Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hello everyone,

Pretty new to the forum. 1st post on the +2 string end.

I previously owned what I believe to be a rick 480 (according to the ric website)....
bolt on neck, cresting wave shap, solid body, 24 frets ? I think the fretboard was flat ? Is that it ?
It was my first "real" (prior to that it was a Silvertone) electric guitar, but I didn't have it for long.
I flipped it to a friend and put the money towards a '74 sg which I still own.
I don't know if that was a smart move but I really wanted that live at Leeds sound.
Unfortunately (for the time) I bought the standard humbucker model (sg).
The 480 (?) is still technically in the extended family, and the friend doesn't really play guitar
anymore. I was going to maybe ask him if he was interested in selling it back.
I know it depends on the condition and year etc. but is it worth a damn model wise ?
I think its somewhere around '76, very good shape. I remember the pups sounding like a ric
w/ a decent output even though I think the bolt-ons were considered lower end models. Think
I sold it for $400 or $450 .

Thanks in advance for your help,
Brian

I have a 480 and love it, and I think anyone who has one does too. I'm sure there are others out there that desire to obtain one, but it's probably not the most popular Ric as compared to other models. Is it "worth a damn"? I think it is, but really that's up to you.

Depending on when you sold it, $400.00 to $500.00 was a very good price (for you). I bought my first 360 Rick in 1984 for $350.00.

I've got one, too. Yes, I think they are worth a damn but they sure are weird. To me that flat fretboard takes some getting used to and the body is awfully thin. Still, they are American built, quality guitars with good fit and finish. I think mine is a 74 or 72 and has been played out a bit and shows it. Still, the finish is still in good shape and shined up well, the neck joint is stable, and the hardware is all in good shape. After all these years...

You'd be surprised at what some people say the going price is for these guitars nowdays. North of $1,000.00.

Sorry to ramble, but if I were in your shoes and had the chance to get my first Rick back, I'd do it.

Good luck,

JKC

Depending upon color and condition, $1K is a "center-field" price for a 480. Mint, FG or BG, or possibly a rarer factory color, you'll be looking at $1200 or even a bit higher. Condition is an important factor, but a complete one in well-used condition is still an $800.00 instrument.

These are quite under-rated and great players.

I got a chance to play Bret's 480 during my visit to Sydney and really want one now! The super-small neck was particularly attractive

that flat fingerboard makes great slide guitar too. i am looking for 483 for a while and wouldn't mind 480 in decent shape for $800 too.