"1977" Rickenbacker 4001 Bass

[Roozter]

I came across a bass in my local area for sale. Its beat to shit cosmetically (no big deal), but I have two concerns. First its in arcticglo with the black pickgaurd. Did they even make them in that finish in 1977? Ive seen tons of those for the 79's though. Also, The neck pickup does not look original to me. As far as I can see its a toaster pickup, did those ever come stock or no?

The guy apparently bought it used for about 1400. But I doubt that, probably far less. His asking price is 1000. Personally the beat up finish (and its pretty damn bad) does not bother me in the slightest. If it is authentic Rickenbacker, and is still playable I would buy it. Its strictly for use in the studio.

If the pickup is NOT the original, how much do you think that factors in to the price along with the beat up finish? Personally if it plays well I think that is the only factor that garners value at that point and would offer 835-850. Is that fair? Should I offer more, or even less?

 

[ido1957]

Buy a new one and then you'll never ever ever regret buying a bass...I know because I know someone who did.

 

[Roozter]

Buy a new one and then you'll never ever ever regret buying a bass...I know because I know someone who did.

Thanks, but thats not really the question.

First, I really dont like the sound of new Rickenbackers, I dont care if it has a push-pull tone knob. Ill only be using the bridge pickup, and the fact that its older (but beat up a little) probably means its aged, therefore I get vintage sound, and vintage tone. This is an extremly expensive bass new, and I cant afford a new one anyway.

Ill ask the guy for the serial # and then if it is a real RIck Ill check it out. I was really just wondering if anyone here knew if enough about Ricks to give me some reliable info.

 

[Guitargodgt]

I literally know nothing of Ricks, but there has to be some way of identifying if it's a fake right? I mean all you have to do with a Fender is take the neck off real quick and you have your answer.

But like I said, I know shit all about Ricks.

 

[Track Rat]

My 4001 is a bit older than the one your looking at. Do you have any picures of it? I've seen knock offs before and it was real easy to see they were not real Ricks. The pickups on mine are identical in appearence and of course it's neck thru, not a bolt on.

 

[Roozter]

My 4001 is a bit older than the one your looking at. Do you have any picures of it? I've seen knock offs before and it was real easy to see they were not real Ricks. The pickups on mine are identical in appearence and of course it's neck thru, not a bolt on.

I checked out how to identify a fake rick. As far as I can see it's the real deal. What I did find out though is that its actually a 1976 Model. No idea where this guy got 77' from. Also, the neck pickup does look to be non-original.

 

[ido1957]

I hope it plays better than it looks...

 

[Track Rat]

That neck pickup definately ain't stock. And that bad boy looks like someone used it to swing their way out of a bar fight with it. I'd try to get the price a lot lower.

 

[Roozter]

I hope it plays better than it looks...

My thoughts exactly. If it actually plays well when I check it out then Ill get it.

That neck pickup definately ain't stock. And that bad boy looks like someone used it to swing their way out of a bar fight with it. I'd try to get the price a lot lower.

My original offer was going to $850 and his asking price is $1000. You think I should go lower than that?

 

[Roozter]

I hope it plays better than it looks...

My thoughts exactly. If it actually plays well when I check it out then Ill get it.

That neck pickup definately ain't stock. And that bad boy looks like someone used it to swing their way out of a bar fight with it. I'd try to get the price a lot lower.

My original offer was going to $850 and his asking price is $1000. You think I should go lower than that?

 

[Guitargodgt]

Wow I actually dig the look of that all beat to shit. As long as the neck is good to go and there is nothing major wrong with it I say secks.

 

[Track Rat]

Considering the shape it's in and none original neck pup, I wouldn't pay more than that.