Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

If I was to get into the market for a 4005, what characteristics should I look for and what is the normal price range for one in good-excellent condition?

There's a great one for sale in Italy right now on eBay

Ron, it depends if you want a player or a collectible. Really, they are all collectible now, but the same critera for any 60's Ric bass apply.
Straight neck and the rods working is essential, preferably original hardware, and an original finish will obviously command a premium.
For me, the 60's ones look far better than the 70's versions and the necks are far better players. Just my opinion I might add....
You could get lucky at around 3-4K or you could pay up from 5-6K if you really want all original and fine.
The one that JWilli informed us about went for around $2K a month or so ago. It had been routed, but had a gorgeous figured M/G body. I forgot all about it. Did anyone here pick it up?

Ron,
Get together with Chris Pappas, he is in Maryland so you should be able to do that. He has two, a 4005 and a 4005WB, try them out and then just get one at any cost!

Hey Ron, I've played all of two of them since they're so hard to find. I have a '67 and the only reason I could afford it was because it was refinished. But, even at that it was just over $2K US$.

I've played mine and one from the mid '70s. I found that the things to look for are pretty much the same as Andrew pointed out. And, I have to second his comments about the necks. The '60s necks are a lot thinner and faster than the one I played from the '70s - exactly like 4001s. The one thing I'd add to his comments is to get the output on the pickups measured to make sure that they're similar in strength and that one of them isn't dying - although the new toasters are great as a replacement, you'll have to pay through the nose for a vintage replacement.

It takes a bit of getting used to the first couple of times that you play it because they seem so HUGE when you strap it - but they're so incredibly light that it's an absolute joy to play.

... just be ready for the single-coil hum (just like the 4001s)!

Good luck.

Photos courtesy of Paul Boyer(thanks again,Paul)

Both are dated Feb. '67

The one on the left is a recent refinish and double bound...strung with Fender roundwounds.
The one on the right is all original and strung with flats. Both necks are fantastic(thanks to Jeff Scott)...

Ron, if you'd like to try them both, maybe we could meet up somewhere in your area....I live near Hagerstown MD, not too terribly far from you, I believe... E-mail me offline if you'd like to discuss..

I don't get any hum out of mine(well HARDLY any), but the p/u's are a bit underpowered....

They ARE light...and comfortable to play standing OR sitting....and a LOT can be said for twin toasters...right Jeff?

Where do live in Hagerstown? I used to do Reserve duty at the Tagg-Zirkle Reserve Center on Willard St. behind the municipal golf course. I currently live in Fairfax, VA.

Williamsport, actually....

I've played at that little golf course many times!!

I have a brother that lives in Centreville, VA...also a Rick-o-phile, but not nearly as bad as me..lol!! We could arrange something around there?? He plays in a band called "The Pure Band"
www.thepureband.com and probably wouldn't mind hosting a little something....

Centreville is right down the road from me. I live virtually next door to George Mason University. I'd like to get together if you're in the neighborhood.

The Williamsport/Hagerstown area is interesting. I'm somewhat of a Western Maryland Railway fan and those towns play a big role in WM history.

Can I come too and hang out? I'll buy the beer! I've seen alot of Ricks in my life, but never a 4005.

Maybe we ought to get a Ric Confluence in Virginia, then. I know Russ from Classic Axe will show up.

That's what makes things happen, people getting together to check out Rics....go for it!!

Geeeesh....here we go again! LOL!!

Well...maybe Russ would be interested in "hosting" a RIC confluence???? hmmmm??

What do you D.C., Maryland, VA. guys think?

I could possibly find a bar in Northern Virginia since I hosted a jam for the Fender Forum last February. Imagine the host of a Fender jam playing a 4003 .

I could probably get something together later in the year. Or maybe Russ knows of some places we could get together.