Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

You know i remember when they first came out you couldn't give them away,i was going to get one but couldn't stand the thought of someones signature on my bass.

Funny, that signature on the pickguard prevented me from buying one for about $1100 less than two years ago. My brain finally told me to just change the pickguard next time that comes up.

What's with the weird CS backlash all of a sudden? And I can't imagine how having a guy's name on your instrument could be so bad as to prevent you from buying it. Seems VERY silly. Never seemed to be a problem for Jimmy Page.

As a CS owner, all I can say is that among my twelve basses including an '87 Tuxedo and even some fine MusicMan basses, the CS is the most beautiful and soulful bass in my collection, and it would be the one that I take to the desert island. It's a unique, one of a kind feel and look. For some, the signature of Chris Squire (who for many, embody's the Rickenbacker mystique) is just the thing that makes it a little more special than a V63, not to mention the refined neck profile. For others, I'm sure it's just the idea that, like it or not, it is a top collectors bass, perhaps because of the very mystique mentioned above. Sure, the finish is temperamental and stains. But then again, Frank Lloyd Wright's roofs leaked and a Lamborghini only has two seats-one for the mechanic. Still, these designs are beautiful because of the Idea. For me, I've had to get used to the CS's staining and funky wear, but think of how much more soul this baby will develop over the years! It's too bad that the prices are so high, but to me, it's because of the "heart" of the instrument, not the nuts, bolts, strings and wood.

Iv'e owned 2 CS basses over the last 14 years. The first one I bought new around 1991 .The second I bought used sometime around 2000. Big difference in the feel of the neck to me. The earlier one felt conciderably thinner while the later one felt almost clubby in comparison.

Solution?

buy both-let the creditors decide!

I agree the finish integrity leave much to be desired. The neck does "feel" thinner.

Although I don't actually play 'em.

"... I think Surfdog must have no idea how Ebay or reserve pricing works"

"Surfdog" looks like a shill bidder. That's not allowed on eBay. If you want to find out what the reserve price is, there are other ways. And I'm not talking about emailing the seller.

I love the CS Model, however if you look at the finish wrong, it will stain.

I had one for 8 years, in MINT MINT condition.

I rested it on the wrong guitar stand for a couple of days, and now I have a stain on the neck.

ARGGGGGG

It's probably one of the best looking Ric basses ever made. The cream with the vermillion wings is a great contrast. You can see why people like them. They seem to have suffered finish problems over the years, but all 1000 are probably still around. Plenty of choice for a long time, and that's why I still don't understand why they fetch such a premium.

Dave, ouch....I do not like stands at all, and have always kept instruments in cases when not using them.

Anyone know what the reason is for the finish issues? Offhand I can't think of another finish besides this one that has almost universal problems.

I got mine new in '97 and I haven't had any finish problems in eight years. No stains and no checking. Maybe it's a hit or miss thing. But it is my favorite Rick (I have four). The neck is chunkier than my '72 and '73. And come to think of it, my '91 V-63 has a thinner neck too. But the sound!! Ahhhh....
And as for the signature pickguard, I made a replacement for it that is cut to match the curve of the treble pickup surround. And it's nice to have the smoothed edges on the pickguard (unlike the sharp edges of the signature guard).

I think the White finish from the 70’s and 80’s is just as fickle.

Ilan, I can't figure out what you're saying. How can you figure out the reserve without asking the seller or bidding up to it?
If it's obvious then I'm sorry.

shill bidder? Idiot.

that finish is "Fragile" in a Roundabout way...

Just be careful not to let your belt buckle get Close to The Edge, And You And I will be ok.