what is the most expensive ric bass? rarest ric bass?

[opticnerve]

I think we could safely leave celebrity provenance out of the rarity and value equation here. Really, when you're paying the big price, it's because of the association with that celebrity, not based on the merit or significance of the instrument itself.

And rarity, in that case, would be nothing (only one!)


I would estimate the 4005LS basses to be the most expensive rare Rick bass, as they have been sold for more that RM1999 and early 4000 models, and are far rarer.

I agree Collin, it's not the celebrity provenance that makes the Jetglo 4001/4005 special per say...it's the only dang one, PERIOD!

[opticnerve]

Collin, what's a 4005LS? Do you mean a lefty 6 string 4005?

[Ontario_RIC_fan]

what's a 4005LS? Do you mean a lefty 6 string 4005?

The light show bass - the one that flashes in time to the music played on it...

[collin]

Back to topic, perhaps also more valuable are the first examples of a certain type.

Here, here!

Well, that's the obvious truth about any model of guitar (or collectible), even the common ones.

[opticnerve]

what's a 4005LS? Do you mean a lefty 6 string 4005?

The light show bass - the one that flashes in time to the music played on it...

Oh, that one Brian...thanks for illuminating me. . Collin said that they've sold for more than 1999's? I don't recall any light show basses up for sale...ever. Have I missed something?

[Kopfjaeger]

Hmm, interesting thread, since so many variables go into what makes something expensive/valuable. Certainly supply and demand play a huge part. My opinion is that the more desirable something is, the more it is worth since so many potential people may covet it. Rarity and or being owned by or in the presence of a celebrity all can be factored into the equation but they are not the only factors. I've been known to collect things, like you all have not figured that out by now!! A finite supply of something may bring higher prices but only if the object is in demand. Take for instance my 4004 CiiTVYbh. There were only two made. One I own and the other resides with a famous musician, if I remember correctly.

Relatively my bass was not all too expensive for something as rare as one of two. There was not all that much interest in it at the time which did not drive up the cost to high. Now who know what it will be worth in the future. Only time will tell. Conversely the 4002 I just purchased, It is somewhat rare but highly coveted, for obvious reasons. Age, sound, playability, scarceness, and so on. A higher value is placed on it due to the demand placed on it by many.

Something is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it and for each person a different emotional value is placed on it based on many different things but I think we can all agree that age and quality of the object plays a large part in it's worth. Items that are able to be traced back to being used by famous people also tend to be more valuable. But rock solid provenance is needed to prove it's pedigree.

Pre and early 1973 4001's tend to be more valuable than later 73 4001's. Basically the exact same instrument except for the possibility of full width fret markers and an aluminum tail piece. These two "minor" differences will make no difference in how the bass plays or sounds but those two features certainly seem to elevate the worth of the instrument.

My two cents.

Sepp

[4005player]

My 2 cents - perhaps the 4005 8-string bass is the rarest, particularly with the double-bound body?.....just guessin'....

[ricosound]

Interesting read on auction prices and star provenance.

http://www.williesguitars.com/index.cfm ... _willie/16

[teeder]

It took a couple days, but I've re-read this thread in between actually working!

It was awesome, especially the RM stuff!

Wonder what happened to Vincent's book idea?

Also, maybe I'm missing something, but I don't believe Vincent's basses are in the register.

[iamthebassman]

Don't think there were many lefty versions of the 4001CS made.

[bassduke49]

Don't think there were many lefty versions of the 4001CS made.

Yep, that's another one. Just due to the numbers, lefties should be considered rare, and when it comes to limited editions, lefties are even more rare. There was at least one lefty "Tuxedo," and McCartney has been seen in a photo with a lefty five-string Blackstar. They should be on any "list" as well.

[ricosound]

So after all this discussion and excluding star guitars what's a guess at the most valuable Rick bass?

[iamthebassman]

So after all this discussion and excluding star guitars what's a guess at the most valuable Rick bass?

Really? After 22 pages you're expecting an answer to the original question?

[glking14]

Easiest question in the world to answer...my 1971 MG 4001.....PRICELESS!!!!

[johnallg]

Rare would be Paul McCartney's lefty 4004C, if he still has it.