Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi all... Following up to my "when it rains it pours vintage Rics" thread...

The fellow with the '72 JG 4001 has decided to let it go. I've borrowed it for the weekend to give it another test drive and to look "under the hood" since I didn't check out under the pickguard the last time I had it.

He's done some checking on the value and because a local music store here told him that from the right person he might get up to $3,000 US so he's decided to ask $2,000.00 for it since it isn't in perfect shape. I was prepared to go to $1,500.00 CDN so it's completely out of my price range - especially since I'm still paying for the '69 4001.

To describe the bass, it is worn through to the wood on a significant portion of the back and along the neck near the binding on one side. But, it is exceptionally playable without any major dings. As you'd expect it features the smaller headstock, checkered binding, crushed pearl "all the way across" inlays, the toaster pickup and the split bridge. In fact having checked the link in Bob's '73 JG available post I'd have to say that this one is in better shape.

I know Steve Wood expressed interested in it so I've let him know that I've got it in case he wants to check it out in person.

My questions are:

1) Is $2,000.00 US a realistic price (I'll post photos next Tuesday since I'm away for the long weekend).

2) Would anyone else here be interested if Steve doesn't pick it up because I can always get it and flip it to a forumite at the asking price.

1) Yes.

2) If only....picking up my second '73 in a couple of hours!

I would think that $2000.00 to $2500.00 US is in the ballpark. The shop is probably correct in that someone might spend $3k US for it.

$1500.00 Cdn is approximately $1200.00 US. You can offer, but be prepared for a negative response.

I'm not interested in it personally, but perhaps some else on the forum would be.

I wouldn't pay 2000 bucks for a 72 4001 with a lot of buckle rash if that's what it is and 3000.00 for a 72 is ridiculous unless the bass is absolutely mint. Negligence doesn't indicate it has been taken very good care of and there are a LOT of 72's around, wait and you'll find a nicer one cheaper. Just don't buy from dealers if you want a good price. 72's and up are nice but they shouldn't compare in price with a pre-72 which are much more rare. I have a 72 jetglo 4001FL which is very rare and in excellent shape (although they will bring in less money than a fretted bass of the same year and color) so I'm not just shooting my mouth off here.

Shall I tell you that in 1975, I sold my 1972 Jetglo 4001 -- in perfect condition -- for $400 ($75 more than I paid for it?) No, I guess not.

Bob, I agree to an extent. While tons o buckle rash means the guy didn't care enough to keep his belt away, it might mean it's an excellent player, which some people value and will pay for. I've tried some older basses in pristine condition, and for the most part, they played like ****.

To each his own...

Marc, I'm more partial to good players than pristine basses myself, Maybe that's why they're pristine huh? I just have a thing for buckle rash, I cringe when I see it and I'm the guy that dropped my new P bass down the cellar stairs years ago along with many other horror stories when I was young which I will spare everyone from hearing.

It seems Rickenbacker more than any other bass needs to be pristine. My theory has always been that it's due to the artistic design.

My Feb.'73 has MAJOR buckle rash and a few dings but it is a fantastic looking and playing bass.....I paid less than a grand for it, but I would've paid a great deal more for it if pressed.... ;^)

I put it on the 'bay a while back but it didn't meet the reserve....man am I glad it didn't sell!! I would've regretted it as I've grown to love how it feels and plays....

Here come the photos, it's actually in better shape than I originally explained...

Anybody know what a 4001X is?












I took it to rehearsal on Sunday night and it sounded amazing - even with the dirty old strings. The neck was easy to play and the action is amazing - low without any buzzing. I hope I can get the action on my '69 as good as this one!

There are only 2 kind of funky things that I have to mention about this bass:

1) some twit moved the strap button on the top horn and there are two additional "holes" there

2) it looks like there was a very minor crack on the underside of the headstock that was professionally repaired - it doesn't go through the neck and is really small

Steve has passed on this one so it's available... Let me know if anyone is interested in this bass. If not, I might pick it up myself and post it on eBay trying to make a little on it to help me pay off the '69.

Dave,what is the asking price?

Is it my eyes or the control knobs look odd? For a Rick, that is. And what the h*ll happened to the bridge/tailpiece assembly?

He's asking for $2,000.00 US.

I'm not sure about the bridge... Could sweat that wasn't cleaned off corrode the finish like that?

It looks condition wise in the same ballpark as the F/G 72 that went for just under $2K last week. About right. Maybe someone tried to paint the bridge etc black..A shadow before it's time so to speak...

The bass is on hold for a fellow forumite... I'll follow up and let you know if it's sold in the next day or two once he gets back to me!