Rickenbacker Bass info/prices?

[aWolfAppears]

I recently started playing bass a lot more (I started on bass then went mainly to guitar, now am back playing in a group) and have been looking around at getting some better gear. I came across a 1987 Rickenbacker bass...I had always wanted to try one out, and DANG it was nice. It made me really curious about them. What is a reasonable price range on these basses? What should one look for in one? Any historical times I should be concerned about that would make any year better or worse than another?

As thanks for any info, a pic of the bass I saw

[toez10]

I recently started playing bass a lot more (I started on bass then went mainly to guitar, now am back playing in a group) and have been looking around at getting some better gear. I came across a 1987 Rickenbacker bass...I had always wanted to try one out, and DANG it was nice. It made me really curious about them. What is a reasonable price range on these basses? What should one look for in one? Any historical times I should be concerned about that would make any year better or worse than another?

As thanks for any info, a pic of the bass I saw

Rickenbacker basses are pretty steady throughout their history. If you like shortscale, look for the 3000 (hamburg) model. Otherwise, if you can find a bass of any vintage from Rickenbacker in the $1000 range, you're doing well. In my experience looking for used Ric basses, they were rarely any cheaper than 1200-1500 dollars.

[Billy3000]

Otherwise, if you can find a bass of any vintage from Rickenbacker in the $1000 range, you're doing well. In my experience looking for used Ric basses, they were rarely any cheaper than 1200-1500 dollars.

This is right on the money. I bought my used 1999 model Fireglo 4003 for $1300 after taxes and with a new set of strings and that was a pretty damn good deal compared to the other ones I was seeing online in similar condition. I love it!

[Rayjaysonic]

I got hold of my 1996 Leftie 4003 for £900 (about $1400). It's in mint condition and came with the silver Rick case. Bought it 2001 and feel like I stole it from the shop looking at current prices in the UK. Saw a battered 2006 model for £1299 ($1900) the other day without a case. Best purchase I have ever made.

[kpstafford73]

People tend to snatch up Rick basses when they fall into that $1300-$1600 range if they're in good shape. They tend to hold their value really well, so if you find one that plays well, you probably won't regret the purchase. They do standard colors every year (Jetglo = Black, Fireglo = Cherry Sunburst, Mapleglo = Natural, Midnightglo = Metallic blue), but you'll also find less common "Color of the Year" ones that may demand a bit of a premium on the price. The Red one is in the picture above is a discontinued color and they no longer do the black hardware/pickguard options... so that would set you apart a little from the pack if that's what you're after. Good luck!

[kpstafford73]

By the way, I am partial to Rickenbackers... I have four of them.

A 2002 Burgandyglo 360, a 2010 Jetglo 4001c64 (the Paul McCartney model), an old black 1959 450 with the gold anodized pickguard, and then in the other picture is a 1991 381v69/12.