Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

On another thread there was a query about the price of a ’75 4001, and a member said that for the same money he could get a new 4003, this got me thinking….

If one has 1000 USD to spend on a RIC then typically one could buy a new 4003, a near mint ’78, an OK ’75 or a scruffy ’74. My money would be on the older basses every time.

Unless one is taken with recent neck profiles I much prefer the feel and tone of the older 4001’s. The cap can be bypassed if you need a bit of extra lower mid punch.

For argument’s sake say that on average one keeps a bass for about 5 years? (unless your name is Ken S), then in 2011 what would be the value of all these four basses with a bit more playwear and a few extra dings? I am quietly confident that the 5 year old 4003 would be worth somewhat less than its elder siblings.

This is why I play 4001’s, I think they feel and sound better to me and represent a better investment. It would also worry me to take a totally mint unscarred bass on stage. Food for thought.

the right bass is the one you want ...

or the left bass in my case

"For argument’s sake say that on average one keeps a bass for about 5 years? then in 2011 what would be the value of all these four basses with a bit more playwear and a few extra dings? I am quietly confident that the 5 year old 4003 would be worth somewhat less than its elder siblings."

That a good point Bob, but in the hands of the average guy that gigs regularly, an old 4001 will have more problems in another 5 years that most new 4003's wouldn't have, possibly resulting into having to put money into it for repairs and / or buying another bass to gig with.

Hopefully the right bass doesn't get left out!

Good point Joey, as I said, food for thought... I guess as I only gig about 30 times a year it is not such an issue to me.

Myself I prefer the modern Ricks vs. the vintage ones. (personal preference). Thats not to say that if a nice vintage one would fall out of the sky for good money I would pass on it, no way, Id be all over it. But I just think the modern build and tone is much more consistant with the new 4003's, than with the older 4001's. But....then again that is what makes the older ones special.

All Ricks seem to hold their value quite well though.

I'm of the exact opposite opinion - I used to have a '74 4001 and now have a '05 4003. No comparison: the 4003 has much better tone and a stronger neck to boot. Admittedly, it's always cool to have a vintage anything for collecting purposes, but for playing (IMHO) nothing can touch a 4003.

"nothing can touch a 4003."

...except a 4004.

or a 4004 w/quilted top...


still waiting

buy a 70s 4001 and buy a new 4003 ... then you have the best of both worlds ... or better yet get a 4001, 4003, and a 4004 ... and while you are at it a p-bass, and a jazz bass ...

I like that idea....don't choose between two....get them both

Jared and I occupy the same place in the waiting line for one of those quilted Ciis to come along. There's going to be a showdown should a juicy one pop up on eBay. Who's faster? Well, that Jared feller is pretty durn quick, but I've been practicing my quick draw. Someday . . . .

Man alot of the ricks have been going for more then 1k lately on ebay it seems. Jesus I want own another one but with these prices it may be a while.

I was comparing my basses this afternoon and I find I come back to the old ones every time; they just seem to have more character in the tone, they're grainier or have more texture somehow (whatever that means!). For me that's what makes the difference, but as Jeff said, you should go with whatever works for you.

Tone is probably the most subjective issue. What sounds fantastic to one person can easily sound like total trash to someone else.
Everyone in my area hates my 4000, but they're only used to hearing clunky Fender tone.
We need to educate these folks. Bass tone can have treble in it!

Correction: the guitar player & drummer in my band love it, since it cuts through & you can hear it easily.