Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Is it just me, or are the asking prices for 4001's going a little bit silly? 3 music stores in town have 4001's in varying conditions. All are in the $2400-2500 (Canadian) range. A month or two ago I thought anything over 1800-2000 was really reaching. Why the sudden explosion? Is it local or do you guys see the same thing?

I see the same - not just with 4001's - but all Rics. There are very few bargains out there now. A year ago I could find rare stuff at good prices..........those days are gone for good, I feel. Even the regular models are going up and up in price.

Graham, thats because you bought them all.

LOL!!

Greg, the three I had seen in and around Montreal shops were tagged at $2800 to $3100. And they have all sold. A 1973 JG was listed here privately for $5000 or trade for an early 60's LP. Not sure if he sold it, the listing is gone though.

...Dean

Dean, I too think that those prices are a bit high, even given the bump in prices recently. But the early 70s basses, particularly 4001 with CB and FW inlays, were actually underpriced during the last three years IMHO, and the prices are now catching up.

I am certain that, despite the high prices that I have seen in buying select guitars and basses recently, the prices right now are not the peak of a bubble, and they will continue to increase and stay high for these years from now on.

Elys,
Dean is from Quebec, so normal rules do not apply. All guitars there seem to be inflated 15-20% minimum from what I've seen. They think they're European, so they charge European prices.
The thing is, of the 3 guitars I listed, I know 2 of them are pretty bad cosmetically (although 1 of them does play nicely). I thought I overpaid for my 330 last year when I spent $1199 for a mint guitar. Looks like I did OK.

So what's the going rate on an October '73 with high gain, not full width inlays - but checkered binding - in JG ?

I'd guess $2,500ish give or take $500.

So if I see one for $1600 - I should buy it?

No, pass on it.

Better yet, offer them $1500.

Ahhh....... you know me too well

Graham, I found a July 1973 JG for $1225 a couple of months ago:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290075052254

Thanks Elys.......the one I saw was in a similar condition.

I bought my 4001 for $700.00 CDN a few months ago. I realise that I got one heck of a deal.

I have noticed a few on ebay since, that sold for 3 to 4 times what I bought mine for. What on earth is driving their value up so high?