Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I am in the market for a used or new 4003 Rickenbacker bass in either Jetglo or Fireglo, haven't decided which color yet. Either way, I know I am gonna spend $1500 to $2000 on one. In your opinion is a person better off going with a brand new 2010 for $2000 or looking around for a deal and possibly getting a good used (vintage) one for $1500-$1750? I have seen older ones but have quite a few knicks in them and don't seem to be in the best condition cosmetically.

Thanks in advance!

Jeremy

I would go with a new one. The pricing difference isn't that much, and you get the latest improvements (search around here for several discussion threads), including 2-piece neck, improved color and clearcoat finish and factory warranty.

If you are going for used/vintage, I would recommend finding one locally and playing it first. Unless the seller is very reputable, you never know quite what you are going to get when you buy used/vintage long distance.

Good call! Thanks so much for the advice.

I agree with Ron.

I was just talking to someone the other day about the escalating prices of "vintage" guitars and I loved his comment:
"When I was younger all I could afford was a used guitar. Now that I'm older, all I can afford is a new guitar."

How true!

Very true, unless of course you run across some deals on used Rickenbackers that are hard to turn down like I have.

In North America, buying new makes so much sense - unless the discount for used is substantial, or you're after certain vintage features, a new Rick is the one to get! Go for it!

Down under, it's a totally different story...

It seems to me that if your budget could go up to $2000, I would keep an eye out for a vintage deal. Sometimes when you have the cash in hand, the right deal will come along and you can get something special for the right price.

But I'm a sucker for old instruments, so... I'm biased that way.

My advice would be to go for both actually .. So the question is only which one to get first.

Still, I've never had my hands on a brand-new Rick. In Germany, it is almost impossible to get a Rick for a good price at all: New ones are around $3,000; used ones aren't THAT less expensive unless you're really, really lucky.

Vintage!

I buy used whenever I can. I always make my first offer way below what I'm willing to pay; you'd be surprised how often the seller takes it.

I'd go for a 4001,...as long as it has no modification history and in very good condition. Then as long as the price is reasonable,...the investment is solid.

I actually ended up getting me a brand new one. 2010 4003 Jetglo. Got it from the fine folks at Guitar Emporium in Louisville, Kentucky for a sweet price of $1750. I didn't think that was bad at all for a brand new one. The gentlemen said it had never even been taken out of the box and was exactly as it was shipped from Rickenbacker. OHSC included. w00t!

Jeremy

Congrats Jeremy, be sure to post some photos when you get it!