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Should I return this Rick?

#42
That is a very sweet bass. The only concern I would have if it was me would be the fingerboard. Although it looks like it is purely cosmetic IMO. I would get Full Functionality evaluation from a trusted and respected RIC tech/Luthier. If the fingerboard issue is in fact just cosmetic, then hit up the seller for a partial refund based on the misleading listing. I'm 95% sure that that is a true keeper.
 
#43
' I would be embarrassed to return such a fine bass ... If you don't like iy simply resell it on ebay ... Ricks don't go down in value.'

Actually I would'nt. I would return it so fast the buyer's head would spin. If you took the time to read the original ebay advert you would have seen that the seller described it as in very good condition and the price was the going rate. Furthermore as far as the value of Ricks not going down and reselling it on Ebay....if the seller actually posts a photo of the fretboard separation, he' ll be lucky to get 1200 for it, never mind 1650.
 
#44
As a buyer and seller on Ebay, I would have:

A.) described the fretboard issue and probably the others to the best of my ability

and

B.) as a buyer, I would not be happy to find those issues.

Some I could ignore easily, others like the fretboard would be of concern. It could have been missed - I owned a '73 for over a year and never looked at that area to even tell if mine had that issue.
 
#46
The neck pickup issue could be down to contacts on the jacks, like the switch on the mono jack to allow for both pickups to show up on that jack. Given what I have read, it sounds like you are not comfortable with buying/owning/dealing with vintage instruments as many have issues of one sort or another, with electronics or finish, neck adjustments, etc., these just come along for the ride as they are old/vintage instruments.

As suggested above, it is probably best that you buy a new one from POTR; Chris Clayton is a great guy to deal with and get to know as he is extremely knowledgeable and an all round nice person.
 
#47
I could have lived with the cosmetic issues (they should have been disclosed, but I would have sought some money back and not an outright return) but the dead-seeming pickup not being mentioned in the description is a huge no-no so I say send it back, try for a new one like everyone else is saying.
 
#48
Fingerboard lift and dead pickup should have been disclosed.

If you want to keep the bass, seller should pony up and help you take care of at least those two issues.

If you don't want to deal with it, you're in line for a return and eBay and PayPal will support you.

If you want to keep the bass but seller won't help with the repairs, you have a decision to make.

New Rics can be had everyday for what you paid for that classic. If you want a bass that old, for whatever reason, it will almost assuredly come with an issue or two. It's on you to decide if it's worth it and how you will handle the issues.
 
#49
So the guy that sold it is super nice and is giving me a full refund and even covering the return shipping (ebay doesn't require it).
Thanks so much for all the helpful comments, info, advice, etc. You guys rule.
PS. Someone asked earlier and I forgot to mention, the seller made comments that made me think he was a bassist, but he disclosed that he owns a pawn shop, so who knows what this bass has been through...
 
#50
lord_arancherry said:
Everyone's convinced me that the wear is something I should get over. I'd keep it if not for the the pickup issue. It plays really well, despite the worn frets. But having to replace the pickup (if necessary) would be a deal-breaker.
Just out of curiosity, at what point should frets be replaced? I've never owned a bass for that long (or played one enough, I guess) to know what happens when it becomes an issue. It looks like replacing them will affect the binding, so I definitely want to put that off as long as possible.
Click to expand...

The contacts of the mono jack have probably just gotten worn. Try taking out the jack and bending them back into place.
 
#51
That looks like just a finish crack in the 2nd pic. Since it's a 4003 instead of a 4001..I wouldn't be concerned with it. The 4001 had a competely different truss rod design that would crack and lift the neck if over-tightened without clamping.

Change the pickup and keep her.
 
#52
Jeff Scott said:
The neck pickup issue could be down to contacts on the jacks, like the switch on the mono jack to allow for both pickups to show up on that jack. Given what I have read, it sounds like you are not comfortable with buying/owning/dealing with vintage instruments as many have issues of one sort or another, with electronics or finish, neck adjustments, etc., these just come along for the ride as they are old/vintage instruments.

As suggested above, it is probably best that you buy a new one from POTR; Chris Clayton is a great guy to deal with and get to know as he is extremely knowledgeable and an all round nice person.
Click to expand...

Yep.

Either the OP needs to shell out the dough for mint condition vintage instruments, or buy new.

Old instruments come with issues more often than not. This bass is nearly 30 years old.
 

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