Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Anyone see a rick this color before. Its a 79. not sure if its original or refinished. just curious

It looks like after 30 years the clearcoat has yellowed out in spots.

It's hard to tell from that photo; at a very quick glance it almost looks like a somewhat yellowed mapleglo, but it could also be a very yellowed white, which is suggested by the black pickguard and truss rod cover.

More photos might help.

Jeff, since I can't see the "skunk" stripe (shedua) down the middle, and judging by the black binding and trim on the body, I'd say you have a very yellowed White BT (BT stands for Black Trim). If the skunk stripe was visible, then Mapleglo, which is simply a clear coat over the natural maple wood.

Yeah, I'm guessing it was probably white as well and just yellowed over the years. Black pickguard and no stripe visiable. I'm picking this up today. Was just curious. I've never seen one yellow that bad.

Mucuos glo lol

wings012345 wrote: I've never seen one yellow that bad.

That good, you mean.

So you think this one was worth $1200.00? The treble pickup was replaced by a Bartoloni Anyone know where I can get a replacement pickup? I'm back into the Rick family.

wings012345 wrote:So you think this one was worth $1200.00? The treble pickup was replaced by a Bartoloni Anyone know where I can get a replacement pickup? I'm back into the Rick family.

Post your need in the Rickenbacker Wanted forum. For me, the 70s 4001 pickups are the best sounding, short of a 60s horseshoe!

wings012345 wrote:So you think this one was worth $1200.00? The treble pickup was replaced by a Bartoloni Anyone know where I can get a replacement pickup? I'm back into the Rick family.

If it's well-maintained and the truss rods work well, the treble Bartolini and the yellowing are mere afterthoughts, in my opinion. Actually, that much yellowing of a white is super cool to me.

You can switch out the treble pickup for less than $250 (bought and installed), and if the bass is in good shape, then $1,200 is a very good price. Plenty of folks here have pickups for sale or trade, and toasters come up on the RIC site now and again.

We really can't comment on price unless you give us neck, tuner, finish and electronic details. But assuming they are all good, then you got a very good deal. That would be about $1,600-$1,800 on ebay in very good shape (from an independent sale).

wings012345 wrote:So you think this one was worth $1200.00? The treble pickup was replaced by a Bartoloni Anyone know where I can get a replacement pickup? I'm back into the Rick family.

Jeff, it could have been worse. Of all the few aftermarket pickups available for Rick basses, Bartolini are the best in my opinion. However they are not as good for a 4001 or 4003 as RIC pickups are.

Yeah, Jeff, I forgot to add you did good, if it all pans out to be good (rods, neck, controls, etc.). oh, and if you can't get a 70s neck higain, a new higain unwound to 8.4k (from the 11.4k they are) would be a close approximation.

Thanks for the repsonses. I guess also considering it's a lefty, the price is good as well. Now my search for the Treble pickup begins.