• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Where's $2300 when I need it?

hrodbert696

hrodbert696

Moderator
Staff member
Gold Supporting Member
Jan 15, 2010
13,037
2
32,634
Like old Hampshire, but New
pelicanseyeblog.wordpress.com
#1
I've gone back and forth on whether I would want a Ric. On the one hand, big fan of Chris Squire and Geddy Lee. On the other, I'm more of a jazz bass guy (which still fits with Geddy) and times I've tried out Rics in stores, often the neck just doesn't jive with me.

Was out on errands today and peeked into GC for fun. They had a black-on-black beat-up 4003 on display from 1986. No foam mutes and there seemed to be a screw missing from the bridge, but it was solid. Plugged it in and tried it out... that was it. drool. Want. Neck seemed slimmer and way more comfortable than many I've tried in stores. Tone was magnificent, and I was only using one of those Acoustic setups they have with the EQ flat. I have a little money set aside from gigs for gear purchases... like, $500. Price tag on it is $2299.

What do you think, can I haggle them down?

:greedy:
 
  • Like
Reactions: brendanbassix, Herrick and SirMjac28
#2
Mr Squire didn't always play the Ric. And I've found that with a J bass you need to kick in the bridge pup slightly more that you'd expect to get close to his sound.

Go ahead and make an offer, all they can say is "no".

I tried to get about 1K knocked off an Alembic Series 1 they had, no case, no pre. Nothing. They shipped it out rather than talk.
 
#6
Don't know about you, but any time I've got $2300 to spare I know where it can be found. It's almost immediately snapped up and dropped in the coffers of the mortgage company, a doctor's checking account for a non-covered medical bill, or Uncle Sam's pocket. :banghead:

re: that Ric...

They must be awfully proud of that little guy. IMO that particular bass is not worth that kind of money. I think that price tag is unacceptably high for what it is. Negotiate them down - or walk away.
 
  • Like
Reactions: physics, SirMjac28, hrodbert696 and 3 others
#10
I'm sure I'm not the only one who has noticed that a lot of musical instrument retailers are still trying to collect pre-recession prices for vintage instruments, and their definition of "vintage" seems to have really expanded! ;)

Sometimes GC's pricing is just insane. Maybe the Hollywood store (whom I'm told they call for verification and pricing on vintage axes) goofed? Maybe there's some up-and-coming band that only plays '83 Ric's? Maybe GC is still hoping for that really rich non-musician professional to wander in and see that Ric and buy it because it's just like the one their neighbor's uncle's bassist play back in the day?

My guess is that it'll sit there long enough that if you walk in with $1400 cash in the next few months they'll be more tractable.
 
#11
WAYYYY too much money!
No way a beat early 4003 is worth that.
Condition as well as rarity are what generally drive older Rick prices.
That one has neither going for it.

The 1970s to early 1980s necks are all pretty similar, so that's what you should look for, just keep your eyes peeled for a reasonable price (that wasn't it!).
Knock at least $700-800 off that price to start
 
#12
ElectricMatthew said:
1986 "Black on Black" Ric @ GC
Could this bass be a Shadow? (they have slimmer necks from what I've heard)
Perhaps that's why they are asking so much?
Click to expand...

Maybe. It was listed as just a 4003. Checkered binding. I'm not very up to speed on all the variations. Doing a quick Google search on the Shadow, yes, that looks like it, though I may be missing some of the finer points...
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back