; newer ones have a lower secondary value.

I think another issue affecting value on the secondary market is availability & wait times. I waited 10 & 24 months for my two 4003s! If you want a maple glo 4003 in your hands within 2-3 days you may not be able to get one - unlike a Fender P or J. Yes, there are other factors/options: do you want to scour the net; are you willing to buy on the net sight unseen; where do you live; do you have a big chain guitar store nearby yada yada.
 

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