Mixed Feelings

[westaussie]

A few days before I discovered this site, I made a brief inquiry with a person as to whether they had any interest in my 1998. My expectation was that they would make me an offer, but that I would not be tempted.That was followed by a couple of exchanges and some photo's were sent. I was firmly convinced that although I had a figure in mind at which I would sell, no-one was likely to come up with that.

To my surprise, I just received an email with an offer that exceeded my expectations, to take the guitar as is - and having made the initial approach, I feel compelled to accept.

Hence part of the reason for the heading. On one hand I'm sending away a faithful friend of almost 40 years, with whom I've shared some amazing times, on the other it would be nice to think that someone else could get some enjoyment from it, rather than it being tucked away in a corner unused, as it has been with me for the last 20 years. Properly cared for, this instrument and others like it will be delighting people long after I have gone.

The second part of the reason, is the helpful nature and friendliness of the people on this site. The welcomes given, the helpful advice, (some by pm and not seen by the group,) and the sheer breadth of knowledge in this forum is a credit to you all. It inspired me to get my guitar out, find out as much as I could about it and do something about restoring it to as pristine a condition as I could.. The best laid plans of mice and men ...........
I wish I'd come across this forum earlier, - but that's life.

Again, my thanks to you all for your help.

Vic

[beatlefreak]

Keep in mind that a 1998 would be difficult (and expensive) to replace, should you have seller's remorse. Good luck with your decision.

[collin]

Vic,
I thought you were simply into your guitar, and not looking to sell----if you're interested in selling, offer it up properly to all of us!

I'm sure plenty of us (myself included) would love to take a stab at owning it.

[westaussie]

Keep in mind that a 1998 would be difficult (and expensive) to replace, should you have seller's remorse. Good luck with your decision.

Heh. It will sound like heresy to some on this forum, but the reasons you allude to are the very ones which led to my decision that I no longer wish to keep it. I have no wish to own an instrument that is worth such an obscene amount of money as it seems to be from the offer I have just received. I simply wouldn't know what to do with it, - too valuable to risk damaging it. I was much happier with it when I didn't know what it was worth.

I bought it (for $250) all those years ago because it served my purpose back then. I was a boy from the bush, on a rare visit to the city. I was playing in country bands and new next to nothing about electric guitars. We all played obscure poorly made el-cheapo guitars and I wanted something better. It happened by chance to be the the guitar that I bought, rather than me looking for one. (I wanted a Gretsch but couldn't find one at the time.) ... all right , I'll wash my mouth out.

So I'm not a collector and the value of a guitar to me, is what I can do with it. I stopped playing in bands 20 years ago and I find (for me) it's not a great solo instrument, as opposed to the archtop Cort that I use (on the rare occasions I do play,) for solo blues and country. Plus I have a Squier Strat. They are both worth peanuts, so I'm happy to keep them.

The bottom line for me has always been, "Would I pay someone else the same amount of money for this item as somebody is offering me?" The answer, in this case, is no, I wouldn't even consider it. Which means, that someone who will appreciate it and wishes to pay the price, deserves to have it. That's got to be a better thing than it gathering dust in my spare room.

Vic

[scotty]

I can sense numerous forum members doing their monthly figures and imagining scenarios `Hey honey i was thinking about maybe buying a new guitar this month!`

[rickendelic]

Sorry, but I still haven't seen one good reason for you to sell it. Who cares how much it's worth? It's yours already... it's just a guitar, but for you it's the guitar you held at whatever gig you played, at whatever age you were, at whatever venue...

Sorry again... my two cents... the title is "mixed feelings"

[westaussie]

Vic,
I thought you were simply into your guitar, and not looking to sell----if you're interested in selling, offer it up properly to all of us!

I'm sure plenty of us (myself included) would love to take a stab at owning it.

Ouch! I was afraid this might happen. So I need to explain. Please bear with me.

My approach to the other party occurred as a result of a discussion between my wife and I about the spare room full of guitars and amplifiers that I have not actively used for the last twenty years and what was I going to do with them. I told her that collectively the whole room full wouldn't bring much if I got rid of it, the exception being the 1998. I named a very healthy figure and told her that if anyone offered me more than that I would sell it, in the sincere belief that no-one would. To prove my point, I sought offers from two different places.The first, as I expected, offered me half of the value I had in mind.

In the interim, I started looking around on e-bay and other places, trying to get some sense of values and in the process, stumbled across this place. With the thought in mind that I would be keeping the guitar for a good while yet, I joined up and started to learn a lot of things that I'd never known before which re-kindled my interest in the Rickenbacker. I could see myself, given time and patience, restoring it as near as possible to it's original state and thoroughly enjoying the experience. I'd even begun to entertain the idea of finding a couple of retired muso's like myself and doing the occasional gig. (I also realised that if I ever did seriously want to sell, that this group would have a number of interested people.) ....... So far, so good.

Then fate stepped in. I have just recieved an offer of twice the value I had in mind from the second party. Having opened my mouth and given an undertaking as I have explained, I am obliged to follow that through. It would also be unethical for me to renege on a proposition put earlier, so I feel I must allow this transaction to proceed. I have, unfortunately, painted myself into a corner with this. In truth, I am amazed at the value put on it and that has also firmed my resolve that it should have a home with someone who really does appreciate it. It is just unfortunate, that I didn't know this group existed before.

Should the deal fall over, you have my word that I will offer it for sale here. (That is once I have 100 posts up and can access that section.)

Vic

[winston]

Vic the post count required has been reduced to 30 and you are almost half way there. Please feel free to stay with us no matter what you decide to do with your Rickenbacker. The moral standard, candor and fellowship you exhibit is much appreciated.

[rickendelic]

+1

[collin]

Right on, Vic. Sounds like a good deal for ya, and your reasoning for selling is fair enough.



I hope the new owner will speak up about it! Congrats...

[antipodean]

You're a man of your word Vic. That speaks volumes - integrity is a rare and wonderful thing. Best wishes with the sale (I sympathise that it may be a bit of a wrench) and I hope we will continue to hear from you!

[xcoyle]

Vic, you can always buy a less expensive used Ric 330, and have that for playing and not worry about collector value and such. And get the room down to just one good electric, acoustic and your favorite amp. Its good to have that jingle jangle around.

[westaussie]

Vic the post count required has been reduced to 30 and you are almost half way there. Please feel free to stay with us no matter what you decide to do with your Rickenbacker.

Thanks Winston, I plan on staying around. particularly nice bunch of peple in here.
Besides which, a few more posts and I'll be able to see the Rics for sale so I can get me another.

[weemac]

Vic, you can always buy a less expensive used Ric 330, and have that for playing and not worry about collector value and such. And get the room down to just one good electric, acoustic and your favorite amp. Its good to have that jingle jangle around.

My thoughts exactly!
Before you decide how much to sell it for I hope that one of the folks here chips in (PMs you) with the real value of this guitar (which the party offering you the money may be at allready) What I'm saying is just make sure you are not under valueing the guitar.
If you still like Ricks but don't want a collectors piece a used 330 or 360 would be just the ticket.

Eden.

[westaussie]

Vic, you can always buy a less expensive used Ric 330, and have that for playing and not worry about collector value and such. And get the room down to just one good electric, acoustic and your favorite amp. Its good to have that jingle jangle around.

My thoughts exactly!
Before you decide how much to sell it for I hope that one of the folks here chips in (PMs you) with the real value of this guitar (which the party offering you the money may be at allready) What I'm saying is just make sure you are not under valueing the guitar.
If you still like Ricks but don't want a collectors piece a used 330 or 360 would be just the ticket.

Eden.

Thanks Eden, .... it just so happens that someone just did that very thing
Rest assured, I have negotiated a very satisfactory deal - at perhaps a greater sum than members of the forum might have wished to part with, even if they had the opportunity.

Vic