Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

There was a discussion a while back on another forum about another brand of bass that I think is even more applicable to Rickenbackers.

The word "Vintage" seems to be thrown around quite a bit when it comes to Rickenbacker Basses. As of this posting, there is a "vintage" bass from 1991 for sale on e-bay and I have seen ads for "vintage" 4003s.

Let's hear some opinions, when does a Rickenbacker Bass become "vintage"?

According to the Merriam Webster dictionary vintage has this definition when related to age;

a : a period of origin or manufacture (a piano of 1845 vintage) b : length of existence : AGE

Technically speaking a bass is vintage the moment it is completed at the factory.

So if someone says they have a "vintage 1991 4003" all they are really saying is it was made in that year. For some reason people have taken to using the word vintage to imply old and possibly rare, especially when offering an item for sale.

John and Robert: I have a very strong sense of Deja Vu when it comes to this topic. A quick search of the forum revealed some flash backs from the past. A most interesting and important question in my view.

You can see some of the ideas expressed a little while ago by going here. Perhaps these comments will stimulate conversation and will add to your thoughts.