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Rickenbacker Help?

organworthyplayer337

organworthyplayer337

Professional Hack
Oct 28, 2014
3,069
3,243
27
Charlotte, NC
#1
I think I'm interested in buying a Rickenbacker.

When I first heard one (in a recording) I was underwhelmed... But after doing more research and watching more and more video reviews I completely change my mind.

I can't find any used under $1500
Where's a good place to find one used for around $1000-1100? If that's even possible
 
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#3
Once used 4003s models hit the used market ( probably a years time) those maybe had for around $1000-1100 used. I bought a early 90s 4003 for $900 with a amp I sold for $120 that was in late 2011. I bought a Fireglo 4003 and a mapleglo both with some wear for $1200 and $1000 this year. New I got 2 4003's one in Mapleglo and one in blue for $1104 and $1080 this was in 2011 during a huge sale.

These prices are rare, I work from a computer and can check craigslist 2-3 times in a full scan during my 8 hour work day and sometimes again before bed, its hard to find Ricks under $1200.
 
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#6
These days you'd be pretty hard pressed to find a Ric for under $1200 on the used market. Not saying you won't, but it's going to be a right place right time thing if you do.

The prices on ebay are super inflated, some listed in the 2k range.
I've bought 2 Rics in the past couple years and paid much much less for new then for a similar used (same model, similar vintage)

Right now probably the best deal going is the re-released 4003s basses that are about to come out. You can go to pick of the rics or Dave's in Wisconsin and get a new one for about $1400, several hundred cheaper than a standard 4003 or 4004, and cheaper than most on ebay.
 
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#13
organworthyplayer337 said:
What's the difference between the new S models and the other ones? Sorry if I sound like a total newb. I'm new to the world if Rics
Click to expand...
Like Trebleless said,the difference of no binding on the neck improves the feel and the speed imo,and having the body contoured without the sharp edge of the binding is a big improvement as well. The simpler esthetic of the S model lends itself to the modern look of the Hipshot bridge as well. Here's a '74 4000 to get an idea....
image.jpg
 
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#14
woodyng said:
Like Trebleless said,the difference of no binding on the neck improves the feel and the speed imo,and having the body contoured without the sharp edge of the binding is a big improvement as well. The simpler esthetic of the S model lends itself to the modern look of the Hipshot bridge as well. Here's a '74 4000 to get an idea....View attachment 545957
Click to expand...

So is there a difference in sound?
 
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#15
Not on the 4003 vs 4003s, same high gain pups, pots, and caps.

Not sure if the s has the vintage tone selector like the 4003 does, but I'll bet it will.

Also the contour body is amazing imo.
You tend to get used to the sharp body edge on a 4003, bur play a contour body (4000, 4003s, 4004) and its like walking barefoot in the grass after wearing boots all day...if that makes sense.
 
#16
SVTbird said:
Not on the 4003 vs 4003s, same high gain pups, pots, and caps.

Not sure if the s has the vintage tone selector like the 4003 does, but I'll bet it will.

Also the contour body is amazing imo.
You tend to get used to the sharp body edge on a 4003, bur play a contour body (4000, 4003s, 4004) and its like walking barefoot in the grass after wearing boots all day...if that makes sense.
Click to expand...
Are the 4003s models made in USA?
 
#17
I'm not even a Rick owner, but hang around here long enough, and you'll be told in no uncertain terms that Rickenbacker has ALWAYS been made in the USA , always WILL be made in the USA, and will NEVER entertain the thought of introducing new players to a "budget" line that would be made overseas ANYWHERE. At least not as long as JC Hall is still running the joint.
 
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