Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I just looked at a 73 MG 4001 . A little rough . Small dent in the fingerboard . Missing screw on the neck pickup . No bridge . Normal dings-scratches . $1250 with case . Opinions please .

Serial #? FWMOP inlays? Checkered binding?

PERSONALLY,....I'D HAVE TO LOOK AT A BRAND NEW 4003 BEFORE I'D SPEND THAT KINDA MONEY ON SOMETHIN THAT NEEDS WORK...........

If its missing parts,,then $1250 is a little high.

Check the truss rod nuts. If their angled,(bent) down toward the back of the headstock, I wouldnt mess with it. However, that can be repaired reletively easy. Check to make sure the fingerboard up around the nut hasn't separated from the neck. These are sure signs of someone who has adjusted the truss rods incorrectly.

'73's have increased in value considerably lately though.

If indeed it does have all the older parts, checker binding, toaster, crushed pearl inlays, and if you think you can bring her back to her glory fairly inexpensivly, it may be worth it in the long run.

Nice '73's have been fetching a broad range, $1500.00 to $2700.00.

Im kinda talking in circles. I hope this is helpfull.

Oh yeah,,check the serial number and make sure it is indeed a '73.

Like Scott said the truss rod thing isn't hard. It was an issue that I was afraid of in the past, but once you take the plunge and do it you get a greater understanding of how it works. I just recently did this because the threaded parts on one of my basses was bent into a "S" shape. You can get a 10/32 die nut for about $5-$10 at the hardware store and cut new threads after you cut the damaged ends off. I ended up cutting off 5/8" but I've heard you can cut up to 2" without affecting the rods function, so plenty of meat is still left on the ones I just did.

As usual ...very good point of views....No checkerboard , no toaster . non original tuners , no tail piece . No sale at that price ! Thanks everybody !