4001CS-the bar has been raised on the 'bay

jeff_ulmer · Post by **jeff_ulmer** » Thu Feb 19, 2004 7:17 am

I have long been disturbed that many fine instruments are being removed from service simply due to their collectability. Instead of musicians using these guitars to create something new, they are being relegated to storage for investment purposes.

It isn't hard to understand why the CS is sought after now that you can't buy them new, but it isn't like the model wasn't available to order for years.

It also doesn't help that people will continue to modify or destroy instruments along the way, making them even more scarce.

wints · Post by **wints** » Thu Feb 19, 2004 7:49 am

It,s hard to believe that these basses are actually selling for 4K and more...A short while ago they were $1750-2250. How many ARE being actually sold, and what actual price they are fetching could be a different matter..This is not a low number limited edition bass. We,re talking about an instrument that had a 1000 units produced, so there should always be supply..It,s hard to see these prices holding up....

ilan · Post by **ilan** » Thu Feb 19, 2004 7:58 am

"I have long been disturbed that many fine instruments are being removed from service simply due to their collectability. Instead of musicians using these guitars to create something new, they are being relegated to storage for investment purposes"

The same thing happened with D'Aquisto jazz guitars. When learning of this, Jimmy D'Aquisto begged buyers to play the guitars, scratch them, enjoy them, not just buy them and put in storage waiting for the value to rise. He said something along these lines in a GP interview, IIRC. But still many chose to buy them as investment and keep them in mint condition.

admin · Post by **admin** » Thu Feb 19, 2004 8:02 am

Wints: It is hard to figure what instruments will be sought after and which will be less desirable. Certainly a "Yes" Tour will generate enthusiasm for this instrument and this may be what leads owners to put the 4001CS up for sale at this time. One-thousand instruments seems like a lot, however, these do not appear everyday.

If you have your heart set on one, I can see why some would be willing to part with the dollars, especially if it is going to be one's only Rickenbacker.

wints · Post by **wints** » Thu Feb 19, 2004 9:02 am

Agreed Peter, if someone is leading with the heart then the $$$ amount will usually be greater...In the CS instance, it seems these basses have spiked in the last few months, and for most here I think artificially. One would logically think that the blackstar/red/tux editions with a far more limited run, would be more valuble over a longer period of time. However the demand for a particular bass cannot be underestimated. I still think that a run of 1000 units gives enough scope for most people out there the ability to own that particular bass, and therefore prices should stay fairly within reach...whether you lead with your head or your heart is another thing....Now, compare that to the 60,s Ric basses. They made about 200 total in 68, and you can bet there aren,t many left, all with those 60,s features that can,t be truly replicated. How much are then should these be worth?? ..Only what someone wants to pay....But, if we,re talking about being interested in long term $$$ value, ( and I think MOST of us here are...all to varying degrees..) then an instrument that is far rarer should command a premium...

ken_james · Post by **ken_james** » Thu Feb 19, 2004 9:21 am

Well put, I've always considered my 4003SPC basses having more value than the CS, due to the limited number produced.

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Thu Feb 19, 2004 9:36 am

hey ... remember spinal tap ... the guitar that still had the price tag on it ... never been played ... don't touch it ... don't even point at it ...

It bothers me to see fine Ric basses become like religious relics that only sit like a shrine in a case and never get gigged ... thoses 4001cs basses are made to be played ... if you want to collect something get stamps or coins ...

beatlefan · Post by **beatlefan** » Thu Feb 19, 2004 9:40 am

......or autographs or memorabilia or Hot Wheels or photographs or .....nuclear waste....

bigbajo60 · Post by **bigbajo60** » Thu Feb 19, 2004 9:58 am

... or get that "Holy Grail" (seller's words) Hofner for $75K!!!!!!!

SHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEEEEESH!!!!!!!!

jnbass · Post by **jnbass** » Thu Feb 19, 2004 10:28 am

maybe if the volume knobs went to 20, "That's 10 more init?"

ken_james · Post by **ken_james** » Thu Feb 19, 2004 10:42 am

"Don't even look at it"

marc61 · Post by **marc61** » Thu Feb 19, 2004 11:01 am

The real problem with Rickenbackers is that they're so damn good looking. I remember in 1979 when I got my first one, I never used to play it. Just polished it and closed it in that orange lined case.

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Thu Feb 19, 2004 11:57 am

I plug mine in an amp that goes to 11 ...

loendmaestro · Post by **loendmaestro** » Thu Feb 19, 2004 12:16 pm

"So you're saying that your role as the bass player is to be luke-warm water?"

shamustwin · Post by **shamustwin** » Fri Feb 20, 2004 6:10 am

People will pay his price out of panic. "Oh my god, if I don't get one now even at this price, they'll be higher next time and I won't be able to afford it"!
If I we're to put my 4005 on ebay for an outrageous sum 2-3 times (assuming it doesn't sell), maybe I could artificially raise the value!