Rickenbacker value?

Speaking of 70's ricks, I noticed a 75 in the local classifieds the other day for $1200 (*sigh*, if only this was six months later and I had the money for that). I've gotten to thinking -- wouldn't a 75 Rick cost a lot more than $1200 CAD? I mean, something has to be wrong with it.

 

I bought my decent condition '78 Rick a around 1998 for about $750.

 

The 1973 and earlier Ricks usually go for more because they have the older style pickups and checkered binding. Sometime in 73 they updated the pickups and did away with that type of binding around the body.

It seems like most mid 70's Ricks in decent condition are going for $750-$1000, which I think is crazy.

 

How do you date a Ric?

I bought mine in '94 at "Outlaw Guitars". Tag said "74 Ric". It has the checkerboard binding. Not sure if the pickguard is original, but thing is all back except for the white on the binding.

My brother fixed it up and said it was an 1986, he checked on their website. "Shadow" Bass or some such.

I paid $425 for it 9 years ago, and it sounds great, though someone sure beat the s*#t out of it before I bought it.

 

You can find out when your RIC was made here:

http://www.rickenbacker.com/us/serial.asp

Just put in your serial # which is located on the jackplate.(top & bottom)

 

I've owned 2 4001's; a white one and a black one.

Both from early 70's. Both in fine shape. Paid less than $500. for each one.

$1000 is way out of control for these basses.

 

The pre-73 basses have a toaster pickup in the neck position. It has a lower output and generally sounds smoother than the current hi-gain neck pickups. The toaster also looks different.

Even though this is a new bass, it has a toaster pickup in it: http://www.the-music-connection.com/pics/r405bd.jpg


Here's one with the current pickup: http://www.the-music-connection.com/pics/r433bd.jpg

I have a '75 that I paid $500 for about 8 years ago and just bought a '76 fretless for $450. Both were in great shape and only needed a spray of contact cleaner on the output jacks & toggle switch. The fretless had a few paint chips, but looked good for a 27 year old bass. The '75 had flames painted on it by a guy that customizes harleys.

 

So I went to the Ric website, put my serial # in , and it's in fact a Shadow Bass. They were made from 1986-1989, and although not a limited edition run only 50 or so were made.

Went to www.rickresource.com and seems these are collectors items. Cool! Selling for $1000 and up.