What to look for when buying a vintage Rickenbacker

[brandon.miller]

I'll really new to Rickenbackers but came across what the seller described to be a 1976 4001 that I'm thinking about going to check out. I'm not really sure what to look for to authenticate that it's not a copy. Other than the serial number on the input jack and checking under the truss rod cover for 2 truss rods, I'm kind of clueless.

I attached a couple pics that the seller sent me. I know not the best but I'd like to know what to look for if I go check it out.



Definitely a refinish. Any idea what a fair price would be for this if it's real?

Thanks!

[chrisdski]

It looks real to me. The body binding has been painted over. All the other parts look original. One area you always want to check is the neck/fret board junction for any separation from bad truss rod adjustments. Usually appears as a crack running from the nut towards the bridge for an 1/4 inch or more. To learn more about fakenbackers check Joey's Bass Notes http://www.joeysbassnotes.com/Fakericks.htm

Value- I would try to get it for less than $1000.

[jps]

Value- I would try to get it for less than $1000.

Given that, um, paint job, definitely less than $1000! Sorry, no offense, if you do like how it's painted.

Welcome, Brandon. It does look like all the original parts are there, even the hidden body binding.

[vulcan_creedler]

I'll really new to Rickenbackers but came across what the seller described to be a 1976 4001 that I'm thinking about going to check out. I'm not really sure what to look for to authenticate that it's not a copy. Other than the serial number on the input jack and checking under the truss rod cover for 2 truss rods, I'm kind of clueless.
Thanks!

Or check out my rather nice (with original finish!!) ex-Wings/Abbey Road 4001 that is for sale!!

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=408650

Pictures here:

http://www.rickresource.com/register/vi ... ine%3Dtrue

[brandon.miller]

Thank you all for the replies. I was forwarded here from Talkbass. The seller was asking $1000 for it. My intentions were only to play it for a while then resell if for whatever I negotiated the owner down to. None of my local music stores carry Rics so I just wanted to try one out for a while then resell it if it wasn't for me.

And no... I'm not crazy about this finish. Just saw it as a cheaper Ric to try out for a while.

[bassduke49]

Welcome, Brandon. Sounds like a good plan. The only problem with buying a used Rick without getting to examine it first hand and play it is that you may have to suffer for the previous owner(s) sins of commission besides the poor finishing job. It may have been abused in other less obvious ways. But then you could get a diamond in the rough, too.