Cool Rics on eBay / Reverb / Craigslist

[Dave W]

I really don't understand why a Guitar Center special Shadow is worth more than a Tuxedo or even a far better looking Blackstar.  The stink of Guitar Center will forever keep me from paying a stupid amount for a Shadow.

   

"stink of guitar Center" LOL

It wouldn't be worth more to me either. Still, GC smelled better back then, and it was a limited edition.

[Paul Boyer]

I really don't understand why a Guitar Center special Shadow is worth more than a Tuxedo or even a far better looking Blackstar.  The stink of Guitar Center will forever keep me from paying a stupid amount for a Shadow.

Well, really the Shadow probably didn't cost much more back in 1986 than the SPCs (Blackstar, Tuxedo, and Redneck) did in 1987-1990, but they were much more scarce (supposedly 50 Shadows as opposed to 100-200 each of the SPCs). The collector value of the limited editions has increased (and decreased) over the years, and that has nothing to do with GC (or even RIC for that matter). While the Blackstar and the other SPCs are great basses, the Shadow was somehow even better. For those who desire "thin" necks (front to back), the Shadows were the thinnest Ricks ever made (according to measurements in a database over on the RRF). Personally, the one I had measured even thinner than my two 1972s which I thought were the ultimate in thinness. In addition to thin, my Shadow had the best action and the straightest neck of the couple dozen Ricks that have passed through these hands. Magnificent.

[Happy Face]

Good to know about the neck dimensions.

But I'd way prefer to spend that kind of money on a Redneck.

As if.

[Paul Boyer]

Yeah, I wish I had found a Redneck, too. Fortunately, there was a collector in Chicagoland who had all three and I was able to photograph them together for the book. Since the book was published (two years ago now!) I've sold off most of my collection. I still have the Tux, although it doesn't have it's White outer suit!

[Happy Face]

l'm in the same boat. Now I only have my second Blackstar, which I gig with. The Tux in my icon is gone.

IMHO the Redneck is the best looking of the trio. That red with a hint of black finish is masterful.

I've only seen that one 5 or 8 string one that was on sale in Europe a few years ago. I guess they sell by appointment only and no appointments are available.... 

[Paul Boyer]

It was an eight-string Redneck. They didn't make Redneck fivers. There were several Blackstar fivers, however, even a lefty that was held for a photo by a prominent lefty bassist:

http://www.talkbass.com/threads/paul-mccartneys-5-string-rickenbacker-bass.941310/

[ilan]

... Shadow is worth more than a Tuxedo or even a far better looking Blackstar

Each to their own, I guess. Personally, I think the Shadow is hands-down the best looking Ric bass ever made. Every time I open the case I'm blown away. It's a good bass too, but many Rics are.

[Happy Face]

Yep. Each to their own. 

[ilan]

1979 light (almost red) Burgundy 4005 in the UK. GBP 6K BIN.

[Paul Boyer]

Wow! That's a rare one. I've seen several Burgundy 4005, but most are the deeper "standard" version of BG. That's a keeper! But for more than $9Gs U.S., and a late build, this one may be sitting on the block for a while.

[ilan]

1980 4001S in WAL (glossy ATG). I don't recall ever seeing a 4001/4003S in Autumnglo or Walnut before. Too bad about the mods. Still a rare bass. $1,600 BIN.

[ilan]

Nov. '83 WAL/ATG 4008 reverse hairpin rods. Octave strings on top - reverse for Ric, standard for other 8-stringers. $0.99 starting bid, no reserve.

[Paul Boyer]

This string setup was standard on the 4008. The 4003S/8 that superseded the 4008 had the octave strings on the "other" side. The 4008 spanned the introduction of the 4003 model with its new truss-rod arrangement. Most had the "new" system, but not all had the split pickguard. The 4008 is much rarer than the 4003S/8. Lovely example!

[Dave W]

Beauty. Last minute bids are likely to get way up there on this one.

[chromium]

Wow- I wouldn't mind going after that and flipping my 4003s8.  It would scratch a pending to-do item off my list (re: reversing the root/octave order)

This is certainly the week for unique 8ers!