Investment potential

[Stratman]

I worked for CBS Records (Columbia) for many years and in 1980 I rec'd a bonus for $800.I immediately spent it on a 4001, because the image of McCartney and that guitar did something to me.
It's current value is ~$2000-2500, from what I read. More importantly, I've enjoyed many years of that incredible Ric sound.
Great investment in my case but unless I was forced to live on the street, they'll probably bury it with me.

[sloop_john_b]

$800 in 1980 works out to about $2100 today.

[Kopfjaeger]

As others have already said, certain items hold, and even increase their value. Normally the items that have the best chance of holding and increasing their value are the items made in limited quantities. Over a certain amount of years, these limited items made decrease in number do to damage and or wear, The quality of said item and it's popularity also factor into its value.

RIC basses like 21 fret 4001's, 4002's, and so on, seem to have retained their value and then some.Early and pre 73 4001's tend to sell for higher prices than mid 73's and later.

I think guitar value is like vehicle value. Even a sports car will lose value once it's driven off the show room floor. Give the vehicle a few years and the value will most likely creep back up. With a guitar, you need to first start with a "loaded" model that is desirable. Give it a few years and chances are you won't lose money on it as long as you keep it in nice shape.

I own a few collectable items that I factor into my portfolio. I never really considered the basses I own to be part of that equation but I do own a few "desirable" models. I guess I can factor some of them into the mix but as for right now, I'm just enjoying them.

A collector friend once told me, collectors are the custodians of the item, charged with the responsibility of protecting the and caring for the item until it passes on to another collector. Do no harm to the item while it's in your care.

I'm not really sure any of my instruments fit that criteria since I risk damage to them every time i handle them.

My "two cents".

Sepp

[johnallg]

$800 in 1980 works out to about $2100 today.

Actually, according to the US Govt. it would be $2200.63.

http://www.bls.gov/data/inflation_calculator.htm

[midlifecrisis]

Gosh - what an amazing response to my query. I wasn't expecting quite such a collection of carefully put together thoughts and advice. Thanks very much to everyone who contributed. I have to say that the idea of a new 4003FG seems very appealing, especially as I can get one immediately I come up with the cash. The warranty and the fact that no-one else has messed with a new instrument is an added bonus.

The only other on-line forum I have come across to rival the quality of postings found here is Ducatisti.co.uk, a UK-based site for Ducati motorcycle lovers (my other passion) and it is, sadly, suspended at the moment. I suppose what I am looking for from a Rickenbacker bass is much the same as I was trying to achieve when I bought a new Ducati 848. Yes, it costs a lot of money but, when you examine how long you will have it, how much fun you will have playing with it (and simply admiring it) and how much it is likely to fetch when it is reluctantly passed on to its next keeper, the actual cost of each wonderful hour spent in its company is miniscule and represents huge value for money. Both are high end products which offer more than just the basic functionality of the rest of their competitors. They create a passion and a pride of ownership in a way few other brands manage. They also both make a fabulous sound!

If a 4001V63 FG does just happen to be on the market in the UK just when I'm looking to buy then it will be fascinating to compare it with a new 4003 to see which I prefer. I'll keep you all posted.

Thanks again.

[pag]

When I owned Maurice Gibbs RM back in the 70s/early 80s I must have been the worst custodian ever!
I used to bend the thin neck to create vibrato at the end of songs!
(I did invest in a very expensive flight case for it mind you).
Mo did his fair share of alterations with the white finish and the plexi "guard" on the back and what we call the vintage guitar market didnt really exist back then.
I would still have it now if I hadnt lost my job and had a mortgage to pay and although it was rare you often used to see adverts for
60s Rick basses in the back of the Melody Maker so getting another wasnt as hard as it is nowadays.
I got loads of pleasure from playing that bass and these days my 1990 CS is worn in places and although its well looked after
its got a few dings from gigs rehearsals and even bumping into things at home.
That CS could be seen as an investment with it being in the Ric poster of Chris Squire and its an August 1990 but that doent enter into things
because I just love playing it regardless of pedigree.
I couldnt get into collecting even if I had the money I just couldnt leave the things alone.
Whatever floats yer boat as they say.
My advice,
Buy a new 4003 and look after it but dont break your heart over the odd scratch or dent and just get the maximum enjoyment from it.

[pag]

Greame,
Are you in the UK?
If so PM me and take a look at the white CS if the 4001 vintage reissue series is the sort of bass you are looking for.
There are also a few nice looking 4003 basses in the shops and on ebay at the moment if you go for a new one.

Heres the white CS.

[midlifecrisis]

Thanks for the offer Pete but unfortunately white (or any other solid colour) just don't seem to do it for me. I thinks it's the appearance of the wood grain through the transparent colours that I love. I'm going to have a look at a new 4003FG in a shop in Glasgow this week just to see if that is the finish I want.

[pag]

No probs.
Is that Guitar Guitar in Glasgow?
The new look with walnut wings in FG will be the one!

[midlifecrisis]

Yes - that's the one. Seems a reasonable price too, especially compared with some of the prices quoted on-line. Looking forward to giving it a go.

[bass_man]

Wondering if Rickenbacker ever released a promo poster of the 4001v63? Japanese market? Where may this be found?