Is this a good deal?

[pathesa]

My apologies if a similar question has been asked before (or if I'm posting in the wrong forum!). I'm looking into buying my first Rickenbacker bass. I found a used one at a guitar center and absolutely fell in love with it. It is a 1984 4003S, mapleglo finish, and it is priced at $1699 - it is in near mint condition and the only signs of wear that I could see were a couple of scratches on the top of the headstock. Other than that, it looks brand new and plays great. I really don't know a whole lot about these basses and this was actually the first Rick I've ever played. I'm worried about it getting sold - I've had a relatively hard time finding one, and I really don't want to buy one off ebay or something without playing it. Anyone have any advice?

[pathesa]

Forgot to mention that I foolishly forgot to ask if everything was all original..... not that I'd necessarily trust the sales people at Guitar Center. But here is the bass in question:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/In-Store-Vi ... 2090634.gc

[sloop_john_b]

I don't know if I would call it a "good deal", but that is a fair price IMO.

[badeggs]

Early 4003S model (two-piece pickguard), wavy Grovers, seems to be all there, though it's tough to tell from one bad photo...

"S" models (no binding, dot inlays) are harder to find than Deluxe models. I would agree with John, not a steal but a pretty good price.

[pathesa]

Thanks for your replies. I should've re-phrased my question - I'm just trying to make sure it is a fair price, I realize that it is not a steal by any means. It did seem to me to be a fair price - which is why i am so wary of it! I would expect a place like GC to mark that up to at least $2000.

[badeggs]

I would expect a place like GC to mark that up to at least $2000.

Yeah, but it depends on who runs the store and how much they paid for it...they could have ripped off the guy who sold it, gave him $500 or something, so this price while still reasonable would net them a nice profit nonetheless. Or they could be honest merchants. It's all just speculating...

Again, it looks genuine, and in good shape. Everything looks period-correct (that pickguard, 7-screw tailpiece, etc.). And you said it plays well. If you're still unsure, the best thing to do is get down there and get some photos of it, post them here, and we'll tell you what's what. And in the mean time, they may hold it for you for a $50 deposit or something if you're worried about it getting away...

[steversaurus]

Yea it's an OK price. Not a steal by any means. IMO if it's my first Ric, I'd get something with binding and inlays... but thats just me.

[wints]

I don't know if I would call it a "good deal", but that is a fair price IMO.

Absolutely. Stick a toaster in there and it'll be a very nice bass...

[jps]

Welcome, Samantha.

All looks good to me, I'd say go for it!

If there are any hidden issues, there are plenty of members here who can help get it sorted.

[pathesa]

Thanks so much everyone for your replies. After trying out a couple different ricks yesterday, I wound up buying this one! It just felt so good to play. I'll upload some pictures later on today.

[badeggs]

Awesome, congrats! I always wanted an S-model...

[jps]

Awesome, congrats! I always wanted an S-model...

...how about this one, Jeff?
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=401680

[badeggs]

Ooh that's nice! Sadly i'm trying to sell a bass at the moment, and it isn't going too well I might add!