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Even though the 4004s are more expensive than the 4003s (4004L-$300 more/4004Cii-$600.00 more), and the 4004s are made less frequent, yet the 4003s hold a much higher resale value. Why is that?
Jack

jack1953 wrote:Even though the 4004s are more expensive than the 4003s (4004L-$300 more/4004Cii-$600.00 more), and the 4004s are made less frequent, yet the 4003s hold a much higher resale value. Why is that?

More people want them. (Demand is bigger.)

berth wrote:

jack1953 wrote:Even though the 4004s are more expensive than the 4003s (4004L-$300 more/4004Cii-$600.00 more), and the 4004s are made less frequent, yet the 4003s hold a much higher resale value. Why is that?

More people want them. (Demand is bigger.)

Do you credit that to the fact that they are the 'traditional' Rickenbacker??

jack1953 wrote:Do you credit that to the fact that they are the 'traditional' Rickenbacker??

That is what I read (and think). My own reason for not buying a 4004 is neck-width. I love the looks.

berth wrote:

jack1953 wrote:Do you credit that to the fact that they are the 'traditional' Rickenbacker??

That is what I read (and think). My own reason for not buying a 4004 is neck-width. I love the looks.

Just to be clear, you think and have read that the 4003s sell better because folks want that 'traditional' look, but you prefer the 4003s because the necks are thinner?

jack1953 wrote: Just to be clear, you think and have read that the 4003s sell better because folks want that 'traditional' look, but you prefer the 4003s because the necks are thinner?

Almost. I prefer 4001/4003's because the neck's are less wide. There is a difference between wide and thick i.m.h.o.. Wide is from E to G. Thick is from fingers to thumb (if you are playing with thumb behind neck.)

The 4004 is cool but really loses a lot of what made the original 4000 series have such a powerful aesthetic appeal. Other reasons to prefer the 4003: neck profile, pickups, wiring harness, stereo sound... but that familiar look is really a big draw for a lot of people.

Most people aren't aware of/don't care about the 4004 whereas many non-Ric-owning people can say, "Ooh, a 4003! Neat!" when they see one. That's got to be a big factor here as well.

If you're looking at it from an investment standpoint the 4003 is the winner. Lucky me, as I also happen to prefer them, after playing a number of each.

Quite simply a 4001/3 does the Ric sound thing that only a Ric can do.

A 4004 lines up in a far wider scope, both sound and looks wise, and, for the vast majority, other basses do the job better.

IME boutique basses have lower resale value, and the 4004 looks boutique.

ilan wrote:IME boutique basses have lower resale value, and the 4004 looks boutique.

Exactly!