Why Rickenbackers are so expensive?

[Larry Balara]

Thanks for your reply Rez. Yeah, that's basic dealing. I'm more concerned with the appreciation value vs Ritter value. I thought there would be more responses!

 

[Koshchei]

Thanks for your reply Rez. Yeah, that's basic dealing. I'm more concerned with the appreciation value vs Ritter value. I thought there would be more responses!

Ric has a market that's a LOT larger than their annual production; Rics don't tend to lose much of their value because of the constant demand versus their relative scarcity. The checkerboard autumnglo is a very rare instrument (Rickenbacker typically releases their special runs in lots of 25. I believe that they've had three runs of these, so there are probably only 75 in the wild). Will they appreciate? No idea. Musical instruments are horrible investments, but if I had to put my money down on a bass as an investment, it'd be a Rickenbacker.

I don't know much about Ritter basses, so can't speak to their value. My guess is that they probably follow a more typical "small builder" depreciation curve (i.e. sink like a stone unless you're willing to wait for a long time for somebody looking for a Ritter).

 

[Les Apt]

I feel the most at home on my ric. I have a thunderbird that I think is the most uncomfortable thing. I love p basses but also find them uncomfortable. Maybe I just like weird ergonomics. I like how the pickups are set to where they don't get in my way. I can't stand putting my thumb on them. The little edge on the pickguard is perfect. I guess the saying is true. Either you love a ric or hate it. I personally think they are some of the most majestic looking basses. Different. But not weird. But a thing of their own.

What's the difference between I think and I personally think?
‍