Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Also whats the sound comparable with? Similar to that of a 620 I would guess?
Thanks!

I played a 481 once and it felt a lot more delicate than the 610/620/650's I've played. Don't know why. If you want a guitar you can really beat on, you probably want a 620. And it will be significantly cheaper new, than a used 480.

I'd say about $1000-$1200 lately for a 480/481, though they can be had for less at times.

I paid $1800 to a Forum member for a perfect blue 481, the fancy slant-fret version with the original vintage bright zinc embossed pickups. Perfect shape, though, no scratches or chips and a collector's original. You should expect to pay $1800 at the high end, and more like $1300 at the low end for a 481. If you do not need the fancier features, a 480 plays just about the same and can be had for $1000 to $1400, sometimes less if it is well-worn.

elysrand wrote:I paid $1800 to a Forum member for a perfect blue 481, the fancy slant-fret version with the original vintage bright zinc embossed pickups. Perfect shape, though, no scratches or chips and a collector's original. You should expect to pay $1800 at the high end, and more like $1300 at the low end for a 481. If you do not need the fancier features, a 480 plays just about the same and can be had for $1000 to $1400, sometimes less if it is well-worn.

You've got one in Azureglo, Elys? Got a pic? I'd love to see that.

The 480 is a great player and an under-rated Rickenbacker. There is another oxymoron for you Paul. They are not hard on the eyes either.

Elys, I'm with JB--can you post a pic of your blue 481? I thought I had the only blue one!

nyrkickazz1 wrote:

elysrand wrote:I paid $1800 to a Forum member for a perfect blue 481, the fancy slant-fret version with the original vintage bright zinc embossed pickups. Perfect shape, though, no scratches or chips and a collector's original. You should expect to pay $1800 at the high end, and more like $1300 at the low end for a 481. If you do not need the fancier features, a 480 plays just about the same and can be had for $1000 to $1400, sometimes less if it is well-worn.

You've got one in Azureglo, Elys? Got a pic? I'd love to see that.

Sure I will dig it out! It might be red though and not blue - it has been awhile since I have seen that one and it is hard to remember if it was red or blue. I also got a 4003 from her and a couple of other guitars, and it could be the 4003 that was blue or BBR. All I remember is the condition - absolutely free of corrosion, scratches, dings, or chips - a perfect finish. I got them from Alisha as part of a kind deal she made me. I will look around this afternoon and dig it out of the pile, I promise.

elysrand wrote:Sure I will dig it out! It might be red though and not blue - it has been awhile since I have seen that one and it is hard to remember if it was red or blue. I also got a 4003 from her and a couple of other guitars, and it could be the 4003 that was blue or BBR. All I remember is the condition - absolutely free of corrosion, scratches, dings, or chips - a perfect finish. I got them from Alisha as part of a kind deal she made me. I will look around this afternoon and dig it out of the pile, I promise.

Ah, that one was actually Burgundy then.

480s rock!!!

I couldn't agree with you more Badeggs. thanks for the nice photo. That guitar looks dangerous. Don't not play with these at home. Great sustain, very comfortable to hold and wonderful tone. The "tele" vibe but with class.

I really like the looks of these, far more than the 6xx series. A scaled-down 4001/4003 just looks better to me.

Thanks, Pete! That guitar is dangerous! I love it for many reasons - for one thing it's a '72. I heard they started production on these in 1971 but I've never seen another pre-1973 on the 'bay or anywhere else. But they gotta be out there! That '74 you showed is quite nice.

Flat fingerboard and an angled neck - yet another strange/beautiful Rick design.

There is a 480 on Ebay right now:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Rickenbacker-480-El ... dZViewItem

beatlefreak wrote:There is a 480 on Ebay right now:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Rickenbacker-480-El ... dZViewItem

It is already at $910 after just 12 hours out of a 7-day run. Not bad, a 1973 JG no less...