Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Ok, when you live in a relative Podunk with historically very limited music stores and no RIC dealers through the years, how do you go about finding old models? Where do you look? I like the hunt....

I dunno, I live in BFE, also, and here, no one can even believe that I play Rics! NO one else has one that I know of, although I am sure they must! I wonder if it would do any good to run an ad in your local paper-----buying vintage guitar, 'specially Rics...................

BFE...

Somewhere in Northern Africa, I gather?

(B)e(F)ore (E)lecticity?

Well -
In Hawaii there aren't that many vintage dealers.
I've done ok online and through adds....
That and an occasional copy of VG helps...

yup...

I'm in the same boat.
The best shop around here has had three Rick basses through in 20 years!

I really want a pre-73 4001, but would like to try it out first. That's just not going to happen around here.

I have found 2 of mine at Garage/Yard sales! Almost got rear-ended once when I slammed on the brakes because I saw the distinctive Truss Rod Cover in the back of a garage as I was driving down a street in my own neighborhood! It turned out to be a 1976 Model 480. I also have found stuff in the "backroom" of small music shops. Get to know the owner and ask if you can rummage around in his junk. I'm still working a deal on a late 60's 4001 I found in the back of a local music store. I live in a town of 18,000 people in rural Indiana and have acquired 3 Rics locally and hopefully be adding the 4th one soon.

They do spring up in the strangest places. I live in a shrinking 10,000 person town & have found two locally.

Thanks for all the input. I'm like Kevin - if its an oldie, I'd like to feel and play it, which limits you. I do keep my eyes and ears open locally, watch the classifieds, have asked at the 3 stores locally, but I don't think there are many here. But I do like the hunt, like I did for old tube stereo equipment a few years ago. Ahhh, the hunt; ahh the rewards!

ahhh ... just buy a new one ... they are great ... ask Steve Cooper ...

BTDT - what about the mojo of a classic 4001?!

ah yes ... a weak neck and weak pickups ... and not to forget a yellowed clear coat and fret wear ...

As we say in Portugal, "just show me the way to your trash can".
I'd rather 'do business' with a good 4001 than a modern 4003 any day. There's quite a lot of good 4001 basses about. Find them.

you want old chicks?