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Rickenbacker Pricing - Justified, Or Plain Obscene?
- Thread starter theevilplankton
- Start date
The RIC prices have only recently been increased, mainly last year, and to try to help curb some of the production delay.
People still keep plunking down new orders, though. It just weeds out some of the people hoping to test the waters.
Obscene pricing?
Certainly not, but that's merely my opinion obviously. Rick basses are an excellent fit for me, surely not so for everyone, though many will find them appealing to varying degrees.
Ricks really are 'my thing' like nothing else I've ever tried, and I don't really feel the need to search for a better fit, since I'm very satisfied with mine.
Now, the overseas pricing seems very exhorbitant to me. Why almost double the N. American price in England, Australia, Europe, and Asia?
Sure, shipping and exchange rates make a significant difference, I know about poor exchange rates, I live in Canada, but $1000 or $2000 difference? That's just crazy!
To be fair, RIC doesn't have that much of a say how much an importer charges for their product, and no say at all outside of the authorized dealers.
I also wouldn't hesitate to buy a new one, but I would check around for the best price to be sure.
The quality is very uniform, given that each instrument is made of a sometimes uncontrollable natural substance (wood).
All of mine were purchased used by me, but I feel confident that a new bass would easily stand up to it's 'vintage' brethren, and most likely surpass them.
You can find new ones easy enough, just check the dealer's shipping list on the RIC site to see who got some new product recently, or just call or email the dealer that interests you.
And there are always plenty of used available, you just have to be patient to find a decent price on the particular bass or guitar you want.
That's no different from any other brand.
The part about the cyclical nature of demand is certainly true.
My rare and collectable bass was sold by it's original owner to the guy I bought it from for less than was paid originally.
In the 1970s you almost couldn't give the used ones away.
Now there's this 'vintage' craze and the prices have gone nuts.
Wait a while and things will change again.
However, I guarantee that RIC won't be dropping their prices.
There have been periods of years when there's been no significant increase. The last couple of years have seen an increase of $800 on a standard 4003.
Yep, that's a big hike.
People are still buying 'em.
Am I 'waving the flag' ? A little I guess, but that doesn't make what I say untrue.
I have no financial interest in the company, it's been family owned for a long time and will be for the foreseeable future, and I wouldn't want anything but success for any instrument maker, really.
They also don't need my endorsement or help. The 2 year backlog speaks volumes about the financial health of the business, especially in a bad economic period.
Are Ricks 'really nothing special'?
Sorry, I have to disagree on that one, but again, just my opinion. If I felt that way, I wouldn't own three and be in the market for a fourth.
But again, everything means something very different to each individual, and that's good.
Variety is what keeps this old world interesting.
People still keep plunking down new orders, though. It just weeds out some of the people hoping to test the waters.
Obscene pricing?
Certainly not, but that's merely my opinion obviously. Rick basses are an excellent fit for me, surely not so for everyone, though many will find them appealing to varying degrees.
Ricks really are 'my thing' like nothing else I've ever tried, and I don't really feel the need to search for a better fit, since I'm very satisfied with mine.
Now, the overseas pricing seems very exhorbitant to me. Why almost double the N. American price in England, Australia, Europe, and Asia?
Sure, shipping and exchange rates make a significant difference, I know about poor exchange rates, I live in Canada, but $1000 or $2000 difference? That's just crazy!
To be fair, RIC doesn't have that much of a say how much an importer charges for their product, and no say at all outside of the authorized dealers.
I also wouldn't hesitate to buy a new one, but I would check around for the best price to be sure.
The quality is very uniform, given that each instrument is made of a sometimes uncontrollable natural substance (wood).
All of mine were purchased used by me, but I feel confident that a new bass would easily stand up to it's 'vintage' brethren, and most likely surpass them.
You can find new ones easy enough, just check the dealer's shipping list on the RIC site to see who got some new product recently, or just call or email the dealer that interests you.
And there are always plenty of used available, you just have to be patient to find a decent price on the particular bass or guitar you want.
That's no different from any other brand.
The part about the cyclical nature of demand is certainly true.
My rare and collectable bass was sold by it's original owner to the guy I bought it from for less than was paid originally.
In the 1970s you almost couldn't give the used ones away.
Now there's this 'vintage' craze and the prices have gone nuts.
Wait a while and things will change again.
However, I guarantee that RIC won't be dropping their prices.
There have been periods of years when there's been no significant increase. The last couple of years have seen an increase of $800 on a standard 4003.
Yep, that's a big hike.
People are still buying 'em.
Am I 'waving the flag' ? A little I guess, but that doesn't make what I say untrue.
I have no financial interest in the company, it's been family owned for a long time and will be for the foreseeable future, and I wouldn't want anything but success for any instrument maker, really.
They also don't need my endorsement or help. The 2 year backlog speaks volumes about the financial health of the business, especially in a bad economic period.
Are Ricks 'really nothing special'?
Sorry, I have to disagree on that one, but again, just my opinion. If I felt that way, I wouldn't own three and be in the market for a fourth.
But again, everything means something very different to each individual, and that's good.
Variety is what keeps this old world interesting.
FWIW Ric doesn't have an Australian importer and flat out refuse to sell to Australians or allow their O/S dealers to deal with Australians.. Or even support buyers who DID buy locally when we did have an importer.
stuff em..
I'm not in the market for a new bass, but if I was, I wouldn't consider 1500-2000 exorbitant for a hand made neck-thru American bass. Higher than that, yes, that's getting up there...but Ric is still affordable for a bass with this pedigree. Now, the 3500 or so they're selling the 4001/v64 is another story...
There's quite a discussion going on on another thread, regarding Spector and and a "bargain" US made model Spector is introducing, available only in matte finish black, & listing for around 3500, so street price should be around 2500 or so... ...you don't even get a color choice. In comparison, the Ric is a relative bargain.
There's quite a discussion going on on another thread, regarding Spector and and a "bargain" US made model Spector is introducing, available only in matte finish black, & listing for around 3500, so street price should be around 2500 or so... ...you don't even get a color choice. In comparison, the Ric is a relative bargain.
Something is worth as much as what people are willing to pay for it, so no they're not overpriced. The real question is - are people too willing to fork out too much for a Rickenbacker?
IMO no. There are waaaaay more expensive basses out there. Fedora anyone?
IMO no. There are waaaaay more expensive basses out there. Fedora anyone?
always played a Jazz, now that i can afford more than one bass i ordered a Ric 12/06. 11/07 it still didnt arrive, i saw a good deal from Zzounds, ordered 11/07. one came 3/09 & one 5/09. Fireglo and a Maple, (see TB For Sale).
I only need one. great sound, great look. you know the story when you just have to have one. (i prefer the Jazz neck).
I only need one. great sound, great look. you know the story when you just have to have one. (i prefer the Jazz neck).
I was window shopping the other day, looking at prices.
A new Rickenbacker 4003, in the UK, retails at around £1,999! Most places that list them cheaper don't actually have any stock.
A new MIA standard J or P, with case and all the extras, comes in at around £829.
I used to play Rics - and will always have a soft spot for them - but personally, I don't really see them being worth the value of 2 1/2 MIA Fenders??
I appreciate that if you really want one, worth and value isn't so important. But 2 grand? I bought a new one in 2003 (now sold), and was only half of that.
I'm not sure of the pricing difference in the US. Are things any better over there?
Personally, i would pay WAY more than 2,000 pounds for a Rick. IMO, the Rickenbacker is the best bass made on the planet and nothing beats it. The classic tone, the sustain that doubles any Fender's, the look...
I got my 1974 4001 Rick on eBay for $1,700 which was a steal IMO, especially for a vintage. I'm not saying you could get a deal that good on eBay, but I'd look there for a new or vintage one before buying a new one from Musicians Friend or a guitar shop.
Good luck!
well 2000 pounds is a bit much. But I paid mine 1900 canadian dollars (which must be around 1000 pounds), and yes, it was completely worth it. WHATEVER SOME MAY SAY, NOTHING CAN SOUND LIKE A RIC. Anyone who tells you the opposite is either lying or has never played one. So if you want THAT sound, paying 1900$ is fine with me.
Let's just say you're right, and that a Ric has a unique sound (a point I find debatable, and I own 50 basses). I wouldn't say that a Ric's sound is so stunningly unique that it's immediately identifiable from all other basses. I wonder if paying the very high price a Ric commands is worth the money.
I'm very surprised. They do one thing very well, but it's a thing that a small minority really wants. I think they are family owned and under the impression that what they make is special in some way. Check out the owner's house on the pacific coast sometime. I like Rics (owned 2 killer examples) but feel that they are hard to sit in a mix and are really a specialized thing (like Yes, late Beatles or Motorhead tribute bands)
My daughter desperately wanted one when she was in her band; saved up the money, waited to find one in a shop nearby. Played it, and immediately dropped the idea. She says the neck was very uncomfortable, too narrow, and she did not like the feel. She eventually gave me her P bass and picked up not one, but about 4, Ovation Magnums - which she loves. Paid less for all of her Magnums than for the one Ric, I believe. They're definitely not worth the money to some people; YMMV.
I got pretty lucky, ordered my Midnight Blue 4003 through Long and Mcquade for around $1600 canadian, they said it would be 6-8 months, 3 weeks later I got a call saying my bass had arrived.
I have both a 4003 and a 4001 and love both of them, however the 4001 is need of some new frets, its getting to the point where it is not very playable.
I have both a 4003 and a 4001 and love both of them, however the 4001 is need of some new frets, its getting to the point where it is not very playable.
I don't think luck had much to do with it - midnight blue isn't that popular. Try getting your hands on a mapleglo or jetglo 4003 - it's pretty infuriating.
LOVE rics. My first "real" bass was a Ric. I'd have to say as much as I love them NO rick is worth more than 1500.00 USD brand new. And no....that's not IMO....that's a fact 
The market determines the price of any commodity. If people are willing to buy something for a certain price, then that is the items "value".
Rickenbackers sell for the prices they ask because people are willing to "pay" those prices. Nothing more, nothing less.
Old story:
You're walking down the street and you find a $10 bill. You pick it up and later tell a colleague about it. He offers you $5 for your $10 bill. He says "you got it free, and if you take $5 for it we'll both come out $5 ahead !"
Do you take it ? Of course not, because even though you "found it" and it is free, it still has $10 of "value".
Rickenbackers have a certain "value" in the marketplace, and realistically it doesn't benefit them to sell instruments for any less than the market has determined they are worth.
Rickenbackers sell for the prices they ask because people are willing to "pay" those prices. Nothing more, nothing less.
Old story:
You're walking down the street and you find a $10 bill. You pick it up and later tell a colleague about it. He offers you $5 for your $10 bill. He says "you got it free, and if you take $5 for it we'll both come out $5 ahead !"
Do you take it ? Of course not, because even though you "found it" and it is free, it still has $10 of "value".
Rickenbackers have a certain "value" in the marketplace, and realistically it doesn't benefit them to sell instruments for any less than the market has determined they are worth.
Like I said, everyone has different requirements and preferences.
Ricks fill those for some, and not at all for others, and somewhere in between for many.
To say they only do one thing and referencing the Beatles and Motorhead is surely contradictory.
Two vastly differing sounds happening there.
Most basses are far more versatile than they're given credit for. Too many variables in play to just think that one tone is all you can get from any bass.
Change the bass tone or volume settings, amp settings, playing technique, finger placement and everything's different instantly, not to mention changing from rounds to flats or vice versa.
Ricks certainly are a niche market, but we're not all Beatle wannabes or trying to imitate Squire, Geddy or Lemmy.
To ignore the versatility of any instrument you try limits yourself unnecessarily.
The look is also a big part of the attraction.
Some love it, some hate it, etc...
There're plenty of instruments that many people go crazy for that I wouldn't have no matter how fantastic they sound or play, I just can't stand the looks of them, but again that's just my taste.
I like what I like and I won't apologize for it, nor should anyone else.
As far as: pricing, availability, dealer issues, introducing a budget line, and reissuing old models/colours, there have been many debates over these and in the end, John Hall does what he thinks is best for his company.
He and his wife own it, they are not going to sell it, and they call the shots, no matter what people say on any public forum.
Simple.
Agree or not, it won't change his mind.
I sympathize with those in Europe or Australia very much, I think it's unfair that the prices are so high, and the availability is poor, but it's certainly not within my power to change that.
I would love to move to Australia and open a dealership, but my finances won't allow that, sorry!
The prices in N. America, however, I feel are in line with the quality of the instruments and the fact that they are built in the U.S.
Remember that California is one of the most expensive places to operate a business like this fo rmany reasons.
Apparently moving the plant from Santa Ana is not a viable option, however.
Many of the employees have apparently been with the company a long time, some for decades, and this is something that RIC has been known for for a very long time.
Highly skilled labor just can't be picked up and moved like equipment, and retraining new workers is costly in time, consisitency of quality, and money.
Ricks fill those for some, and not at all for others, and somewhere in between for many.
To say they only do one thing and referencing the Beatles and Motorhead is surely contradictory.
Two vastly differing sounds happening there.
Most basses are far more versatile than they're given credit for. Too many variables in play to just think that one tone is all you can get from any bass.
Change the bass tone or volume settings, amp settings, playing technique, finger placement and everything's different instantly, not to mention changing from rounds to flats or vice versa.
Ricks certainly are a niche market, but we're not all Beatle wannabes or trying to imitate Squire, Geddy or Lemmy.
To ignore the versatility of any instrument you try limits yourself unnecessarily.
The look is also a big part of the attraction.
Some love it, some hate it, etc...
There're plenty of instruments that many people go crazy for that I wouldn't have no matter how fantastic they sound or play, I just can't stand the looks of them, but again that's just my taste.
I like what I like and I won't apologize for it, nor should anyone else.
As far as: pricing, availability, dealer issues, introducing a budget line, and reissuing old models/colours, there have been many debates over these and in the end, John Hall does what he thinks is best for his company.
He and his wife own it, they are not going to sell it, and they call the shots, no matter what people say on any public forum.
Simple.
Agree or not, it won't change his mind.
I sympathize with those in Europe or Australia very much, I think it's unfair that the prices are so high, and the availability is poor, but it's certainly not within my power to change that.
I would love to move to Australia and open a dealership, but my finances won't allow that, sorry!
The prices in N. America, however, I feel are in line with the quality of the instruments and the fact that they are built in the U.S.
Remember that California is one of the most expensive places to operate a business like this fo rmany reasons.
Apparently moving the plant from Santa Ana is not a viable option, however.
Many of the employees have apparently been with the company a long time, some for decades, and this is something that RIC has been known for for a very long time.
Highly skilled labor just can't be picked up and moved like equipment, and retraining new workers is costly in time, consisitency of quality, and money.
I kick myself everytime the dicussion of how expensive Rics are now. I had the chance to get one about 10 years ago and passed it up. My local guitar shop had at least 4 on hand at any given time. They were $1000 USD. A used Maple Glo 4003, (just a couple years old) came in on consignment for $750. All it needed were new strings. I could have bought it right there! Who knew that 10 years later they would be impossible to find, and double or triple the price? I would love to have one! I love the tone, and I would totally set up 2 different amps using the stereo pickups. Hell yeah!
Keep looking!
There are still some bargains out there.
I missed one two years ago for $800 Canadian. Our guitar player was checking the shops and came across that. I told him if he ever sees one again for below $1200 buy it imediately!
There are still some bargains out there.
I missed one two years ago for $800 Canadian. Our guitar player was checking the shops and came across that. I told him if he ever sees one again for below $1200 buy it imediately!
Buy used.
I picked my near-mint '86 4003S/5 up 9 months ago for $900. Just last week I barely missed a steal of a 4003 for $600.
Another 4003 was listed on CL in North Carolina earlier this week for $500 but needed some pieces replaced (TRC, pickguard, etc, but playable).
Just be patient, persistent and wait and watch. Then pounce on it when it happens and enjoy it.
I picked my near-mint '86 4003S/5 up 9 months ago for $900. Just last week I barely missed a steal of a 4003 for $600.
Another 4003 was listed on CL in North Carolina earlier this week for $500 but needed some pieces replaced (TRC, pickguard, etc, but playable).
Just be patient, persistent and wait and watch. Then pounce on it when it happens and enjoy it.
