Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Got a local offer, only problem is this is the only info I have on it right now:



1973 Rickenbacker 4001 (Azure-glo) bass guitar for sale. All original with hardcase. A few dings and some wear but overall it looks pretty good and plays great.




From what you can tell, is this thing worth $700? He is going to email me pics later today and I will know more then. I'm just trying to get ready so if it's a nicin' I can jump on it before it gets away.

Cole

a 1973 4001 azureglo is worth between $700 and $1400 ... it could be worth less if there are neck problems or if it is really beat up ...

1973 was a transition year ... the earlier in the year it was made the more valueable it is ... also azureglo is a less common and more desireable color ... and most 1973 basses are good players ...

this one is worth looking into ....

Off-hand I'd say it is a fine deal, even though the above information is somewhat vague. Is it an early or mid/late 73 4001? 'Some wear' applies to the finish, the hardware or the frets? And what's the condition of the electronics?

Thanks everybody for your info. I guess we will all learn a little more after 4pm eastern time. Boy, I sure hope that thing has check binding! What are the odds of a deal that good?

Cole

Even if it isn't checkerboard, the early AzureGlos are easily worth $700 if it is in any kind of decent shape at all. I have a mid-73 4001 and it is a heck of a player.

We've all got our fingers crossed for you J.C. !!

Azureglo/checkered binding for Christmas....ahhhh!!!

Here are some pics he sent me. No checkered binding but in great shape. Should I?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v464/loverickbass/MVC-036F.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v464/loverickbass/MVC-037F.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v464/loverickbass/ricface.jpg

Here are the pics sized for inclusion in the thread:



J.C., I'd ask for some pictures of the back of the guitar, especially the "belt-buckle area" and the headstock (replaced tuners?). If it doesn't have bad wear on the back of the body and neck, I would say that it is worth the $700 asking price, even lacking any of the "old-style" features.

Here is a pic of the back I forgot to add. Looks like this is a good deal.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v464/loverickbass/MVC-035F.jpg

I don't know what to make of those tuners, but other than that, grab that 4001 now, J.C.!

The tuners look a little suspect as being non original Grover's. A 73 would have the Box style machines with the wave knob, like this;

I couldn't see the back of the tuners in the photos that were posted.
But noticed the gromets looked much smaller than these in this photo;

This is my 4001 that was made in April 73, the tuners on it are factory original.

I think a 73 in good condition is a steal at $700.00 especially one finished in Azureglo. To bad it doesn't have the vintage features, but it's still a 73.

Just check under the TRC to make sure the truss rod ends aren't bent due to someone misadjusting the neck which is very common. If they're in good shape, go for it!

Yeah, I know, those tuners do look very new. I've emailed him about them but of course he hasn't emailed me back. About the serial number; it should start with the letter "M" or "N" shouldn't it?

A 73 will start with the letter "M", a 74 starts with the letter "N".

"M" stands for "Magic!"

OK, got the serial number. MJxxxx, so it's def a 73. I'm a little frustrated because he only sends me one email a day with limited info and can't make up his mind where to meet me to do the deal.....ARRRRRR!