Why Rickenbackers are so expensive?

[12stringbassist]

The price of Rics is what it is for a few reasons.

Past reputation - though most of the main users now play other basses!
Materials.
Overheads.
Supply vs demand means they can put their price up because there's a waiting list.

The price hike they have taken in the last few years is astonishing, but other companies have done it too and their prices may also seem excessive.

All the deviation in this topic into why people don't like them wasn't really that relevant.
Every brand of bass has its detractors.

 

[Korladis]

I just honestly don't think they're all that expensive compared to other MIA basses.

Looking on musiciansfriend.com, Gibson Thunderbird is $1500, and their Krist Novoselic sig RD bass is $1400. Fender's MIA Deluxe Jazz Bass is $1600, and their Vintage '62 Jazz Bass is $1400.

All of these basses are in about the same ballpark in terms of price. They're also all made in the USA. The most comparable bass in some ways is the T-bird, given its neck through construction. However, its range of color options is quite limited, and it doesn't have large fret marker inlays, or body and neck binding (which, even if you don't like the binding, is something that adds to production time and therefore cost). It's also made by a company much, much larger than Rickenbacker. And it costs $1500 new.

A new Rickenbacker 4003 costs about $1600, so that's really only $100 less.

 

[Buster Brown]

The wait for a dealer to receive inventory from RIC is approximately two years. Call any dealer and ask them.

Gee.....Musicians Friend and American Music Supply have them ready to go right now.

The last time Musicians Friend was out, they were restocked within a month. Granted, some Mom and Pop stores may have a problem but that isn't due to Rickenbacker but rather the volume that Mom and Pop stores deal with.

Pick of the Rics usually gets re-supplied every 30 days or so...

So, what dealers are you talking about?

 

[guy n. cognito]

Gee.....Musicians Friend and American Music Supply have them ready to go right now.

The last time Musicians Friend was out, they were restocked within a month. Granted, some Mom and Pop stores may have a problem but that isn't due to Rickenbacker but rather the volume that Mom and Pop stores deal with.

Pick of the Rics usually gets re-supplied every 30 days or so...

So, what dealers are you talking about?

You do understand that these companies don't wait to order inventory when they run out, right?

 

[RickenBoogie]

A bit late to the party, but as has been mentioned already, the price of a new Ric bass is in the same ballpark as MusicMan and American Fenders. So, where do these comments come from? And, what something is worth to any individual is completely irrelevant- you either want one and pay for it, or you don't.

 

[landau roof]

To me, the idea of the binding being a problem is bizarre. I can't imagine putting enough pressure on my forearm on the body for that to be a problem. I'm just curious as to how it can possibly happen.

The only time it's been a problem for me is when playing with a pic for extended periods, like a full set. Finger-style, my forearm is still enough that it doesn't bother much.

It may have never been a problem for you, but there's a reason most basses and guitars have a contour there.

 

[Korladis]

You do understand that these companies don't wait to order inventory when they run out, right?

Of course they don't wait until they run out. That would be silly. They've been in business long enough to reasonably guess how many they'll be able to sell and order accordingly before they're out of stock.

 

[Buster Brown]

You do understand that these companies don't wait to order inventory when they run out, right?

I completely understand how a distribution system works.

The conventional wisdom....er....propaganda on this and a lot of other sites is that you have to wait years for a dealer to get "one in" and I say "hogwash". Sure, if you want to give business to Uncle Elroy's House of Music and good Ol Uncle Elroy has never done business with John Hall, it will probably take a year or two to get your bass. Simple. There is no dealer network established. However, that isn't the case with major retailers like MF. They have standing orders and they are taken care of first.

Prime example: I was looking for a MD 4003 back in 2001. No one in my town (locals) had one. I called Ed Roman in Vegas. had one waiting for me on my doorstep within a week. Hell, he even threw in the vintage case for the same HUGE price of $1,020 shipping included.

If the potential customer can spend 5 minutes looking - he should have no problem whatsoever finding what he wants.

 

[DBCrocky]

... and I have to drop a little piece of pencil lead or sometimes plastic into the nut slots because otherwise the string rides too close to the board. I should replace the nut someday.

I have the same issue with my 1976 4001. I used a little Ribbon Epoxy in 1993 and it's still doing the job! But I really should replace the nut.

 

[dbd1963]

A bit late to the party, but as has been mentioned already, the price of a new Ric bass is in the same ballpark as MusicMan and American Fenders. So, where do these comments come from? And, what something is worth to any individual is completely irrelevant- you either want one and pay for it, or you don't.

I see nobody took up my argument lodged in the 2nd post, but I'll lay it on you all again. It's the elephant in the room.

The question to me is, is a Rick worth what they are asking for it?

Not while the bridge continues to be a piece of crap (an issue they have admitted themselves and promised to do something about years ago) and not while the bass comes with dead spots on the neck "standard."

Of course they'll get what they can for them. But you aren't getting the same quality as an American made Fender, for instance. If you want a bridge that won't lift for your Rick, you have to buy one after market -- and Rickenbacker themselves have made sure it won't look the same.

I have purchased 4 Rickenbacker basses in my time, including a 4001c64s, which set me back over $2000. Every damn one of them had a bad bridge and dead neck spots.

After seeing the c64s's tail-piece lift, I have sworn off the brand until they do something about it. Beautiful bases to look at, sweet tone in most positions, but not worth that kind of money for the problems you get.

 

[Korladis]

The only time it's been a problem for me is when playing with a pic for extended periods, like a full set. Finger-style, my forearm is still enough that it doesn't bother much.

It may have never been a problem for you, but there's a reason most basses and guitars have a contour there.

But so very many don't, too.

Still, I don't really see it as that big a deal. If the binding's an issue, well, the 4004 doesn't have binding and has smooth edges.

 

[dbd1963]

But so very many don't, too.

Still, I don't really see it as that big a deal. If the binding's an issue, well, the 4004 doesn't have binding and has smooth edges.

The binding does hurt. I started using the non-bound body styles for partly for that reason. The binding looks good, but it does wear on you after some time playing.

The 4004 has a better designed bridge too.

 

[guy n. cognito]

I completely understand how a distribution system works.

The conventional wisdom....er....propaganda on this and a lot of other sites is that you have to wait years for a dealer to get "one in" and I say "hogwash". Sure, if you want to give business to Uncle Elroy's House of Music and good Ol Uncle Elroy has never done business with John Hall, it will probably take a year or two to get your bass. Simple. There is no dealer network established. However, that isn't the case with major retailers like MF. They have standing orders and they are taken care of first.

Prime example: I was looking for a MD 4003 back in 2001. No one in my town (locals) had one. I called Ed Roman in Vegas. had one waiting for me on my doorstep within a week. Hell, he even threw in the vintage case for the same HUGE price of $1,020 shipping included.

If the potential customer can spend 5 minutes looking - he should have no problem whatsoever finding what he wants.

Just because you misunderstand the comment doesn't make it untrue. And, in this case, the "propaganda" has a great source:


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This is just one of many examples of where Hall quotes their backlog. And this article was linked in in this thread, for those paying attention.

RIC does not sell direct. They only sell to retailers. Therefore, RIC can be backordered for years even if basses may be available to the end consumer.

 

[beefandbones]

RIC does not sell direct. They only sell to retailers. Therefore, RIC can be backordered for years even if basses may be available to the end consumer.

Exactly. Which is why I don't understand why the backlog is a issue to anyone but dealers and people with special orders. The instruments are out there.

 

[guy n. cognito]

Exactly. Which is why I don't understand why the backlog is a issue to anyone but dealers and people with special orders. The instruments are out there.

There are a relative handful available via internet resources and virtually none available at local dealers. Compared to Fender or EBMM, that literally have hundreds or thousands available at any one time.

 

[cassius987]

There are 12 4003s in stock at my local dealer. For a lot less than I want to post here honestly (because remember these basses are at least twice as expensive as any Fender or Music Man that can be had). They have more inventory of Ric basses than they have Fender, Lakland Skyline, or Gibson basses right now. Just sayin'...

This thread is some good popcorn, I tell you what.

 

[guy n. cognito]

There are 12 4003s in stock at my local dealer. For a lot less than $1500 (because remember these basses are at least twice as expensive as any Fender or Music Man that can be had). They have more inventory of Ric basses than they have Fender, Lakland Skyline, or Gibson basses right now. Just sayin'...

This thread is some good popcorn, I tell you what.

Which is great, so long as you like mapleglo:

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It would be disingenuous of you to infer that Wildwood is representative of the average RIC dealer, now, wouldn't it?

 

[2nd Wind]

That most Ric owners are fantics or addicts. I knew several, and the level of their devotion is unsurpassed. Evry Ric i ever played was a spectacular machine.

A close friend worked there and his meticulouse approach to life was diplayed in hius work.

I think you've explained it very well there in your post. You said every Rick you ever played was a spectacular machine. I have to agree, but I've played dozens and not all were spectacular, but those were still a cut above.

You also said a close friend worked there and his meticulous approach to life carried over to his work. I have been in the factory and closely watched the workers there and they all love what they do and take great care and pride in their efforts. I believe it is reflected in the instruments.

 

[2nd Wind]

I agree with the comments here about how Rickenbacker sells every one it makes and can pretty much set the price. They should really cost more....

After 30+ years I finally had the money to buy one...sight unseen. The first time my band saw it was at a big show we were playing. They absolutely LOVED it....and so did I.

And about the arm thing - yes, it bit into my arm the first time I played it, but not after that. Maybe I just adjusted to it...but it's very easy to play. The only issue I have with mine is the E string is a bit high and I occasionally push it over the side of the neck. Maybe I'll have to get it lowered. But for some reason the E string doesn't have the same 'pop' as the other strings....I don't understand why, but I love it.

Haven't read this thread to the current end but I will suggest looking at the nut slot and possibly filing it a bit to lower it down. If the E is a bit more high than the other 3 then this can contribute to being lower in volume. So can the string having a slight twist to it down its length from bridge saddle to nut - it won't be able to vibrate as freely or uniformly. Lastly sometimes an 1/8 turn on the E side truss nut will make it respond as the other strings do.

 

[2nd Wind]

.......because I really want a bass with a low B, partly as a lot of stuff I'd like the option of using it on.
QUOTE]

Easy to load a 5er set of strings on a RIC like mine and run it BEAD..... I get a fantastice B out of it...

Also I find this bass easier to play than others....

If you want an awesome low end, string a 4004 BEAD.