Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Sorry...Quick side bar here:
The 74 doesn't have checkered binding...

Cris, again, do what your heart says. Best wishes whatever you do.

Cris, I got my 4001 at 15, and it's been my only bass since I got it. I had to sell my Dean afterwards cuz the sound sucked in comparison.

I said I was the punk kid, trying to comfort someone when I have no idea how they feel. I'm like Reverend Lovejoy on The Simpsons. *Pats on back* "There there. There there."

That's a pretty bass. And again, KEEP IT! People here know what they're talking about. If you sell it you'll regret it. And yes, try to learn how to play. Simple follow the root note playing can be fun when starting out. I started off playing Pink Floyd songs and that was very special to me, learning and playing the stuff from a band I love. I agree with relieving tension, if you're stressed or angry or sad (as is the case here) playing a song that reflects that can be a load off of the shoulders.

Blah, here I am blabbin away.

Here's me with mine, and I LOVE it.

Blurry, yes, but tough!

Even if you don't play it, keep it. If it took him that long to get one and then he played that as his main axe it's a sentimental object. I'd put it on display.

Too cool, lots of replies! Party, need a beer?

It has a solid black trim, but I did check the serial number on the Rickenbacker site and according to that, it was born July 1974.

As far as the other equipment, 3 other bass, 4/5 guitars (strat, peavey), 6 various amps, 4 and 8 tracks, drum machine, mics,....I could almost start my own band. Lots of equipment that is sadly gathering dust. Now I am going to go grab me a beer

Welcome to the forum, Cris. My condolences to you. I also say that you should keep the 4001 unless you need the money. You could learn to play it. Keep it playing for your husband. Could keep a nice connection to him from you. You'll make the right decision, I'm sure.
There are several of us in the SoCal area if you need any help.

Mike, thanks for correcting the checkered binding - it ended in 1973, what was I thinking?!

I'll have a brew when I get home from work....

Hello, Cris, and welcome. Sorry to hear that... and my suggestion would also be to keep it - sometimes it feels like in these circumstances it's better to get rid of things that bring back memories, but then, a while later, you may regret it, or maybe not - but in that case, you can get rid of it any time, and getting it back would probably be a problem. Not because it's a Ric, but because it's a memory. We can only judge for ourselves, and i once got rid of the things that reminded me of a good friend who has passed away - cause i thought that was the only way to get rid of feeling of loss, but then i regretted it. But i am - no, not a punk kid, but an old punk rocker, so what shall i know?..

Cris, welcome and I am sorry to hear about your loss. However, I, too think that unless you could use the money, I think it might be worth your while to keep it and learn how to play it. It's fun, and it's something special. However, should you choose to sell it, this forum right here would probably be the ideal place.

Cris, like all of us here, very sorry to hear of your loss.

Why not start playing bass? A '74 Rickenbacker is exactly the way that I started playing seriously. Lots of help and friends here.

Keep the bass for now anyway.

Thank you everyone. I've been reading here for the past 5 hours now and having a great time. What a great group.

So, say if I were to start playing...where would I even begin? Would I start with the bass or one of the guitars? So many questions, so many answers are on the way

Thank you all of you again, so much!

Sorry to hear about hubby... I would say keep it if he loved it so much and learn to play it as well Would be a totally cool way to pay homage to his memory. I've already stated when I pass I would my RICs to go to my son in Duetchland or to be buried with me.

Welcome, Cris. I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. I, too, think learning to play would be a nice path. But if you choose to part with the bass, that would certainly be understandable as well.

Welcome Cris.

You have my condolances,,and have friends here.

That is a fine example of a vintage 4001 in white. If it is a '74, there is a good chance that the "dot" position markers on the side of the neck are red. This is the only year Rickenbacker did this to my knowledge.

I agree that you should probably keep it, as it will only increase in price, not to mention the sentimental value. However, you should be aware of what its worth. '73's and '74's favored due to quirky "transition" features, hence the confusion on the "checked binding" mentioned in the above posts...A '73 could have had it, but a '74 would not. Little things like this is important to know if you want to sell it for its optimal value. I wouldnt want you to be taken advantage of by a "less than reputable" music store looking to turn a quick buck, and believe me,,their out there.

So what do you say people?? Im more into the modern 4003's,, but I think a starting price of no less than $1850.00 ++++ would be about in the ballpark.??

Once again,, Im sorry for your loss..you came looking for help, you came to the right place.

Learn to play Cris. A 74 will only appreciate in value, and it already seems the emotional worth exceeds it's financial worth. As for it's worth, I think Scott might be a little high, but not by much. It's certainly worth in the $1500-2000 range, especially in the condition it's in.

Where to start learning? Take a few lessons, then you should be able to find your own way. I think that would be a great way to honor the memory and love you have for your late husband.

Peace.

Welcome, Cris.
My condolences. This certainly puts our mundane concerns in perspective!

I agree with the others, keep the bass if it brings you warm, pleasant memories.
My wife has said that she'd do the same: keep my first RIC bass, since I was playing it when we met.

As to the other equipment, if you're going to learn to play, you may find most of it pretty useful to keep as well.

And remember, you're always welcome here, it's a great place to find the answers to many questions.

Welcome aboard Cris and first let me offer you my condolences. Second, if it were me, I'd learn to play the bass and/or guitars as it would give me some joy to continue what my loved one enjoyed doing.

My first lessons (at the age of 45) did not come from a music store, but from the local high school's evening program for adults. It fact the class was titled, "Learn To Play Guitar With The Beatles". Many community colleges offers the same type of program with group classes in the evening and/or on Saturday.

Maybe we'll see you at next year's SoCal Confluence.