Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

So I've been searching for my first Rickenbacker bass both on- and off-line and I've run into the usual fare of guitar shop guys... "Yeah we'll sell you this 2010, 4003 model ric bass and even throw in a free set-up for $2160 flat" when I can get the exact same thing online for $1500. I've also seen ebay deals that advertise vintage pieces with blurry pics and distinct lack of closeups, who don't even answer when asked for closer, more-detailed shots. In order to sift through all the scammers and over-priced dealers out there, does anybody have a list of dealers they've worked with in the past and had great success with? I did a search and couldn't come up with anything... anyone?

Here are the authorized dealers I've dealt with and had good luck (in no particular order):
Pick of the Ricks
The Rickenbacker Page
Wildwood Guitars
Old Boise Guitar Company

I'm sure there are many others as well...

Pick of the Ricks, The Music Connection and Rhoads Music have been mentioned with respect in these forums. Of the three, I've only dealt with The Music Connection personally, and they are terrific.

On ebay, Olivia's Vintage is expensive but the quality of their service is reputed to be excellent.

Hmmm....I notice that Rhoads doesn't have a lot Ricks in stock right now....

EDIT - The Music Connection is the same entity as The Rickenbacker Page.....

+1 on that list, especially POTR and TRP.

Dave's in LaCrosse, WI is really good on sales and service, as is Jim's in OC, CA and Haight-Ashbury here in SF.

I've been very pleased with my dealings with Buffalo Brothers in Carlsbad, CA; and they have a strong web and show presence. They also have a 100% trade-in policy (look it up); but essentially they will give you 100% of the purchase price if you trade a guitar bought from them for a more expensive one. I've done it a couple of times, and it was 100% legit.

I like you new hairstyle, Paul!

Northcoast has been my dealer. Great prices, but of course, in my backyard.

Pick of the Ricks and Guitar Emporium of Louisville are the two that I have dealt with. Great service from both.

Pick of the Ricks, Rickenbacker Page, and The Music Zoo.

Pick of the Ricks.

THE BEST!

And several nice basses in stock - I saw them today!

I actually went into Haight Ashbury Music (I live in SF), and although I love the people who work there, the guy who runs the place marks stuff up so extensively that nobody I know ever shops there unless they absolutely have to. Too bad cause I really want to support local music businesses (we've lost so many the last few years), but not to the tune of dumping an extra $500 in someone's pocket cause they're too busy ripping off tourists to focus on their real customer base, which should be local musicians.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions, this forum is the best. Gonna go through them all today. Maybe someday soon I'll stop ogling all the pretty pictures and actually have a sweet sweet ric in my hands!

Willcutt Guitars has been my Rickenbacker dealer since '94.
http://willcuttguitars.com/_catalog_31222/Rickenbacker





Have done very positive business with POTR also.

ps: the fireglo beauties are currently in stock

Thanks so

longhouse wrote:Willcutt Guitars has been my Rickenbacker dealer since '94.
http://willcuttguitars.com/_catalog_31222/Rickenbacker





Have done very positive business with POTR also.

ps: the fireglo beauties are currently in stock

Wow, willcutt is awesome, thanks!

I can't say enough good things about Pick Of the Ricks!