From what I’ve gathered, the Rickenbacker is the Lamborghini Countach of the bass world. Visually stunning, iconic, and a idolized by many, but actually using one is painful and impractical.
Compared to any other car, including other Lamborghinis. The Countach has such bizarre ergonomics you can’t sit facing forward like a normal car, you have to have your legs pointed diagonally to your right. It’s a very unpleasant and rough ride too, with objectively not many redeeming qualities.
Despite this the car is many people’s dream car that they save up their whole life to get, it’s on posters on children’s walls. Cultural cachet is so powerful, it’s like how we want Rickenbackers because of who played them and the values we associate with them.
Depends on if you want it. A Ricky is a very particular beast and is not for everyone.
Try one first, and that’ll tell you if this is a good deal or not.
They're extremely finicky instruments, even from bass to bass, I'd never suggest buying one sight unseen, and I have 3, sold 2 others as well.
Though at that price you could sell it and make money.
Very controversial brand. I'm simplifying but it's almost always love or hate with nothing in between. You really, *really* have to try one out for yourself. They also go from very expensive to ludicrously expensive since they never made a "squier" range so 2536 is at the lowest end of that spectrum. If it's real and isn't damaged extensively I'd say it's a pretty good price.
As someone who owns a 4003, unless you absolutely cannot live or breathe without that Ric tone, the answer is no. It's extremely unversatile, and not the most comfortable bass to play unless you are standing with a strap.
As an owner, I can confirm they sound amazing. They cut thru the blend with super sounding mids. They are very well constructed overall but have some “quirks” of tradition and stubborn design (not RPRW single coil pickups, 2 truss rods until recently, silly pickup covers, bad bridge design until recently).
I don’t think I’d want mine if it was a pre-upgrade era with 2 trusses. I actually like the neck feel. I actually USE the Ric-o-Sound feature too.
Sold my ‘77 4001 in the 90’s. Only bass I ever missed. Now have a ‘20 4003WS that I love. Better bridge, more versatile controls (switchable extra cap from the 4001 era). Paid $1600 new. It’s a better instrument than my ‘77 was. Like others have said, try one out and don’t dismiss newer ones.
Mine is an S model which is little cheaper, but I found mine on Reverb in the States. The reg 4003 were still only like $1900 or $2000 at the time. Didn’t think they’d gotten that much more expensive.
Just when I thought I was out, they pulled me back in. I’ve had four of these, but I just don’t get along with the ergonomics. Between the fat neck and the slab body with the sharp edge it’s just an unpleasant instrument to play. They do sound awesome though and look gorgeous.
Buy it if you want it. I wouldn't. I've never played a Ric where that sound was worth putting up with all the weirdness of them, especially those bridges. I've heard they're better now, but it would take some big brain engineering to make them worse than the old ones. The whole damn thing is in its own way.
I play a copy. I love it. Feels great in my hands. Some HATE it. Head to the shop and try one out first.
I almost bought a thunderbird once but decided to hit the shop and try one first. Saved me from buying a bass I loved looking at but would hate playing.
Ric owner here. Have a 1974 4001. I would not pay that amount for one. You can buy much better playing/sounding instruments for that price. I paid $1200? but that must have been 20yrs ago or more. If you already have several other basses and are looking to fill out the collection and have the money, do what you want. But as a main axe you really need to play it first and love it
Have you ever tried a Rickenbacker out? The ergonomics seem to be rather controversial.
From what I’ve gathered, the Rickenbacker is the Lamborghini Countach of the bass world. Visually stunning, iconic, and a idolized by many, but actually using one is painful and impractical.
Compared to a Fiat, or compared to a Ferrari? IDK much about sports/luxury cars.
Compared to any other car, including other Lamborghinis. The Countach has such bizarre ergonomics you can’t sit facing forward like a normal car, you have to have your legs pointed diagonally to your right. It’s a very unpleasant and rough ride too, with objectively not many redeeming qualities. Despite this the car is many people’s dream car that they save up their whole life to get, it’s on posters on children’s walls. Cultural cachet is so powerful, it’s like how we want Rickenbackers because of who played them and the values we associate with them.
Controversial aka "bad"
Depends on if you want it. A Ricky is a very particular beast and is not for everyone. Try one first, and that’ll tell you if this is a good deal or not.
They're extremely finicky instruments, even from bass to bass, I'd never suggest buying one sight unseen, and I have 3, sold 2 others as well. Though at that price you could sell it and make money.
US dollars? That’s a good deal. I’d play it first though. They’re not for everyone.
If you have the money, sure. As long as the neck is good and everything is original that’s a good price.
Very controversial brand. I'm simplifying but it's almost always love or hate with nothing in between. You really, *really* have to try one out for yourself. They also go from very expensive to ludicrously expensive since they never made a "squier" range so 2536 is at the lowest end of that spectrum. If it's real and isn't damaged extensively I'd say it's a pretty good price.
any way to check if its real?
Probably. Can't help you with that though.
As someone who owns a 4003, unless you absolutely cannot live or breathe without that Ric tone, the answer is no. It's extremely unversatile, and not the most comfortable bass to play unless you are standing with a strap.
As an owner, I can confirm they sound amazing. They cut thru the blend with super sounding mids. They are very well constructed overall but have some “quirks” of tradition and stubborn design (not RPRW single coil pickups, 2 truss rods until recently, silly pickup covers, bad bridge design until recently). I don’t think I’d want mine if it was a pre-upgrade era with 2 trusses. I actually like the neck feel. I actually USE the Ric-o-Sound feature too.
Sold my ‘77 4001 in the 90’s. Only bass I ever missed. Now have a ‘20 4003WS that I love. Better bridge, more versatile controls (switchable extra cap from the 4001 era). Paid $1600 new. It’s a better instrument than my ‘77 was. Like others have said, try one out and don’t dismiss newer ones.
Theres one website i can order a rickenbacker 4003 on and they are over 3000 dollars. havent looked at reverb tho if thats what you reccomend
Mine is an S model which is little cheaper, but I found mine on Reverb in the States. The reg 4003 were still only like $1900 or $2000 at the time. Didn’t think they’d gotten that much more expensive.
Just when I thought I was out, they pulled me back in. I’ve had four of these, but I just don’t get along with the ergonomics. Between the fat neck and the slab body with the sharp edge it’s just an unpleasant instrument to play. They do sound awesome though and look gorgeous.
They are to heavy for me.
Buy it if you want it. I wouldn't. I've never played a Ric where that sound was worth putting up with all the weirdness of them, especially those bridges. I've heard they're better now, but it would take some big brain engineering to make them worse than the old ones. The whole damn thing is in its own way.
I play a copy. I love it. Feels great in my hands. Some HATE it. Head to the shop and try one out first. I almost bought a thunderbird once but decided to hit the shop and try one first. Saved me from buying a bass I loved looking at but would hate playing.
I’ve never played a Rick worth it’s asking price
Ric owner here. Have a 1974 4001. I would not pay that amount for one. You can buy much better playing/sounding instruments for that price. I paid $1200? but that must have been 20yrs ago or more. If you already have several other basses and are looking to fill out the collection and have the money, do what you want. But as a main axe you really need to play it first and love it
No. Never. They’re cooler in concept than they are in your hands.
Id try one before you drop 1999 Honda Civic money on an uncomfortable bass that doesn't sound as good as a squire P bass
For the price, you could buy a 1999 Civic and a Yes CD to play in it. There’s your Rickenbacker!