Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Went into a little local store yesterday and found a burgundy 74 4001. It's pretty beat up, but with character. Here's my description:

Neck is straight with good action, body is pretty beat up with lots of buckle rash, but not through the finish. Non- original tuners, neck pick up doesn't seem to work. Good tone on the bridge pick up. Bridge has lifted a little at the bottom. Missing one mute screw and mute is rotten and nasty. There is a good sized chunk missing from the pickguard near the neck pick up. Several holes in odd places on body where strap button had been moved previously. It's mostly intact but generally dirty (especially in the nooks around the pickups), scuffed and beaten. My impression is that this is mostly a project bass. But it feels good to play, has character. Asking price $1000. Worth $400 to me...? Opinions?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=3765579822

I haven't received it yet, but the owner has been very cool and descriptive. I think I got a good deal. So yeah, I'd say this one based off yer description is worth about $400 to $500. I can't believe they are wanting $1,000!! It's for sure not worth that.

jason

74 basses shouldn't go for that much yet. Of course, ANY of the 70's basses should not be that much yet. I have seen some higher but I don't think they are worth that much yet. Of course, this is not to flame because I know that there are basses out there that are being sold for that much or more. "What the market will bear"

I think it is different if it is a special model like earlier basses with checkerboard and full MOP and all that...

I think it is only worth around $400 -700 as most of it can be repaired fairly cheap, outside of a refin. I paid $1100 Feb '03 for my '73 4001 that is in decent shape with checker binding and toaster pickup. There are a few issues with the finish, not bad really and a small chunk taken out of the headstock, but I think I paid a fair price for it.

See if the guy will come down, if not there are others out there waiting for you.