Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi all: I find myself in a position where, in the near future I'm going to have to come up with a fairly significant chunk o' change...

One reason is that my bid for Howie Epstein's 1985 Wal MK1 was accepted by his estate. You can check it out at: http://topshelfguitarshop.com/EpsteinWeb%20folder/WalBass.html

And then there are a few other items that have to be paid for... So, in light of Chris Pappas selling his double bound '67 as well as the one on eBay with a starting asking price of $14,000, what do you think my Dec. '66 might be worth? And yes, I understand it's all about supply and demand and what whoever is looking at any given time is willing to pay... Here's a photo:



The dealer I bought it from years ago thinks it was refinished and put under a bed in the '70s... All I can tell you is that it has one of the most amazing '60s necks I've ever played.

Now, I'm not 100% sure that this has to go yet, I've got a number of other things like some signed and numbered limited edition Stephen King books that could go instead but I'm not sure they'd get me to where I need to be. Darn decisions!!!

Looking forward to your thoughts.

I'd guess maybe $4,000-$5,000? That may be a little high with the refin...

I think John M is a little light...

I'd say between $4500.00 to $6000.00 in its' current condition.

Was Chris' double-bound? I thought it was a round-top version.

Chris' was a WB, only seven numbers away from my JG WB.

OK, I seem to be getting this WB one mixed up with a roundtop that he has for sale now...didn't know he had two.

Chris sold his round top 4005 a while ago, he only has the WB that he is currently selling.

The question for most would be, is that a factory finish or a refin? I'll send you an e-mail David..

That Wal is nice, David. You'll really like it, I love mine even though they're a bit on the heavy side. I never would have thought Howie to be a Wal-Man.....

Dave. Don't sell it if you don't have to. I almost made a HUGE mistake.

I couldn't sleep all night last night....so this morning I up and pulled the auction...I feel soooo much better about it! I will come up with the $$$ I need some other way. I don't know what I'd do without my wonderful wife....

Or the bass either, Chris! This is why I delayed driving up to see you. I would never want to be the Third Guy, or Odd Man Out, in a love triangle

But if the bug does bite you again, and you are SURE you want to let her go next time, I will be glad to be a caretaker for you until you want her back again.

fugettttaboutittt!

Thanks for the help guys. The numbers I was hoping to hear were around the $6,000-$7,000 range so at least it's close. Well actually, I didn't want to hear that because that would then take care of all the money I need to come up with in the near future. ARGHHH!

Chris: "Dave. Don't sell it if you don't have to. I almost made a HUGE mistake."

I understand exactly what you went through last night. I'm trying my best not to have to do this. I am honestly going to exhaust every other alternative. My wife is pretty wonderful too and understands how much my basses mean to me. The hard part was telling her that I have another one on the way when we've got some debt to pay off. And, selling the 4005 would be the easiest way to cover all of the debt. Must resist! Must find other alternatives... I could always point out that I sold my Stingray to pay for her Christmas present!

John: "That Wal is nice, David. You'll really like it, I love mine even though they're a bit on the heavy side. I never would have thought Howie to be a Wal-Man....."

I can't wait to get it. I've been wanting a MK1 for years and never thought one would fall into my lap. And I know that I'll be OK with the weight since I'm used to playing my ProIIe. I didn't know you had one John - what dy'a got? And you're right, it surprised me that Howie had one too!

Andrew - I replied to your e-mail, let me know what you think once you've seen the other photos.

Thanks again all! Much appreciated!

Interesting you guys are talking about debt and selling your 4005 to pay it.

Well, I was in the same boat last year.
I had two 4005s and sold one to pay the IRS. I don't regret selling that one even though she was gorgeous. It was a standard 1982 AFG model.
Then not to long ago, my "wife" incurred a lot of debt and she suggested that I sell the 4005 WB.
I told her NO and that I would figure out another way to come up with the finances. Which I did.

I do not plan on ever selling that '66 4005WB that Dale is restoring. It will remain an heirloom and I'm going to bequeath it to my only child. (with explicit instructions will be never to sell it...or I'll haunt her)

Chris, 4005WB's are hard to come across this day and age, even when we now live in a global village and are able to see what comes out of the woodwork. The number of I've seen active can be counted on both my hands.

David,

Good choice that you aren't selling it. 4005's are an acquired taste, just ask Jeff S. I think they are beautiful looking and sounding. Any that are falling apart should be restored.
Now I'm on a quest to find a broken down one like the one from Germany, the turd colored one but at a reasonable price.

I dont know if its any help but theres a mint mapleglo 60s 4005 for sale at Music Ground in England.
Get this..he wants nearly £8000!
I know he pumps his prices up but thats a bit steep.
I still wish I had bought an identical one I tried out in A1 Music in Manchester in 1988 that was a snip at £699.
The Stone Roses got there before me and ruined it...I mean it was a dead ringer for Entwistles Tommy 4005.
Keep hold of that baby!!
Best wishes.