Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi everyone, I need some help here. My husband passed away unexpectedly and owned several guitars, bass guitars, amps, head, etc. He was a bass player first and loved the feel and sound of his Rickenbacker bass. From what I can tell it is a 4001?, July 1974 (I checked the serial number) white with black pick guard, in great condition. It was wiped down after every session, he always wore a cleaning cloth over this jeans so as not to scratch the back, so many memories.

My question is should I sell it? The thought of getting rid of something we enjoyed so much hurts. Sadly so does the thought of it sitting in the case when it should be played. I’m looking for your thoughts, ideas, suggestions, and what you would want done if… I know I would have to get a lot smarter about the value if I were to sell it.

Thanks for your thoughts

Hi Cris,
Sorry about your loss, it must be a hard time for you.
I can't advise you what to do, but if you decide to sell, this is a good place to sell or just to learn about it.
Where in SoCal are you? I'm in the San Diego area.
Best wishes and good luck to you.
Mike

" The thought of getting rid of something we enjoyed so much hurts "
Keep it . Unless you could us the $$$ . I would wait .

Thank you Mike, I'm in the Inland Empire area. Is there any way on the Ric where it states what it is? From what I've read and the serial number, Michael's notes and all, I am pretty sure it is a 4001.

I guess I am trying look at options and get smarter about the Ric, besides knowing that it sounds great and looks beautiful. I wish I knew how to play, but I probably wouldn't do it justice and we all know how they should be played.

Hello Chris, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. If there is any place you can get good advice this is it. The people here are wonderful. As for your decision it is a very personal one. Go with your heart. One day you may be ready to part with those items but until you are sure I would wait. I am sure your husband had some friends who would gladly take them out of their cases for a little exercise, but do not rush your decision unless you have to. But this is only my opinion.

Chris: I am sorry to hear of your loss.

I would wait for a while before doing anything. When the time is right, you will know it. In the meantime, you can certainly identify the bass by speaking with the folks here and you will also get a very good idea of its market value.

I appreciate that when it comes to sentimental value it is priceless. Welcome to the Forum.

Barry, Tammy thank you as well. Barry, I guess that was a subtle hint at what I want...but I would probably part with it if I was sure it would go to a good home and be enjoyed.

Tammy, sadly after Mike died I've been pretty much on my own. Plus they were mostly guitar players and wouldn't play the Ric when he was alive, go figure.

I'm just glad to get the different opinions from everyone.

Cris, I think you should learn to play bass!

Wow, if I had know this place was so welcoming I would have joined earlier! You guys sure know how to make someone feel welcomed.

Paul, I have given it some serious thought, but then that brings up the topic of where to begin that one...and wouldn't it be easier to start with the acustic bass he has? Decisions, Decisons, Decisions....

Howdy Cris. Welcome to the forum. I, like everyone else, am sorry about your loss. Seems to me like saying that has a lesser meaning to it after everyone else has said it, but damn it I mean it.

Honestly I'd keep it. Sure, it's sad it's in the case, but it was his and if he loved it so much you should keep something he cherished. To me, it'd be sad that you'd have to give it away. That's what I'm doing with my 4001. I will never sell that, money probs or not, it'll be with me til I'm gone.

Then again, I'm just some punk kid who has no idea what he's talking about, so ignore me.

Cris, welcome and condolences.

IMO, what would happen if you sold it, unless you're in dire straights, and I hope not...You'd just yearn for it's return in the future.

Nate, who said you were some punk kid...well besides your folks

Don't get rid of your Ric...Mike bought his first one when he was 18 or so and somebody stole it. We found this one in 1996. Here's a picture if your curious.

Cris, my condolences also. It is a 4001 White with BT (black trim). Being a 1974, it should have checkered binding (black/white squares along the black trim around the front of the bass). It has a pretty high monetery value right now, but will only go up in value the longer you keep it. I too advise to hold on to it, and you will know if/when it is right to let it go.

I too advise learning to play. How well you play means nothing. If it gives you pleasure, and/or comforts you in your loss, and/or just relieves the day's stress, it is doing the Rick justice. People here own anywhere from one to a hundred+ Rickenbackers and at that number they all can't be played at once, but they are respected and do get played in their turn.

Sorry if this is long; enjoy it and don't sell unless you need the money. And unless there is a LOT of other equipment/guitars, I advise the same.

Another welcome, Cris. I'll continue the vote to hang onto that 4001, and learn to play. Bass is easy enough to pick up, but can keep you busy for years trying to master it.

Cris, I'm very sorry for your loss as well.

As for the bass, I'd go with my heart and instincts... Keep the bass.