Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I am into Ricks but not so much the basses as I am not a player. Recently I have become interested. I can follow most of the discussion about the various models, but here's one topic that has me puzzled.

What's the difference between a Shadow and a Blackstar? This much I think I know:

Shadow: CB inlays around top edge, 50 or so made in 1986, thin neck, everything black except fretboard, dot markers.

Blackstar: 200 or so made in late 1980's, black fretboard with micro-dot markers, everything else black.

OK, RRForumites, have at it!

PS If this is addressed in another thread, my apologies. Just tell me where to go. Or where to get off.

http://www.rickresource.com/phpBB3/view ... 2&t=381032

the search feature on this site is really really good.

I know there not vintage but shadows and blackstars are both beautiful.

oh, and Sean ....the Pentagram is in the mail !!! I promise.

libratune wrote:Shadow: CB inlays around top edge, 50 or so made in 1986, thin neck, everything black except fretboard, dot markers.

Blackstar: 200 or so made in late 1980's, black fretboard with micro-dot markers, everything else black.

The Blackstar is also an S model, whereas the Shadow is not. There are other small things, like knobs, neck pickup bezel, etc. You've pretty much got it, though!

sloop_john_b wrote:The Blackstar is also an S model, whereas the Shadow is not.

...an S model with unique maple fretboard for smooth paint application as does the Redneck and Tuxedo

herk wrote:oh, and Sean ....the Pentagram is in the mail !!! I promise.

Hmm, I wonder what Sean is up to? He asked me to send him some toad's warts and bat livers!

The Shadow is more like a 4003 with the bound body and neck(?) and stereo output (right?), while the Blackstar (and the Tuxedo and Redneck) are 4003S models (SPC officially) and are mono with no binding. In case you haven't seen them, here are all three SPC models together; Ted Staberow's collection:

Cool picture!

bassduke49 wrote:The Shadow is more like a 4003 with the bound body and neck(?) and stereo output (right?), while the Blackstar (and the Tuxedo and Redneck) are 4003S models (SPC officially) and are mono with no binding. In case you haven't seen them, here are all three SPC models together; Ted Staberow's collection:

Yep, Shadows have the stereo jack -- I just recorded a few tracks in stereo with mine last weekend.

While the Shadow has a dot neck, the dots are black, unlike other dot necks. Neck is bound (black) as well. I think the Shadow's fingerboard might be some other kind of wood rather than the standard-issue 4003 fingerboards. Can't seem to find that info right now, though.

jakeox wrote:I think the Shadow's fingerboard might be some other kind of wood rather than the standard-issue 4003 fingerboards

I think it's the same wood as on standard 4003's, but nicer grain boards were selected for the limited edition. Mine has a really nice figuring.

SPC's have maple fretboards under the enamel. I think this is because it's easier to paint on maple than on open-pore wood.

Thanks to those of you who took the time to respond.

I will do my homework (esp. on Sean's suggested websites) and get back to you with any follow-up questions.

One immediate question, though -- regarding pricing in current market. I have seen a recent Blackstar ebay auction sale(Sean), a Tuxedo a few weeks ago ($4K) but no recent Shadow sales. What would be a likely price for a Shadow in 9.0/10 shape in today's market?

libratune wrote:One immediate question, though -- regarding pricing in current market. I have seen a recent Blackstar ebay auction sale(Sean), a Tuxedo a few weeks ago ($4K) but no recent Shadow sales. What would be a likely price for a Shadow in 9.0/10 shape in today's market?

Hard to say, because they change hands so rarely and the market's been wacky for the past 6 months or so. I bought my Shadow a month or two ago, but it is a little beat up, and I think it was still below market value for that. I think Dr. Katherine bought her Shadow (the family's second!) a little before that, but I don't know what she paid. It was on eBay, so I bet someone knows.

This thread has some pricing info, but keep in mind that it's from last September, and a lot's changed between then and now. Taking that into account, I think 3-4k is about ballpark for a nice Shadow, with a real premium for a really nice example ... and that's assuming no bidding war, which is a distinct possibility when something this rare comes up for sale.

But that's one man's opinion (and I own a Shadow so I'd like them to be more valuable, right?).