1964 Rickenbacker 4001

[Rama]

I'm a new member but have been reading this forum with interest for quite some time. Back in 1967, I sold my Fender Precision bass and bought a 1964 Rickenbacker and have had it ever since. I played it for about 10 years and then it sat in a corner until my son started using it in his band. Three kids later, he doesn't play anymore. I'm thinking of selling it but am not sure of the value. It's in good condition with wear marks on the neck consistent with normal use. There are scratches on the back from a belt buckle I wore one night that was on backwards (ouch). Does anyone have any thoughts on what this bass might be worth?

If this isn't the appropriate place to post this message, please let me know.

Rama.

[badeggs]

Does anyone have any thoughts on what this bass might be worth?

Um...a lot!!! Depending on condition, etc. 6k, 8k, more??? The market fluctuates...but more details (color, condition, replaced parts, etc.) are required to really narrow it down.

There's an appraisal section here on the forum (in the Marketplace), but I think you need 30+ posts to access that section.

Welcome to the forum...you should post some pictures of your bass immediately! We need to see this!

[opticnerve]

Hi Geof, Welcome to the Forum! '64 Ric basses are quite rare and valuable! There are factors that need to be considered before an accurate appraisal can be determined. You'll need to post pics. If you don't know how, you can send them to me & I'll post them for you. Here's my email address...tonemat@optonline.net. I can't wait to see it!

Cheers! Tony

[johnnysain]

uh-oh,.....i hear a stampede approaching....... \ /

[opticnerve]

Posting pics shortly...

[opticnerve]

Sorry guys...it's SOLD!!!



Kidding!

[ajish4]

Sorry guys...it's SOLD!!!



Kidding!

[opticnerve]

Darn...will have to re-size pics

Hold tight guys!

[opticnerve]

[sloop_john_b]

Whoa mama!

[opticnerve]

Yes John, whoa mama indeed!

It's a December '64.

It looks to be all original except for two tuner gear screws...& two mising knobs.
It has the original horseshoe pickup/surround & from what I can see, after blowing up the pic, the original raised lip bobbin is there. Everything else looks right. Considering that all parts look original, especially the pickups, it's a good guess that the harness has not been tampered with. What about the color? It looks like it's a bit darker around the perimeter than what one might expect...maybe the lighting?
Maybe, gulp...AUTUMNGLO!!??

Original examples rarely come up for auction...so coming up with an accurate price may be difficult...especially in this economy. In my opinion, this bass should sell in the 12 to 15K range.

It looks like you have the WHOLE package Geof! Congratulations!!!

[opticnerve]

Compare the color to my December '64...

[ajish4]

HUBBA HUBBA!

[walker]

What an "attic find!" Very nice! Love the mojo created by the finger wear marks on the body. I'd guess that the finish is a Fireglo as well, taking into consideration the way the "white balance" of the camera might have been set. Notice that everything in those pics has a bluish hue.

[walker]

I know I'm probably being anal here, but Geof, you may want to re-wind the D & G strings in the opposite direction so as not to put additional stress on the nut & headstock. Welcome to the RRF, by the way! Hell of an intro!