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Is this Ric worth $850?

Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2012 12:27 pm
by DriftSpace
Hello everybody!

I recently came across a 4003 ca. 1990 with (aged) white finish and black trim/hardware. I know this color combination is discontinued, but it's not in the greatest shape, and the case is barely holding itself together. The seller wanted $1,200, but with the tail lifting, the need to replace the case, and general damage/grime I talked him down to $850.

My question for all you experts here is: Is this 4003 worth $850?

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I've seen the tutorial (posted by doctorwho) regarding the repair of a lifting black tailpiece, and converting it to a 7-screw, so I'm certainly willing to try this before spending for a new tailpiece. As you'll see from the photos: the lift isn't terrible, but I'd like to remedy the situation before it gets much worse.

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A few other things I have noticed: finish-wear and staining aside, there seems to be some cracking/separation between the black binding and the finish in some places. Is this something worthy of concern?

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I've also noticed something similar by the nut on one side of the neck; I'm not sure if it is worthy of concern either.

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It's also just plain filthy.

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Electronics seem to work just fine; I plugged it in and it sounds great, played pretty well, and the neck seemed fine.

What does everybody think? I this thing worth $850, considering the condition, cost of restoration/repair, and a new case?
Would any of you personally pay $850 for this thing, and if so: why?

Thanks for your time!

Re: Is this Ric worth $850?

Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2012 12:29 pm
by godber
Yep!

Re: Is this Ric worth $850?

Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2012 12:33 pm
by cjj
Pretty much any playable Rick bass for less than $1000 is a good deal in my opinion...

Welcome to the RRF!

Re: Is this Ric worth $850?

Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2012 12:34 pm
by godber
cjj wrote:Pretty much any playable Rick bass for less than $1000 is a good deal in my opinion...
+1

Re: Is this Ric worth $850?

Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2012 12:44 pm
by marc61
At $850 grab it. Most people here would.

Cases are always available. The bridge can be screwed down or replaced.

I bet will very little work I could sell it for the $1200 he originally wanted. People like white Rics. It has some honest player wear is all.

Re: Is this Ric worth $850?

Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2012 12:45 pm
by DriftSpace
Thanks a lot, everybody! I appreciate the expeditious responses, and am happy to be here.

I know these hold their value pretty well; back in the 90's I bought a 1982 JetGlo 4003 with the OHSC (only missing a latch) for $600, and that is in better shape than this one. I've had several people offer me over $1,000 for it.

Should I not be concerned about anything displayed in any of the photos? Separation of the binding, the crack by the nut, etc.?

Re: Is this Ric worth $850?

Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2012 12:50 pm
by egosheep
It's a player for sure, so you can't worry about the binding and stuff. Get it playable and enjoy it! I would get it. Cool color. :)

Re: Is this Ric worth $850?

Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2012 12:51 pm
by DriftSpace
marc61 wrote:People like white Rics. It has some honest player wear is all.
Yeah, when I showed the photos to my wife she said: "That stuff is no big deal; that's just love."
I guess I'll bite...

Re: Is this Ric worth $850?

Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2012 12:53 pm
by cjj
DriftSpace wrote:
marc61 wrote:People like white Rics. It has some honest player wear is all.
Yeah, when I showed the photos to my wife she said: "That stuff is no big deal; that's just love."
I guess I'll bite...
Yep, I agree with your wife (who's obviously a keeper too!), no big deal...

Re: Is this Ric worth $850?

Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2012 1:00 pm
by wim
Take it.

Re: Is this Ric worth $850?

Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2012 1:24 pm
by blueflamerick
Yes. Personally, I wouldn't even worry about the binding or the tail lift. Clean it up a bit and play the heck out of it.

Is this Ric worth $850?

Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2012 7:16 pm
by 8mileshigher
godber wrote:
cjj wrote:Pretty much any playable Rick bass for less than $1000 is a good deal in my opinion...
+1
+2 - Hope the deal works out for you !

Re: Is this Ric worth $850?

Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2012 7:39 pm
by woodyng
oh yes! definitely worth it....even though that actually is some pretty serious lift there...still,easily fixed! the rest is just mojo.....

Re: Is this Ric worth $850?

Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2012 11:42 pm
by RicOSoundMan
YEEEEEAAAAAHHH!!!!! is a deal that price man :mrgreen: hope ya bought it!!!!

Did ya buy it man???

Re: Is this Ric worth $850?

Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2012 11:49 pm
by jimk
Yeah, the suspense is building. And I'm not even a bass player. So did you buy it?
JimK