Trade advice

[TechnoTurian]

Hi, someone locally offered to trade a 2016 Rickenbacker 4003s that has been refinished for my 2013 Gibson Non Reverse Thunderbird. I'm supposed to drive 45 minutes tomorrow to meet him and I have some concerns. Does this seem like a good trade for me? About how much has this bass been devalued because of the refinish? From the pics he sent me, I dig the finish. But I can't tell if it is a quality job from the pics. He says it was professionally done very recently. What do you guys think?

 

[James Collins]

I think it's the cheaper model version of the 4003s. The expensive model has fin inlays, binding on the neck and body, and a rickosound output jack.

I think used in good condition it is about a $800-1000 bass. I bought a new one on sale for $1300 a couple years ago. The finish looks cool. If I liked the finish, I wouldn't let it detract.

 

[Warpeg]

You need to see the refinish in person; that’s the bottom line. Don’t be afraid to walk away from the deal if you’re not happy after seeing it. If you’re concerned about future value, then my personal opinion is that neither bass will appreciate much, if at all. That remains to be seen, of course.

 

[TechnoTurian]

Yeah, I really do need to just see it first hand. Hopefully i'm not about to travel for nothing lol.

 

[ajkula66]

NR Birds routinely sell in the $1100-1300 range, depending on condition and colour.

You won't get that type of money for a refinished 4003s. If it were stock, you'd be on even ground or thereabouts.

Save yourself the drive, not worth it IMO.

 

[5StringBlues]

If the finish is nice and you like the Ric, and you aren't into the Bird anymore, I'd say go for it.

 

[TechnoTurian]

I ended up cancelling the meet up. I'll just see if I can sell it. I could just buy a factory finished 4003s with that money. Thanks for the input guys.

 

[TemplesOfSyrinx]

I ended up cancelling the meet up. I'll just see if I can sell it. I could just buy a factory finished 4003s with that money. Thanks for the input guys.

Well I see you canceled the meet. Just a little information for you though.

Rickenbacker 4003S is a distinctly different model then the 4003. It is not the "cheaper" version, just different. They never have the fin inlays or binding and with the exception of Chris Squire's 4001S, they are mono only.

If that is a professional refinish in metal flake, the refinish alone cost upwards of $300 to $400. The biggest downside IMO of metal flake is that it adds weight. I have a professional refinish gold metal flake that made my jazz bass weigh more than 10 pounds.

Good luck.

 

[king_biscuit]

I would much rather have a Ric (or any bass for that matter) that has not been modified.

 

[ChrisBowsman]

I’ll be the odd man out and say that with trades, I’m more concerned with both parties walking away happy than dollar-for-dollar.

Selling stuff is a hassle that I’ll happily avoid by occasionally taking a hit. I’ve gotten the better end of the deal plenty of times, so it all evens out.

 

[waynobass]

I think it's the cheaper model version of the 4003.

Cheaper and better. I don't like binding and triangles on the fretboard.

I would make that trade in a heartbeat. The gold Rick is gorgeous!

 

[nixdad]

That gold is gorgeous!

 

[pappabass]

Don't do it. Rickenbacker is just too ugly..

 

[jamro217]

I'm not familiar with the 'Bird, but I love Rics. The gold looks great in the pics, but would reduce the overall value as it is a non OM refin. If you are okay with the trade equality and like the Ric, go ahead. Just remember that most trades are irreversible and if you have post deal remorse you have no recourse. Hope this helps.

 

[bbh]

From the pics, I prefer the Gibson. It just looks nicer to me.

 

[bolophonic]

I’ll be the odd man out and say that with trades, I’m more concerned with both parties walking away happy than dollar-for-dollar.

Selling stuff is a hassle that I’ll happily avoid by occasionally taking a hit. I’ve gotten the better end of the deal plenty of times, so it all evens out.

Same here. If I can take something I don’t want or need and turn it into something of approximate value that I do want or need, then I am not going to get out a microscope to analyze the deal or worry about whether I could have done better by holding out and dealing with a sale. Like you said, I’ve ended up on the better end of so many deals that I have to look at it pragmatically.

 

[dramatwist]

I ended up cancelling the meet up. I'll just see if I can sell it. I could just buy a factory finished 4003s with that money. Thanks for the input guys.

...smart move...

 

[JZQuantum]

I ended up cancelling the meet up. I'll just see if I can sell it. I could just buy a factory finished 4003s with that money. Thanks for the input guys.

Good decision.

 

[Stewie]

Have you ever played Ric? I played one for about a half hour 40 years ago and hated the feel, but loved the look and sound. May have been the particular bass, but the strings seemed too close together and too close to the body and pickups. I guess that's why they make both chocolate and vanilla ice cream.

 

[basshawk21]

I'll take an S model over binding even though I love my 87 4003. My 68 4000 is more comfortable, but YMMV. I like the finish on that 4003S but aside from the extra weight, does the metal flake paint make the neck feel thicker? You probably made the right decision.