Rickenbacker Guitars

It pains me to do this but a leaky basement and $10,000+ in repair bills forces me to take some drastic measures...  Looks like I'm going to have to sell a bass or two and couple of signed, limited edition books to cover the cost.

If you're reading this you understand how incredibly rare this instrument is...  There are estimates that as few of 60 of these basses were ever made and sold.  There are others that say a maximum of 200.  Regardless, these are incredibly rare.  And the last one I saw sold here on eBay went for $7,777.00.  You can find others around at vintage dealers or available for the right price from private collectors where they tend to start at the $12,000 mark.  And yes, I think those are over-valued.  But of course I'd love for someone to pay that because then I wouldn't have to sell anything else...  I know...  "dreaming"! 

So, on to it...  Up for grabs is my 1978 Rickenbacker 4002 bass guitar.  Yes, a complete upgrade from the 4001 and 4003 bass models.  It features upgraded wood (birdseye maple), an ebony fretboard, checkerboard binding, upgraded tuners, humbucking pickups (NOT single coil like most Ric bass models) in a different position from their "regular" basses, in fact in jazz bass position, rick-o-sound output jacks AND an XLR output for recording direct to the board.

Because of the humbucking pickups, this bass does NOT have the noise issue generally associated with the single coil models.  These pickups provide an incredible range of sounds...  Not only can you get the standard Rickenbacker growl, but you can also go straight over to great jazz bass thump and everything in between.  It's got to be the most versatile sounding bass in Ric's line-up.

This bass is 100% original.  There have been absolutely no modifications to it whatsoever.  It's shown in a vintage case, but that's not the one it will be shipped in, it will be shipped in a standard balck case.  There are no major dings although its not in perfect shape.  It's been played and shows it, but it is still in AMAZING shape.  The only thing that I have to point out that's not really shown in the photos is that there is some finish crazing (or cracks) but you have to expect that for a bass of this vintage.

If you want to see this bass in action check out a former band I was in at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2I7hgx5l5mU&feature=related playing surf music...  Yes, a Rickenbacker used for surf...  See what I mean about it's flexibility and sonic capabilities.

The 4002 series is looked at now as limited production model but I'm not sure that that's what Rickenbacker intended...  They were just so much more expensive than the 4001 bass avavilable at the time that there wasn't that much demand for them.

I can't don't really know anyone famous who has played a 4002 except for Geddy Lee of Rush.  I did a search but couldn't find anyone else listed as playing one...  Probably because they're so rare!  If you want to see how highly these basses are regarded feel free to search the Ricenbacker Forums at www.rickenbacker.com and at www.rickresource.com/forum.

In my experience I've played all kinds of basses...  Fenders including a Precision, a Jazz and a Tele bass, a Sadowsky, a Trussart Steelcaster, several Ric models like the 4001 and the 4003, custom made basses, a Reverend Rumblefish, an Ernie Ball Stingray (or Sting Ray), a Wal, a Lado and more...  This is by far one of the most versatile sonically.

I'm motivated to sell but not stupid, the opening auction is set at $5,000...  If you hit the reserve it can be yours instantly.  Shipping will be the responsibility of the buyer, you just pay that cost.  I expect it to cost about $125.00 to ship in Canada and the US if you're comfortable having it shipped via a ground service, rush or air delivery will be significantly more expensive.  If you're bidding from Europe, Asia or Australia please check the shipping costs on your end, I would expect it to run into several hundred dollars for surface and potentially a LOT more if you want it delivered via air.  If you want to figure out an estimate I would assume a shipping weight of 18-20 pounds.  Whatever you do, do NOT use the shipping calculators here as my experience shows that they're not reliable for oversized items like bass guitars.  And because of the value of this bass I will be declaring its value and insuring it on its journey.

I won't allow it to be purchased by someone in, or shipped to China, Russia, Africa or other countries (yes, I know Africa is a continent - it just helps to say that so I don't have to spell out Nigeria, Somalia, etc.) where scamming is prevalent.

If you're in the Toronto area you're welcome to take it for a test drive, just message and I'll get back to you.

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