Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

do new ricks maintain their value? in other words if sold should i get the same if not more for my bass?

Judging by the prices on eBay I would say so. I would think you could sell a new one for at least 20% more than what you paid for it because you are getting the instrument to the buyer right away and that is worth at least 20%.

If you hang onto to it long enough it will be worth more than you paid for it ... I have a 1968 that is worth 10 to 15 times what I paid for it ... I have a 4003s5 that has doubled ... and I had 2 70's basses that were break even buying and selling ...

But Rics are not an investment ... if you buy 'em then play 'em ...

I would say that they will always retain their value given the wait that you have to endure if you want a new one! I know if I am looking for a new 4003 (and I kinda am...) I would pay a little less for a gently used one with no mods as opposed to a brand new one. Not to mention if you have something that is not "usual" like a 4003s5 or s8.

Rics keep their value because there are no olp versions, non mim versions, no Korean versions, etc ... they are made in the usa ... and there are no cheap knock offs ...

I all depends on what model you get. If you are buying a standard 4003 in a stock color, chances are you aren't going to be able to sell it at a profit, there are too many in the market already. If you have a limited color, or a limited model, then you may be able to recoup your investment, but that depends on when you bought it. If you bought an already out of production model from a dealer rght now, it may take quite a while to recoup their upcharge.
Also, if you bought used, there are certain years and features that will escalate the value, while others will depreciate it. A 1972 4001 and a 1973 4001 will be in different ball parks at auction. I don't see there being a huge demand (enough to drive up prices that is) for current models unless they have unique features, or are no longer available.

I think they keep their values much better than most other guitars and basses though, I see slightly used ones selling on Ebay for close to what you can buy a new one for all the time, and these are just ordinary JG's etc.
I payed $469.00 in 1977 for a mapleglo 4001, that same bass is now worth close to double what I payed for it.

Unlike Fender and Gibson, there was no big dip in quality that still plays into buyers perceptions. That Rickenbackers have basically remained "quality unchallenged" might have kept used prices in check. That is, as Jeff stated, excluding the rarer or unique models.

you got that right steve, on my deposit reciept it says 3- 5 months!

got it in 2 thank god

rick,

i guess i should have been more clear, i meant new Rics. it seems everythin is considered vintage now a days.

when i got my 68 p bass in 79 it was in the back of the store and considered old......wish i still had it ...it goes for 3 grand now!

I sold a 68 Candy Apple Red P bass with a 66 jazz neck on it for about $500.00 ten years ago, I am not a good business man.

ouch.........

i feel you [ain,

i sold my 74 fender bottom with 2 15s and a fender custom II 250 watt tube head for a dollar a watt!

How about this one - in the early 80's I played in a band with a very talented young lady named Wendy Wild. She had befriended an artist named Keith Haring. We had to drop by his place for some reason and I had this Peavey Bass that was unfinished ash and she suggested that Keith paint it to give it some color. I declined because I didn't want to get paint say, on my belt buckle.

Based on what's his paintings sell for, I can't imagine what a musical instrument with his artwork would go for.

Ah, I probably would have sold it by now anyway...