Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Check the opening bid on this beat up specimen...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=4713&item=7306629920&rd=1

Ha!

He's having a laugh, surely!

it is getting to the point it hardly makes any sense at all buying used Rics off of ebay ... most of them cost as much or more than a brand new one ... so why buy them ... you can get a brand new one for $1000 and get a warranty and it won't be beat up ... no exposed wood ... fret divits, no neck damage, no screwed up electronics, no bizzare mods ... everybody seems to think that their bass is rare and collectable and is worth more than the price of a new one ...

I, personnally, don't even see the point of paying more than $750-ish for a used 4003. I'd rather spend the extra few hundred and get a new one......but apparently this is the minority view since they are selling like mad on Ebay. I sometimes entertain thoughts of selling my '97 and '93 4003s (plural.....not 4003s model ) so I can add a few $$$$ and get new unscathed models. I certainly enjoy what I have and take good care of them but getting blemish free versions in new colors is an attraction also.....

at this rate I should buy a bunch of new 4003 basses for $1000 each and keep them for a year or 2 and use them as wall art and then sell them on ebay as rare beyond mint basses for $1300 ...

In their description, it has 'unknown' p/ups & a set neck. They then go on to claim that 'well used with visible dings & scratches...maybe dirty....may have substituted hardware' is GOOD condition. I'd hate to see one of their 'fair' condition gtrs! Would it have a neck?
Then, they moan that they find that customers have 'different product condition expectations'.
Perhaps if they were to list their ads correctly, then they would probably have less trouble. At least they got the number of strings right....

I've said it before, I'll say it again:
GUITAR CENTER SUCKS.

guitar center serves a purpose ... it is where idiots go to buy stuff from idiots ...

"I'd hate to see one of their 'fair' condition gtrs! Would it have a neck? "

Hehe he he. Made me chuckle.

Jeff, That's a novel idea .
I had 3 4003's that I flipped for a nice profit.
Those crazy Ebay buyers.

I try to hang on to my personal stash, but sadly I had to leave my C64 go.

I sent them an email about their ebay "rock out like Motorhead bass" basically saying that I am sick of seeing their stupid auction and they should be ashamed of themselves for targeting retards (politically incorrect as it may be). I also mentioned that it is annoying to see their run of the mill Rics (as far as Rics go anyway) portrayed as rarities with an inflated price.

While I realize my rant which was a little more intense/vulgar than I describe here was completely worthless it did amuse me. The response was a form letter thanking me for my interest and wishing me luck in the auction
I'm glad that I wasn't waiting for a reply to a serious question......

I think there are people out there who have ebay addiction ... they see an item and they have to bid ... they can't freaking stop themselves ... even to the point where they bid above the items value and above the retail price of a new one ... either that or there are a lot of idiots out there ...

I just bought a new 4003 from musiciansfriend for $985 a mapleglo. I could have had a fireglo new for $918 + tax. from a connecticut store nearby me. I chose the maple because all my instruments are natural (a fetish perhaps). I hope the bass is a good one (arrives friday).

I think some people think the old ones are better. the whole vintage thing. We know that the pickups have changed (and the necks and bodies). I havn't decided yet whether I need the old pickups to get that Geddy or Squire sound yet, this forum seems to have different opinions on it.
I like the newer necks and the new truss system.
I decided to get a new one because I figured that I could always buy some older pickups and retro a beautiful new bass. I'd rather do that than inherit the problems of a used one.

Then theres the new Ric smell. I remember my first Ric in 1977 when I was a 14 year old Rush fanatic. That smell always takes me back to opening the case for the first time. I'll never love an instrument the way I loved that new '77 jetglo.
You gotta love that new Ric unveiling moment. I'm looking forward to Friday and reliving my youth. If only for a moment.

Brett Bottomley

Brett - I got my mapleglo 4003 from Musician's Friend, too, in 2000. I had to smile when I read your post because my first Rick was a jetglo too, and I am a longtime Rush fan (sound familiar, anyone?). Anyhow, the mapleglo I got was perfect, and it ended up being the one I recorded my first CD with and played a ton of gigs with. It might be the best of my Ric's, and I will always love that one.

Mapleglo is a nice, honest & simple finish. It does not look any worse with regular gig wear - perhaps even better. And... it seems to be the favorite finish of the ladies - I cannot explain and have no scientific data, it just seems to be, from comments I've heard.

Enjoy!

There is definitely a place for online bidding for vintage gear. Some of the stuff to be had is incredible.

When I see an ad like this, I wonder, though. I think the 'hype' ingredient is the main source of price inflation.

I would much sooner order a new 4003 from a reputable dealer like Mike Parks who actually knows the instruments and adds value (like a consultation and set-up). This ad has a used-car feel.

IMHO.