Buying a Rickenbacker 330 off eBay

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doodah
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Buying a Rickenbacker 330 off eBay

Post by doodah »

Last week I ordered a new Rickenbacker 330 from thomann.de but they contacted me yesterday to say "it can take a long time for Rickenbacker to get a new guitar to us ... it could take upwards 3 months". I didn't realise it would take so long. They did say they will refund the money if I wish to cancel.

I didn't cancel but I decided to have a look on eBay yesterday and spotted a 'new' (unplayed 2017) Rickenbacker 330. The seller looks legit, with a very high rating and the guitar does look in great condition. The seller is in California and I'm in Ireland so there is no way for me to have a look at the guitar prior to purchase. I know there are risks especially with the posting a guitar such a long distance. Also, if I was to spot a problem, returning the guitar and getting my money back could be tricky.

Would someone be kind enough to take a look at the photos below to see if this look authentic? I've bought guitars before off eBay but haven't spent quite so much money on one!

The ebay advert is here: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/192182621260

https://ibb.co/jPP3RQ
https://ibb.co/ffgiRQ
https://ibb.co/fwtxmQ
https://ibb.co/e4B6fk
https://ibb.co/b0ruY5
https://ibb.co/hgusLk
https://ibb.co/kY93RQ
https://ibb.co/dE6Tt5
https://ibb.co/hc2ORQ
https://ibb.co/nejEY5
https://ibb.co/c8WHmQ

I'd appreciate any advice,

Thanks,Andy
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jdogric12
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Re: Buying a Rickenbacker 330 off eBay

Post by jdogric12 »

Welcome Andy. Your concerns are valid. Let me say though, 3 months is NOTHING. Not that long ago the wait was 1-5 years, depending on the model. Most were 3 years. RIC has a much lower backlog now and I would recommend you buy a new Rick from an authorized distributor or dealer in your country, not so you can play it first, but so you are covered by the warranty in the rare event there is something wrong with it. Good luck!
maxwell
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Re: Buying a Rickenbacker 330 off eBay

Post by maxwell »

^ ^ ^ I agree.
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jps
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Re: Buying a Rickenbacker 330 off eBay

Post by jps »

^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ I agree with the above assessment and agreement.
doodah
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Re: Buying a Rickenbacker 330 off eBay

Post by doodah »

Thanks for the replies. I've decided to wait the 3 months for a new Rickenbacker - it's going to be tough but I'll make it somehow :cry:

Can't imagine waiting 1-5 years though. Wow!
kt66
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Re: Buying a Rickenbacker 330 off eBay

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bowser2533
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Re: Buying a Rickenbacker 330 off eBay

Post by bowser2533 »

There are several 330s at pianos n stuff in Pgh Pa. Great guitar shop!!!
JeffM
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Re: Buying a Rickenbacker 330 off eBay

Post by JeffM »

Hi, I bought a 660/12 from this seller, no problems and had it sent to New Zealand.
doodah
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Re: Buying a Rickenbacker 330 off eBay

Post by doodah »

@JeffM - he seems like a decent guy and I was very close to buying a guitar from him. I had concerns about problems/damage when in transit, import duty and also returning the guitar if I wasn't happy with it.

@kt66 - I've ordered this one: https://www.thomann.de/gb/rickenbacker_330jg.htm
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jdogric12
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Re: Buying a Rickenbacker 330 off eBay

Post by jdogric12 »

JeffM wrote:Hi, I bought a 660/12 from this seller, no problems and had it sent to New Zealand.
New? That's a good way to get their dealer license pulled - selling outside their authorized country...
doodah
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Re: Buying a Rickenbacker 330 off eBay

Post by doodah »

jdogric12 wrote:
JeffM wrote:Hi, I bought a 660/12 from this seller, no problems and had it sent to New Zealand.
New? That's a good way to get their dealer license pulled - selling outside their authorized country...
He doesn't sell as 'New' - normally his ads state "100% unplayed"
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jdogric12
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Re: Buying a Rickenbacker 330 off eBay

Post by jdogric12 »

doodah wrote:
jdogric12 wrote:
JeffM wrote:Hi, I bought a 660/12 from this seller, no problems and had it sent to New Zealand.
New? That's a good way to get their dealer license pulled - selling outside their authorized country...
He doesn't sell as 'New' - normally his ads state "100% unplayed"
So if I sell you a $25 plastic bag, and there happens to be drugs in it, it's legal? :lol:
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jps
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Re: Buying a Rickenbacker 330 off eBay

Post by jps »

jdogric12 wrote:So if I sell you a $25 plastic bag, and there happens to be drugs in it, it's legal? :lol:
What drugs are we talking about, hypothetically speaking, of course? :mrgreen:
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jdogric12
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Re: Buying a Rickenbacker 330 off eBay

Post by jdogric12 »

jps wrote:
jdogric12 wrote:So if I sell you a $25 plastic bag, and there happens to be drugs in it, it's legal? :lol:
What drugs are we talking about, hypothetically speaking, of course? :mrgreen:
Good ones! :O
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