Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I like my 4003DCM, but I like my '87 4003 even better. I was thinking that I'd like to have a little more variation in my basses, and maybe would trade the DCM if the right deal came up.

Well, there is one deal that I am looking at, to trade the DCM for a 2006 4003FL in Fireglo AND an Alembic Epic 5-string. The 4003FL was on eBay recently, with a minimum bid of $1999. Too steep I guess, as nobody took it. The same guy has the Alembic. I guess the Epic is a lower end Alembic, and there are completed listings for Epics on eBay, in the $1200 range, that did not sell. Going by these numbers it seems like a fair swap, but maybe I'm dreaming.

He wants some cash with the DCM. I am interested in opinions on how much would be good on top on the DCM for these two basses.

I have also thought of just selling the DCM and getting a fretless and an active bass of some type (though more likely a 4-string), so if anybody else has anything to offer you're welcome to. I'd rather deal with forumites if possible.

Maybe a straight up trade would be OK if you really want the Alembic and FL but if it involves cash on your end I'd pass. You should be able to sell it outright for more than the value of the two basses you mentioned......easily.

$1500-ish for the FL and $1200 max for the Epic BTW.

I was trying to go back and find the discussions about dot marker changes on the Rick fretless bass. Does the 2006 FL have an intuitive dot placement or was there some problem with that?

Thanks

Hey Greg,

I HAD a 2006 Fretless Monty, and it had the side fret dots at the 3rd, 5th, etc. I SHOULD have kept it and just had the binding changed. I BELIEVE the new/old style (side dots at every fret) were to start in 2007 but I don't remember for sure.

I'm waiting on a FL AFG. I paid about $1100.00 when I ordered it, and as for a 5 String Epic (which is Alembic's lowest end guitar).

I agree with Brian, he's right on the money.

IF the Alembic is MINT+ WITH AN ORIGINAL ALEMBIC CASE, I wouldn't go higher than $1400.00. A few Epic 5 strings have sold in the $1100.00-1200.00 range. Keep in mind, the EPIC is a SET NECK. Not a big deal, but I've had a few and the sustain doesn't compare to their neck through models. For that kind of money, go for an ESSENCE.

I also agree, you would do better selling it and then ordering EXACTLY what you want.

Better yet, wait until AUGUST hits and the Ebay prices tank to the yearly low selling prices.

I agree that you should sell it outright and then buy the fretless, as that would be the better deal for you (the last 4003 DCM on eBay sold for something like $3600, and the one currently on eBay is close to that ...).

I'll post a picture of the side markers on my 4003FL Turquoise later. IIRC, it has every side marker possible ...

Straight across maybe, but I wouldn't give him any money. Alembics have terrible resale value for some reason.

I might even pass with a straight trade. I've owned many, many Alembics and while I do like the electronics on the Epics and Orions (same electronics, different bodies) they do not have any of the low pass filters and Q switches that Alembic is really known for. I've seen Epic five go fairly often in the $1100 - $1200 range. Not sure about the Rick, but I imagine $1500 or so, is about right. That puts you at a total of $2700 for the two. Without question I think the DCM is worht more than that - at least in the market right now.

- TS

Great info guys. I did pass on the trade. The Alembic Essence does seem like a much better bass and maybe I can get one of those used.

I would like to see some pictures of the different dot marker configurations of the 4003FL if possible.

Thanks!

Greg, I would sell the DCM on ebay, it should get close to 4K and then you are in the driving seat with any basses that come your way. There is a DCM on the bay at the moment at about 3.5K with a day to go.

Here are the markers on my February 1997 4003FL Turquoise:



Note that it has both the fret markers as well as those that match the dots on the fretboard.

Confusing!

Gary, how do you like using this system?

I'm just a hack bass player ... when I play it, I use the fret markers to help in finger positioning; I don't rely on the the other markers as much as I do the dot markers on the fretboard itself for neck location.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140126997647&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:middle:us

Here is one that MAY stay low with NICE upgrades!
This is my FAVORITE Alembic electronics setup.

I see no need for the dots between the" frets" on a fretless. I do like a dot at the fret (on the side) for long reaches.