Rickenbacker purchase decision

[Octavio]

Thank you, Mr. Eye.

I will post a photo later.

Out.

 

[dStar]

It was perfectly clear to me from reading the thread, that the missing binding, was indeed missing, not the usual break behind the tailpiece. Jeez guys, pay attention!

 

[Floyd Eye]

Or if you're not going to pay attention, at least don't berate the OP for not paying attention. lol

 

[fourstringdrums]

Or if you're not going to pay attention, at least don't berate the OP for not paying attention. lol

About what? I wasn't paying attention.

 

[Crazyeelboy]

Back to the OP - if the only problem with the bass is that it has some missing binding and you are willing to deal with that, then $900 is a good deal. Keep in mind, though, that new ones cost really around $1600 or so and good used ones can be had for a bit less.

 

[Tarrbot]

Sorry everyone, you're right, it's a 4003 not a 4001.

I am aware that the binding is 'interrupted' at the tailpiece on a 4003. What I should have said is that on this bass, there is a piece of the white binding this is missing, like it broke off or something such that you can see the bare wood underneath where the missing piece of binding should be. I wish I could draw a picture.. It's like binding to the point where your right forearm would rest when playing, then a missing piece of binding, then black at the tailpiece/bridge, then the binding resumes at the output jack plate, etc. as it normally should.

I just have this nagging feeling that there must be something (else) "wrong" with the bass because of the low asking price. Or, maybe, I'm just on the verge of getting a good deal.

If it doesn't bother you then leave it. If it bothers you there are two options: remove the rest of the binding and make the body like a 4003S or fix the binding.

I personally like the 4003S option but that might be because I have one legit 4003S/5 and then a 4003 that's had the binding removed and made like a 4003S.

 

[Ric5]

In two days I'm going to try out a Jetglo 4001 I found on craigslist. The serial number indicates that it was manufactured in 2004. The seller has sent me about a dozen high resolution photos. There is an approximately 2 inch piece of binding missing near the tailpiece on the "upper" side of the body (as opposed to near the output jacks). Other than that, it looks fine. The part I'm a little leery of is the asking price: $900. Even with the missing binding piece I would expect such a bass to be worth maybe twice that much. Question: Anything in particular I should be on the lookout for when I try out the bass? Thanks much!

First of all it is a 4003 and not a 4001. Second the binding always stops where it meets the neck through piece of wood. Third $900 is a good price.

This is how the binding should look.