Friends - I need some advice regarding that 4005

[jps]

Don't let the crack keep you from buying this bass. When I got my 4005WB back from my friend Isaac, there was the same type of separation on both sides of the neck. Someone has not adjusted the truss rods properly and popped the fingerboard, something easily repaired. I did the repair myself, never having done so before. There is a LOT of info throughout this forum on how to do such a repair.

In the immoral ( ) words of Jared:

DO IT!

[rickaddict]

My $.02:

$10,400 is a whole bunch to spend on a bass. This is a very nice example of a 60's 4005, but from the photos it looks like the neck has a lot of relief around the 5th fret. She looks like yet another candidate for TI Jazz flats.

I guess you need to ask yourself some questions: 1) What kind/gauge of strings do you like to play? 2) Does your bass need to be perfect? 3) Is sending it to Dale or Paul for repairs a feasible /attractive option for you given your current location? It'll take time, money, and worries while the bass is in transit.

I missed out on a very similar bass ('67 4005FG) a little less than two years ago on ebay. It sold for $6100. I was able to examine and play it in person. It was in similar condition, but had no neck issues/fretboard separation whatsoever. I know that in two years Rick values have gone up, but I've seen quite a few 4005's sell on ebay in the past 2 years and I don't think they've come as far in the past two years as some of the others.

I hate to always be a "Doubting Thomas" but I personally think that $10,400 is too much in this case.

[jingle_jangle]

The neck/fretboard separation could be an issue, but I'd consider that Mike was involved and (as the man said) go by reputation.

Jeff makes a point, but consider that it is still rare, otherwise in great condition, and will probably take another few months to justify its purchase price.You could try negotiating the price down a bit, but you know the seller's not going to budge a lot. At $8K it would be a stone bargain, and everybody concerned knows it. If haggling will alienate the seller, why try to save a few hundred bucks?

[gibsonlp]

The seller's LAST offer: 7000 euro.
He seems to be a really trust worthy guy and a really nice person. I am inclined in going through with it.
I would ask for more pictures of the Truss rod and of the neck in general.

[ilan]

I have a feeling that the moment when I get to see a 4005 in person for the first time in my life is drawing near...

[bob_atherton]

I have a feeling that the moment when I get to see a 4005 in person for the first time in my life is drawing near...

Ilan, Mark Smulian and I both shared that moment at the same time when we were at school and 16 years old. We were the warm up band and the top act's bassists had a FG 4005 from 1971. To this day I remember that so very clearly ..

[wints]

It's not a "near mint" with that seperation Gil, but it is an easy fix. The only thing non original is the nut, which has been replaced by the later white delrin type.

It makes you wonder if the seller has any firm offers as he seems to have come down a little. People in Europe do not pay big $$$ for Ric basses generally speaking, and I'd be tempted to offer him a little less, with the guarantee of a sale.

[jps]

This is a very nice example of a 60's 4005, but from the photos it looks like the neck has a lot of relief around the 5th fret. She looks like yet another candidate for TI Jazz flats.

From my experience with repairing mine, the excessive relief will go away once the truss rod and fingerboard separation issues are taken care of.

Perhaps the price can be negotiated down once the seller is enlightened about this issue and that the nut is indeed not original, so the "near mint 100% original" description is not a true reflection of the bass, in fact it is a misrepresentation of it. I would think that would be worth $1000.00 - $2000.00 maybe.

[gibsonlp]

I decided to let go of this bass.

I had 6000 euro "sort of" handy (giving up on other things) and the extra 1000 euro made me feel this is simply too much.
I'd love to have a 4005.
I won't die without it.

I love my 4001 and my 4003 and they satisfy me.
(trying to convince myself, can use some help here, thanks )

[heinpete]

Hey Gil!
Congratulations on your wise decision not to join the premium price carousell!
Your 4001MG is outstanding already!
You might have been disappointed from the 4005 sound?

[gibsonlp]

Thanks

[leighthal]

Does this mean the seller will be re-listing?

This one just came up in London,but I think the price is abit steep for a '79.The colour is nice though.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1979-RICKENBACKER ... dZViewItem

[gibsonlp]

No,
He sold it to a guy in Sweden for 7250 euro.

As for the 79 you mentioned - the price is simply ridicules, for this price you could have actually get that 67 I just skipped...

[leighthal]

No,
He sold it to a guy in Sweden for 7250 euro.

As for the 79 you mentioned - the price is simply ridicules, for this price you could have actually get that 67 I just skipped...

Thought so.Thanks Gil.

[rickaddict]

I think you made the right choice, Gil. Another 4005 will come along.

Its a nice bass, but the price was too high for a bass that needs work.

If I'm paying 10 grand for a 4005, it definitely won't need to be sent away for repairs.

That '79 is unbelievably nice. Yes, the price is too high for a '79, but that one is an absolute case queen. Looks like its been played less than 10 hours! No yellowed varnish, bright chrome, mint original form-fitted case. Not suggesting you (or anybody else here) should go for it, just saying WOW , what a well preserved Rick!