Question: Seriously, why are Rics so expensive?

Honkridge

Honkridge

UNACCEPTABLE!
They sound great and they fill a niche that only they can. But they don't play great. For the most part they don't use exotic or rare wood. From what I see they don't look like they require a complicated build process. Would they sell more of them if they were cheaper? Are they pricey cause we pay it without balking?
 
Because they don't build a lot of them and you don't see scads of used ones on the market. I think it's demand + scarcity. Also, their dealers are not allowed to post prices - you have to contact the dealer to check. I had a 330-12 for about ten minutes. It sounded great but was utterly annoying to play.
 
It’s silly. Might as well buy one of the cheaper alternatives. Then, hand it over to a luthier to cherry it out, and call it good.
 
Because nobody else builds anything like them. And they sue the shit out of anyone who tries.
 
There are not a ton of alternatives. But, I know Tokai made a Lennon model and Harley Benton makes a Rick-a-like.

Tokai RG40
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Harley Benton RB 600 CS
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They’re built in the US in relatively small numbers using fussy, time intensive techniques. There’s a ton of binding on the fancy models. They’re mainly semi hollow with set necks. There’s a fair amount of contouring. I’m guessing their manufacturing process doesn’t involve a lot of CNC work. They’re using custom hardware and parts unique to Rics.

I’m sure they’d sell a boatload if they created an MIK import line with some concessions to mass production—but then they wouldn’t be special and they’d sell way fewer US made traditional Rics.

I like the feel. I bought one once but it got damaged in shipping and then I went in a different direction and bought something else. They are quirky sound wise and a little fiddly when it comes to maintenance and replacement parts and the like. And getting the “Ric sound” out of something else isn’t impossible—especially on record. A tele or a Gretsch or Gretsch-alike can get you super close depending on the context.

As for the 12-string thing, I’ve played a lot of 12s including my friends’ 70s Ric and the thing that makes Rics sound different is how the courses are set up with the lower strings first and then the octave. This does change the feel and the sound — but you could get a new nut installed on any “regular” 12 and be in business. I’ve thought about it several times but never bothered because I’m not running some Civil War reenactment for the mid 1960s over here. For my money, the Reverend 12 string is the best playing, least annoying electric 12 on the market.
 
Here is a 325 copy for a fraction of what an actual Ric would cost. It ships for free from Buenos Aires. What could possibly go wrong?

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Bunch of em on aliexpress for under $250 if you really want to go cheap
I've accompanied friends on pilgrimages to the old 48th street music row to buy Rics in the past but they aren't not my cuppa.
 
I only have an irrational love of the basses. It’s a lost love that I foolishly tossed and I’m still in mourning.
Same deal though. Intensive skilled American labor, intentional scarcity, unique parts, fancy trim, time consuming finishing process.
 
For a while I’ve been thinking about selling off some guitars and gear I don’t use. Now that I’m playing bass again I’m really tempted to do it and drive out to Wildwood and pick out a 4003. I poured a little water on that temptation this morning by watching a video by someone who recently purchased a new 4003 and it was great except some 2010s Gibson level quality control issues and the bridge lifting away from the body (which is apparently a common problem). Maybe Wildwood sends back all the bad ones so I can at least not have to deal with ordering online and having to send back bad instruments until I get a good one.
 
I recall watching an episode of That Pedal Show with Dave Gregory of XTC fame. He brought two of his 12 string Rickenbacher guitars. He explained that he became interested in them, mainly, because of the Beatles music. He went into detail about why they’re difficult to play and the problems they develop as they age. He pushed through all the challenges and became proficient at playing them. I recall hearing 12 string on the XTC album English Settlement.

I think I’d rather cheat with a Line 6 Variax or similar solution. A Digitech Mosaic pedal could work, but those sound funny on the high E and B strings. But, I suppose you could make it work by being careful about which note positions and chord inversions are chosen.
 
jp_nyc said:
For a while I’ve been thinking about selling off some guitars and gear I don’t use. Now that I’m playing bass again I’m really tempted to do it and drive out to Wildwood and pick out a 4003. I poured a little water on that temptation this morning by watching a video by someone who recently purchased a new 4003 and it was great except some 2010s Gibson level quality control issues and the bridge lifting away from the body (which is apparently a common problem). Maybe Wildwood sends back all the bad ones so I can at least not have to deal with ordering online and having to send back bad instruments until I get a good one.
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My 4003 was used, I got it in 97' on a whim at a music store in Mobile AL for $650. Perfect condition, 5-10 yrs old I'm guessing. Fireburst with the shark inlays, beautiful. I loved the fast slick finished rosewood fretboard, the neck shape, the scale length, not to mention the tones in it.
I found it quite ergonomic. Its still the coolest looking bass shape IMO. I played it 5-6 yrs and never changed the strings or put a wrench to it at all. I guess I was lucky. I know they have a terrible reputation with techs and luthiers.
 
They're not that expensive anymore compared to things like Fender's American Vintage line and of course Gibsons. Dave's Guitar Shop always has the best prices on them, too.

As for new Ric basses, they redesigned the bridge so that the "tail lift" seen on many old 4003s is no longer possible. (They also updated the saddles to be easier to adjust.) Despite these "upgrades" I still prefer the older style bridge, it seems more solid to me.
 
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