I have an opportunity to acquire a new Ric 330/6 in the Blue Boy finish. From my understanding, it is one of the few 330's that have made it back into the States. I've seen some 360's around. The guitar itself I suppose is nothing special...a standard 330/6 with high gains and standard RIC molded case...it is new.
Am I crazy for considering it due it's unsure future market stature as a "collectable" color? Is it worth the "risk" to find out in the future?
I would certainly be buying it to play, not to display. It would be used at home, and I do feel comfortable that it would remain in pristine condition. If any of you read the Seafoam Green post a few days back...you might be inclined to believe that I have a color "fetish". Nothing could be farther from the truth...but I do have a desire to own something out of the "norm".
Positive or negative, I would like to hear your opinion. I fully expect to hear some of both...and I'm weighing my own "demons" in my mind.
The flame retardant suit is on...fire away...but be gentle.
330/6 Blue Boy
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sir_andrew_of_left_coast
- Veteran RRF member
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corey
If you like that finish, hey, go for it!
Andrew is right though in that 2003 is nearly upon us. Personally, while I'm ready to place an order for a 381v69 in Jetglo, I'm waiting to see what the new Ric colour will be "just in case".
It would be great if we had a small window of time where we knew what the NEW colour of the year would be, while still being able to place an order for the outgoing one.
Andrew is right though in that 2003 is nearly upon us. Personally, while I'm ready to place an order for a 381v69 in Jetglo, I'm waiting to see what the new Ric colour will be "just in case".
It would be great if we had a small window of time where we knew what the NEW colour of the year would be, while still being able to place an order for the outgoing one.
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lawnjockie
I agree totally with you two. Perhaps it is me that is mistaken, and probably am. However, I've read Mr. Hall's personal posts elsewhere on this very subject where he states that the Blue Boy finish is produced only for the European-Japanese market. While he doesn't go on to say that it would never be available in the USA, the context of his reply would lead one to believe that this is the case.
The difference in price of the Blue Boy and a standard color 330/6 is substantial (read as hefty)...and this is the crux of my post. Does one buy an instantly collectable color, that already bears the collectable price....or buy a "yearly special" color and hope it attains a collector price?
To me personally, it's about having something somewhat unique.
Now....where did I put that Lithium?
The difference in price of the Blue Boy and a standard color 330/6 is substantial (read as hefty)...and this is the crux of my post. Does one buy an instantly collectable color, that already bears the collectable price....or buy a "yearly special" color and hope it attains a collector price?
To me personally, it's about having something somewhat unique.
Now....where did I put that Lithium?
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ricnvolved
It seems to me that the main consideration would be whether you feel you can afford to live with the price you're paying now for the Blue Boy IF it doesn't increase in collector at some point in the future. Future collector market value should always be a consideration with any guitar or bass that is purchased. But it always comes down to the individual's gut feeling that it's a worthwhile price now, AND that it would be later when you think back and can say "Yeah, I got a pretty good deal on that thing. Glad I bought it!" Above all else, be 100% sure it's not an impulse acquisition. You are guaranteed to feel the financial sting very soon if you have truly overpaid for the guitar.
If you honestly plan on holding on to the Blue Boy for many years (or always), then future collector value shouldn't matter that much. But if subconsciously you think this instrument could become serious trade-bait in 5 years, then collector value becomes far more important. If you are clear in your understanding of what motivates you to purchase the Blue Boy, then you'll have the answer you seek.
"An informed decision is always the best decision."
Hope this helps.
If you honestly plan on holding on to the Blue Boy for many years (or always), then future collector value shouldn't matter that much. But if subconsciously you think this instrument could become serious trade-bait in 5 years, then collector value becomes far more important. If you are clear in your understanding of what motivates you to purchase the Blue Boy, then you'll have the answer you seek.
"An informed decision is always the best decision."
Hope this helps.
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lawnjockie
Thanks for the input. Upon additional digging of information concerning the Blue Boy finish, I've discovered that Rickenbacker offered this color option at either the 1999 or 2000 winter USA NAMM show. It was met with little, if any US dealer interest. The Blue Boy was also featured at the Tokyo show.
I can only guess that is why it wound up in Japan and the UK, where I understand it maintains "litte or no" interest, and might even be discontinued.
None of this has helped me make a decision, if anything...it's made making the decision more difficult.
I can only guess that is why it wound up in Japan and the UK, where I understand it maintains "litte or no" interest, and might even be discontinued.
None of this has helped me make a decision, if anything...it's made making the decision more difficult.
Scott,
I have also been thinking about buying one of the Blue Boy guitars. I think they look great (well, at least in the pictures, I've not seen one in person). For me, collectablilty/resale value is really a secondary issue; when I sell a guitar, I am usually happy if I get back what I paid for it, especially one that I have played (and enjoyed playing) for some time.
I will say that the premium on these (on the order of 20-30% over the list price of a standard-finish model) has been a deterrent to my purchase of one (I bid on a 360/6 on eBay either last year or the year before, but it wound up at $1600, which was more than what I was budgeting for it).
I don't know whether that helps, but at least you know you're not alone in having "blauangst".
I have also been thinking about buying one of the Blue Boy guitars. I think they look great (well, at least in the pictures, I've not seen one in person). For me, collectablilty/resale value is really a secondary issue; when I sell a guitar, I am usually happy if I get back what I paid for it, especially one that I have played (and enjoyed playing) for some time.
I will say that the premium on these (on the order of 20-30% over the list price of a standard-finish model) has been a deterrent to my purchase of one (I bid on a 360/6 on eBay either last year or the year before, but it wound up at $1600, which was more than what I was budgeting for it).
I don't know whether that helps, but at least you know you're not alone in having "blauangst".
It is better, of course, to know useless things than to know nothing. - Seneca
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lawnjockie
Finally made my decision. I switched, and bought a new 360/6 Blue Boy. It's a 2002, in the original Rickenbacker box w/matching serial number, UK export (Rosetti Distributor Label), Rosetti set up checklist, and all export labels. I will be the 1st owner. I don't plan on selling or trading it, but the original packaging (from a collector standpoint) was important to me, perhaps not to others.
30% over LIST is almost dead correct. When one considers the distributor mark-up, export fee's, currency exchange, it's easy to arrive at that figure I suppose. Theoretically, you have a $1,000.00 guitar with a $1,000.00 finish. That's an easy (albeit painful) way to look at it.
I forsee a time that the price I paid will be a bargain. That might be A LONG TIME. However, after gaining some knowledge on them, I feel comfortable with the fact that I can almost certainly get out of it what I paid for it. Time will tell, but until then, it will be tucked away.
30% over LIST is almost dead correct. When one considers the distributor mark-up, export fee's, currency exchange, it's easy to arrive at that figure I suppose. Theoretically, you have a $1,000.00 guitar with a $1,000.00 finish. That's an easy (albeit painful) way to look at it.
I forsee a time that the price I paid will be a bargain. That might be A LONG TIME. However, after gaining some knowledge on them, I feel comfortable with the fact that I can almost certainly get out of it what I paid for it. Time will tell, but until then, it will be tucked away.
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360dave660
- Veteran RRF member
- Posts: 167
- Joined: Sun Mar 31, 2002 5:00 pm
I think that the blue boys are just with Rosetti in the UK (the juggernaught for European distributors as well). They own part of the French distributors of rics as well. In France, the line is basically 330/360 higains in 6's & 12's + the 650 dakota & colorado. France got two 6 string carl wilsons. I saw a glen frey here once and I know there is a couple TP's here as well.
It is a surprise though that US residents would buy a ric outside of the US cause the prices, the hassle, etc are so greater here.
We love rics anyway.
It is a surprise though that US residents would buy a ric outside of the US cause the prices, the hassle, etc are so greater here.
We love rics anyway.
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aladams
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lawnjockie
Al: No, I'm not under any commitments concerning the Blue Boy. The advice I received here helped me make up my mind I guess. Plus, I received some additional information that pretty much sealed the deal for me. I went with the 360/6 instead of the 330/6. I just got a 330/6 in Sea Green..so this will be a bit different.
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lawnjockie
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ricnvolved
Sincere congratulations on your purchase! As long as you gave serious, lengthy consideration to everything important in making your decision, then I'm sure you did the right thing. There's no reason to second guess yourself now. The financial pain will be brief compared to the longterm enjoyment you can experience from owning the instrument. Have fun with it! This is why we Ric lovers are here.