Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

In the late seventies, I was a teenager, and I had an awesome 4001. I sold it for $700.00. My parents made me sell it, because I was caught smoking pot. The guy I sold it to only paid me $200.00, and was going to "make payments," but he never paid me another dime. I was a wimpy *** kid, and I never did anything about it.

Now, it's all these years later, and I play bass in a band. I bought a Fender Jazz, and it rocks, but I lay awake some nights, wishing for a fireglo Rickenbacker.

I'm way to poor to spend that kind of money.

How can I find one that needs work? I would be happy if none of the electronics worked, and it needed refinished; the whole deal. I'm very good with tools.

And that's the story of why I joined this forum.

Am I crazy?

Welcome to the Forum, Richard, and you are not crazy!

There are many threads on people's 'lost loves', guitars and basses, and there have been some happy reunions as well, when the original owner has retained the serial number and the instrument has been located in the here and now.

Every now and then a 4001 or 4003 'carcass' will surface on a Craigslist or eBay, so keep an eye out for those ... and above all, be patient! I wish you all the best luck in finding what you need.

It's not only a reassuring post, but it's reassuring to know The Doctor is watching out for me. I always suspected he might be.

Welcome.

I passed on a '76 Maple Glo 4001 at Guitar Center San Bernardino, Ca. It was about a 5. Played ok but needed cosmeitic work. They were asking $999.00

Glenn

Richard,

Don't let anyone tell you different. You are as crazy as a bed bug, we all are, so you will fit in fine around here!! Rickenbackers are never really inexpensive but you may get lucky on ebay sometimes. The new 4003's coming out of the factory have plenty of growl and punch! I'm ecstatic with my 2001 4003! It cannot be compared with my early 70's 4001 but it's rock solid and brand new as well as looks and sounds amazing!!

Oh, they're still making them in Fireglo as well!

Best of luck!

Sepp

""The guy I sold it to only paid me $200.00, and was going to "make payments," but he never paid me another dime. I was a wimpy *** kid, and I never did anything about it.""

Hey lets you,me and my pal Louisville Slugger go find this guy and "reminisce" about old times.

Richard welcome to THE Forum. Be patient and get some posts on this Forum - there is a For Sale section, and a few others, which may be of help in your quest. There are deals out there especially during these times you just gotta keep a watchful eye. Good luck!

Richard, welcome aboard! Did you see this thread?

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=402988

LONNIE4003 wrote:""The guy I sold it to only paid me $200.00, and was going to "make payments," but he never paid me another dime. I was a wimpy *** kid, and I never did anything about it.""

Hey lets you,me and my pal Louisville Slugger go find this guy and "reminisce" about old times.

I found him!

This is the guy:

http://www.publicity.com/why-kbmc/meet- ... -danielson

He told me he "sold it to the Urban Guerrillas to make rent."

I think I vaguely remember them.

I will keep you posted if this guy thinks he should do me right after all these years.

We could all e-mail him about it as a reminder of his obligations.

You won't believe it. Here is his reply to me:

Your mom collected it from me and my parents in person she must not have told you.
She said it was for the gas card tab you rang up and as I recall she was effective in her collections.

It was cool that you financed a cool ax to a kid with little cash.

I can't believe it! I totally did ring up a gas(oline) bill at that time. My mom was crafty! I absolutely believe this guy, so I guess the story of the Ric is complete.

Someday I will own a nice 70's 4001 like that again.

That bass ROCKED.

Richard,

I recently picked up a project '73 off eBay, and I think another one ('74 I think, Fireglo for sure) just sold. They are around!

Good luck!

Bob

Glad to hear the story has been resolved, Richard.

I never thought I would be able to afford a Rickenbacker, but then in 1990 someone I knew wanted rid of his 1975 4001 because the neck was bent like a banana due to the truss rods being damaged (no doubt due to incorrect adjustment technique). It was horrible to look at!! I think I bought it for only about £200 or maybe even less, then spent a bit more getting the rods fixed (or new ones put in, I can't remember), and I've been playing it ever since. A great bass, and worth much more now than what I paid for it. I hope you manage to strike lucky like I did. They are out there...

A few years later, and I have an update.