Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

What do you folks think double binding on a 6 string 360 adds to the value?

I'm not talking about vintage re-issue C63 or V64, I'm just talking about a mid 90's 360/6 with the extra front binding which doesn't seem uncommon for the era. The guitar I am looking at has the R-tail, schaller tuners, and high gains--just a regular 90s 360 Jetglo that happens to be double bound.

Do you think it makes the guitar more desirable as a collector? It does for me only because I happen to prefer that look, but how about in general? I know it makes it a little harder to find, but not really rare per se. I don't remember if the retail price for a double bound was more than the not bound versions when they were being sold side by side.

Would you think that it adds anywhere near $500 or more to it's value as a used, potentially collectible RIC?

I think so, if you're talking $500 more than a 330, because it has neck binding, inlays, Rick -O-Sound, et cetera; Standard 330s and 360s are much more plentiful as well. WB models are gorgeous, and the binding accents the the body shape the 330 and WB share quite attractively. I would definitely pay $500 more. . .but then again, I have a WB fetish.

+1!

I was fortunate enough to purchase a 99% Mint 1993 360/WB FireGlo beauty on the 'bay about 2 years ago.

I had it detailed and added toasters, and it's my favorite Rick 6-string that I own - the one that I used to draw in my Algebra notebook when I was a teen during Beatlemania (not realizing at the time that George's was a 12-string). Back then, Ricks were unavailable in the Philly area, so the mystique of Rickenbacker was huge; the closest thing was either a Gretsch Chet model or a Gibson ES335. When I was finally able to acquire the 360WB, it blew both of those brands away.

I wish that they were still being manufactured, and yes, they warrant a $500 up-charge.

They are absolutely beautiful works of art!

paologregorio wrote:I think so, if you're talking $500 more than a 330, because it has neck binding, inlays, Rick -O-Sound, et cetera; Standard 330s and 360s are much more plentiful as well. WB models are gorgeous, and the binding accents the the body shape the 330 and WB share quite attractively. I would definitely pay $500 more. . .but then again, I have a WB fetish.

No, not as compared to a 330. The 330 is not as expensive anyway, simply regarding a 360WB as apposed to without, and not on a vintage reissue. Literally, does the additional binding add $500 in value to the 360 if it is not a vintage reissue and, at the time it was made, was simply an option for the standard build. I don't recall how much extra you paid for that option when it was available.

I feel that it is not the binding that makes the vintage reissues more valuable but the fact it is a vintage reissue that makes it more valuable.

What I am getting at is this: To an investment collector of RICs, does the extra binding, under the above described conditional, warrant a $500 mark up to the value of the guitar or is the guy selling this guitar under some sort of delusion as I suspect.

Yes, to the right person who really likes double bound RICs it may be worth paying more, but is that of "real" value or just a willingness to pay more for something you really like-- I know it's a fine line.

The most I've seen a standard build Jetglo (or other current finish) 360 sell for on e-bay recently was $1475.00, and that was for a used 2011. The average is closer to $1300 or less. This guy wants $1800 for his double bound and that's why I am saying he wants about $500 too much for it. I might be more incline to indulge in this guitar if he was closer to $1400. Am I wrong?

I think $1800 is a fair price to pay for a non-vintage WB in Jetglo. If you don't want it at that price, please send me his contact info.

The most I've seen a standard build Jetglo (or other current finish) 360 sell for on e-bay recently was $1475.00, and that was for a used 2011. The average is closer to $1300 or less. This guy wants $1800 for his double bound and that's why I am saying he wants about $500 too much for it. I might be more incline to indulge in this guitar if he was closer to $1400. Am I wrong?

Yes, you're wrong. The average price for a 360/6 WB on the Register price list is $1945, vs $1550 for a regular 360/6. There are evidently enough people out there who like double-binding enough to pay a hefty premium to get it. The fact that you wouldn't pay that much for it (nor would I, for that matter -- I like the look, but wouldn't be willing to pay that much for something that doesn't affect tone or playability) is really beside the point -- we're not the people who are setting the market here.

A standard 360 on eBay sells for (on average) $1,200 - $1,500, and I haven't recently seen a WB for under $2,000, so $500 definitely seems to be in the range for an up-charge. The $1,450 average price on the register may be several years old, as these models were sold in the early 90's, and there isn't that many available to be sold anymore.

jdawe wrote:I like the look, but wouldn't be willing to pay that much for something that doesn't affect tone or playability) is really beside the point -- we're not the people who are setting the market here.

The extra binding makes the guitar sound better, and the extra cool factor of the guitar makes me happier to play it, so I play better.

stringsncords wrote:A standard 360 on eBay sells for (on average) $1,200 - $1,500, and I haven't recently seen a WB for under $2,000, so $500 definitely seems to be in the range for an up-charge. The $1,450 average price on the register may be several years old, as these models were sold in the early 90's, and there isn't that many available to be sold anymore.

The Register pricelist reflects recent ebay sales (the list has less than 2 years of data) so the sales prices are reasonably current.

Here's some background on the pricelist: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=396907

paologregorio wrote:

jdawe wrote:... and the extra cool factor of the guitar makes me happier to play it, so I play better.

So it's more than just a fetish, it's mojo!

Well, groovy, I may reconsider the price then as I really like this guitar anyhow. Thanks for your comments.

It also has the bound sound hole which makes it even nicer in my eyes. It would match my 12 string, not in the color, but in the configuration.

I just wanted to get a feel for whether or not I would be getting hosed as 18 month ago I paid 2k for my mint 1987 Fireglo 12 string! It just seemed rather high to me for a 6 string set up the same way as my 12 string, when the market seems to be a bit more of a buyers market right now then it was just 18 month ago.

doctorwho wrote:

paologregorio wrote:... and the extra cool factor of the guitar makes me happier to play it, so I play better.

So it's more than just a fetish, it's mojo!

paologregorio wrote: The extra binding makes the guitar sound better...

I love your commentary, Paulie, but should you be giving away these "tone" secrets ??

doctorwho wrote:

paologregorio wrote:

jdawe wrote:... and the extra cool factor of the guitar makes me happier to play it, so I play better.

So it's more than just a fetish, it's mojo!

Especially if it has checkerboard, like mine!

iiipopes wrote: Especially if it has checkerboard, like mine!

Yep!

paologregorio wrote:
The extra binding makes the guitar sound better, and the extra cool factor of the guitar makes me happier to play it, so I play better.

Gotta love that quote!