Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Tommy wrote:

collin wrote:I won't buy used cars and I want a Corvair. I wonder if Chevy is ever going to reproduce it?

Wait a minute, you are going to compare a guitar that would be fun to play to a car that actually got airborn when hitting a certain speed?
I'd take the 481 over a Corvair anyday. I don't know of anyone who flew to the moon playing a 481.

I just picked an extinct car line at random, though the two each do have some...quirks.

I had lots of fun playing my Daphne Blue refinished 480 at a 4th of July Block party the other day in Long Beach. (Joey's Ruby 4004 headstock and his shoulder are on the left side).

You can still pick up nice 480 and 481 models in the second-hand guitar arena. Go for it !

collin wrote: I just picked an extinct car line at random, though the two each do have some...quirks.

Yeah, but the quirk of the 481's slanted frets sure is acceptable compared to the quirk of the Corvair's entire front end lifting off the ground!

(This is an interesting tangent here. I wonder if a guitar had production stopped because it was on the unsafe side.)

8mileshigher wrote:I had lots of fun playing my Daphne Blue refinished 480 at a 4th of July Block party the other day in Long Beach.

Wow, have to say that blue 480 looks like a guitar that should be played in Long beach. Definitely a cool looking guitar for a California setting.

Here's a few Vairs for ya.

collin wrote:...I want a Corvair. I wonder if Chevy is ever going to reproduce it?

John DeLorean tried. And, failed!

Tommy wrote:

sloop_john_b wrote:What difference does it make if there are new ones?

I won't buy used guitars. Just can't do it. Never have, never will.

Really? A decent 2nd hand 480 would make a great base for mods... custom colours... different pick-ups... you name it!

Tommy and I should go shopping together. I only buy used guitars.

kiramdear wrote:I only buy used guitars.

To get them refurbished by P.W., making us all drool, eh!

Ah, Corvairs. I had a '65. Great car (ahem).
The heater ran right off the manifold. Other than tears and this burning sensation in your eyes, it was a charmer
I lost it in a swimming pool (long story). Drowning was the best think for it.

Now, we return you to the 481 debate...

Tommy wrote:I won't buy used guitars. Just can't do it. Never have, never will.

I'd like to hear more about your thinking behind this statement.

jdogric12 wrote:

Tommy wrote:I won't buy used guitars. Just can't do it. Never have, never will.

I'd like to hear more about your thinking behind this statement.

+1

I've never had issues with buying used guitars. In some cases, it's been the only way I've been able to get a guitar I wanted. As long as the guitar isn't totally whacked out physically (neck or body messed up, or finish trashed), and it sounds and plays good for me, I'm all for buying used. I just bought a used 2006 Mapleglo 360 yesterday, and it's a great guitar.

As others have mentioned, the only way you'll get a 480 or 481 nowadays, is by buying used. But, prices are going up on them (although IMO, having played a couple of 480s, and a 481, I think they're only OK guitars), so it may not be wise to wait a few years oh the hope that Rickenbacker reissues them. Even if they do (which IMO, I find doubtful, since only a small group of players like them - I think it's due to the fact that it's the same body as the 4001 uses, and since many players identify that body style, with that bass, they feel it looks wrongly proportioned on a guitar), it's probably going to cost a bundle (at least as much as a new 350). Whereas, a used 480 or 481 in decent condition, will cost quite a bit less. For instance a Milwaukee area shop (Cream CVity Music) that sells a fair amount of vintage gear occasionally has 480s and 481s for sale. They have this 480 for sale at the present time:

http://www.creamcitymusic.com/p-71330-1 ... uitar.aspx

jdogric12 wrote:

Tommy wrote:I won't buy used guitars. Just can't do it. Never have, never will.

I'd like to hear more about your thinking behind this statement.

Reasons why I will only buy new guitars:
- no dings
- no scratches
- full warranty
- all case candy
- price; most used guitars I see go for just a few hundred less than their new counterparts. Why not just spend the few hundred more and get a brand spanking new one?
- no problems with guitar; everything is expected to work 100% on new guitar
- various psychological/metaphysical/existential reasons:
a) I feel when I buy a guitar the wood itself has been grown for me. It's a destiny thing. That wood, that guitar has a pre-ordained destination - my hands.
b) a new guitar creates a very real physical and emotional connection, a used guitar will always be someone else's baby
c) somewhere in this world there is a new guitar sitting in a box in a storehouse just waiting for my hands to play it. My hands alone. That new guitar is waiting for me, calling out to me. The new guitar came into existence for my hands alone. A used guitar was meant for another person.

Tommy wrote:The new guitar came into existence for my hands alone.

You don't let anyone else play your guitars then either?

360-Girl:

That 480 you posted at Cream City Music looks to be in great shape !
That Brown color is not one we see too often, as usually its more of a Walnut shade.