Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Now that RIC has offered the new basses with that vintage tone push/pull thingy, would we be seeing older basses decrease in price?

I would think that with the number of improvements
to the 4003, the earlier ones might slip some, but not much.
I think the walnut ears are a big plus.
If they ever put checkers and full width inlays back, watch what would happen...

The quantity of orders might go through the roof!

Yes yes let the prices go DOWN (as I sit back, rub my hands together and salivate).

That's what I thought, the prices on the older 4003s would decrease because everyone would want the newer ones...

Quote ... "Now that RIC has offered the new basses with that vintage tone push/pull thingy, would we be seeing older basses decrease in price?"

I still can't figure out why a good used 4001/4003/4004 would sell for more than $900 ... unless it is a rare model of some sort or really old classic

Just my opinion that the prices of the used ones are as high as they are is that some people do not have the patience to wait for a new one and well as some people don't realize where to look for a new one...some people, a combo of the two reasons.

If there is a bass with checkered binding and full width MOP inlays, it would probably be in the possibility of a V68. If a V68 did go into production, I'm assuming there would probably be a demand for one like there is for the C64. If there was a V68, it might be limited production, but either way, I doubt that would make the price of used ones would come down. If RIC could get 4003's out faster, prices on used ones might come down, but that might compromise the great quality that goes into a 4003.

I think demand for a 4003 is already through the roof.

I agree with Jeff on this one....I was glad when my 4003's sold for $900+ but I just don't get it.

I honestly don't see why there is such demand for 4003's when there seems to be virtually no interset in 4004's so I guess I am just out of touch all around!

...hey Brian, don't forget the 4004 convert in the making right here!!

You don't count.....you've had your Cii5's for some time. You've already seen the light!

I'm not sure as I really like the walnut headstock wings on a mapleglo, but I'm not so sure on the other finishes. I really like the lovely figured maple headstock wings on my 4003. The tone switch is interesting, but in all honesty I prefer the gutsy sound of my 4003 to the vintage tone, although I guess having the option would be nice.

I think demand is so high at the moment that these alterations will have a minimal effect on resale prices. Having said that, if a BBR with vintage tone select came my way, I might be more interested than in one without...

I don't think prices on "vintage" basses are going to drop, no matter what features new models may adopt. A '60s Strat won't decrease in value just because Fender makes a replica.

One good reason for buying an older Ric is the neck feel. All the newer models, including the 4004, that I have played have big, batty necks. My '73 and Shadow have nice slim necks, which are much more comfortable to play. YMMV.

"I honestly don't see why there is such demand for 4003's when there seems to be virtually no interset in 4004's so I guess I am just out of touch all around!"

Hey, if anyone doesn't want their 4004 basses, I'd gladly take them!

Amen !! I am lovin my 4004 Cii ! There are some very interesting tones in my new 4004 .

Here in the UK high prices are just "supply and demand" market levels (same as everywhere I suppose), high import costs don't help.