Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

hieronymous wrote:I don't want to be accusatory - though I think I was in my post - I just think that this was an opportunity for a new friend that may have been lost.

There is so much information now available on the internet and my impression is that instruments are greeted with greater scrutiny than in the past, which is great, but someone that bought an instrument like this in the '90s and didn't have that wealth of info available at the time may be in for a surprise. If I was in that position, I would like to be treated with some sympathy, that would make me feel more comfortable and open to dialog, instead of being handed the cold hard truth right off the bat.

A fair point, but note what the original poster said early on: "I verified the authenticity with Rickenbacker years ago."

That sounds like a confirmation that it's a 4008 (because 4008 was included in the title of this thread), but to me, that statement doesn't make it clear that is a 4008, or, for that matter, that it isn't. But his statement suggests that it is indeed a genuine Rick based on the serial number, but not necessarily a 4008. It's clearly a 4000-series that is set up for 8-strings; most likely modified from a 4001 to my eyes (and most others here). I want to be clear that I am, in no way, shape or form, suggesting that the poster is trying to misrepresent the instrument. It just has some historical uncertainty issues.

I think it's very fair for the increased scrutiny to be an expected response when offering an instrument on a forum dedicated to a wide range of Rickenbacker enthusiasts; from novices to experts. On the other hand, the experts know for sure (and I'm not one of them), and the novices should subscribe to the "buyer beware" credo.

That's always how it should be. That said, the ebay BIN price is probably not unreasonable if the fully-strung instrument sounds as good as I think it might. It's just not necessarily a very collectible investment for future increase in value. But I could be wrong. I thought I was once, but I was mistaken.

FretlessOnly wrote: But his statement suggests that it is indeed a genuine Rick based on the serial number

That's what my thinking was. Ric said the bass was real. Not necessarily that it was a factory 8 string.

aeternum wrote:

wints wrote:

rickenbrother wrote:I didn't think anyone was rude to Ashe, just letting him know the truth.

Agreed. Simply, the facts, and presented with respect. Like dog says, I think he probably found it tough to believe it wasn't what he thought it was...

haha... I appreciate everyone taking my feelings into consideration! Ive been watching the forum replies from my phone the whole time... been on the road lately...

Still havent heard back from Rickenbacker as of yet.... dont know if I will.... one of the email addresses bounced.

FYI.. nobody was rude to me .... IVe found this thread rather entertaining as well as informative!

Cheers

Glad to hear that Ashe. Over my short life on this forum, I have occasionally received a reply to a post that I though was rather harsh. But after considering the reply, I have always come to the conclusion that it was just information or opinion, and was nothing personal. And sometimes, it was only in jest. The flip side of that is...on many occasions I have sent a PM asking for help or advice, and except for one time, the PMs were always answered promptly and cordially. I can think of no better place (the Ric forum also) to get accurate information then right here. Glad you are still with us.

wints wrote:Joey, hope you feel better man...

I'm doing well, Andy. Cheers mate!

Ashe, I'm glad you took our comments well. Hope you'll continue to participate here.

When I read this post I thought of a bass of a friend of mine. He has one of two Gibson Les Paul 8-string basses which were made for TM Stevens by Gibson. Gibson just used a normal LP, filled the tuner holes and made eight new ones!! So they just didn't bother to use a headstock without holes. Pretty bad IMHO.

Hi all,
I'm a novice at Rics; does the back of the neck where it joins the headstock look right to you guys?





I'm tempted to buy it, knowing full well that it's probably just a modded 4001, but I'd want to be sure that it looks sound, and something about that headstock joint looks funky.

Thx!

You are correct; that joint is normally smooth. That's probably part of the neck repair that provides some strengthening material to accomodate the repair. Hope that wasn't too redundant.

It's pretty clear that this is indeed a Rick, and the BIN price isn't wholly unreasonable, in my mind (assuming that repair is sound and holds; not a small wish). The replacement bridge may indeed work better than the stock 8-string bridge - it appears to have individual intonation adjustment for each screw (I think the originals had two strings per saddle, but I'm not sure).

It certainly has some good potential, and you probably could never get another playable Rick 8-string for much less than this. It would be nice to have a look at the truss rods just because it's a '78. But, you can't really do that...

Apart from the repair thar headstock join looks right for the period...
No it's not a real 4008, but it's a good conversion and will probably be a good a player as any out there...
Just my 2 cents...
Eden.

Just my opinion, but Ashe might do better with the sale if he showed pictures of this bass with all 8 strings installed and tuned. Potential buyers might be skeptical about if that head repair can withstand the tension of 8 strings.

I tend to agree with Joey. Showning an 8 string with only 4 strings on it is kinda like showing a 4 string with just the A & D strings on it. Otherwise - it is a pretty looking bass.

rickenbrother wrote:Just my opinion, but Ashe might do better with the sale if he showed pictures of this bass with all 8 strings installed and tuned. Potential buyers might be skeptical about if that head repair can withstand the tension of 8 strings.

The previous owner used it only as an 8 string.... I bought it strung as an 8 string from my local vintage guitar shop.... as I said, I have used it off and on as a 4 and 8 string for recordings and live for years.... anything that was done to it before I owned it was a top notch job.. I took great care of this bass and most importantly, the condition and maintenance of the neck. The dual truss rods make this thing amazingly strong.

I am currently on the road... otherwise I would be happy to string it up and take more pics.

Im not trying to "unload" a shoddy "frankenstein" of a bass here... The conversion of this bass was an excellent job in my opinion... The photographs reveal more than you might pick up with the casual naked eye.... Sure its got some road wear.. but thats what happens when you use an instrument... and if this had been a sub-par job on this bass.. I can assure you that it would not have lasted the last 10 years of use I have put it through. That being said.... it is a vintage guitar (30+ years old) and should continue to be maintained and treated as such.. This thing has another 30 years left in it!

aeternum wrote:

rickenbrother wrote:Just my opinion, but Ashe might do better with the sale if he showed pictures of this bass with all 8 strings installed and tuned. Potential buyers might be skeptical about if that head repair can withstand the tension of 8 strings.

The previous owner used it only as an 8 string.... I bought it strung as an 8 string from my local vintage guitar shop.... as I said, I have used it off and on as a 4 and 8 string for recordings and live for years.... anything that was done to it before I owned it was a top notch job.. I took great care of this bass and most importantly, the condition and maintenance of the neck. The dual truss rods make this thing amazingly strong.

I am currently on the road... otherwise I would be happy to string it up and take more pics.

Im not trying to "unload" a shoddy "frankenstein" of a bass here...

The correct term would be a 'Frankenbacker'...or a 'Rickenstein'. I think. (just kidding bro!) Good luck with the sale Ashe!!

aeternum wrote:I'm not trying to "unload" a shoddy "frankenstein" of a bass here... The conversion of this bass was an excellent job in my opinion...

I'm sure it would make a fine players bass. I didn't think you were trying to "unload" a shoddy "frankenstein" of a bass here. I just meant that you might do better with your sale price if it had all 8 strings on it.

Im not trying to "unload" a shoddy "frankenstein" of a bass here...[/quote]

The correct term would be a 'Frankenbacker'...or a 'Rickenstein'. I think. (just kidding bro!) Good luck with the sale Ashe!![/quote]

haha Frankenbacker ...

Thanks! Cheers

rickenbrother wrote:

aeternum wrote:I'm not trying to "unload" a shoddy "frankenstein" of a bass here... The conversion of this bass was an excellent job in my opinion...

I'm sure it would make a fine players bass. I didn't think you were trying to "unload" a shoddy "frankenstein" of a bass here. I just meant that you might do better with your sale price if it had all 8 strings on it.

Im with ya Joey.... and I agree... guess I should have thought this out a little better huh? haha