$2000 for a used 4003 isn’t uncommon. I’d not consider this a great price. I see folks saying $1500, maybe I missed something.
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No. This is private party listing locally.
The issue isn’t having the cash on hand now - I do. The issue is what my financial picture is going to look like when I start grad school. Especially because my wife earns significantly more than me, and will be helping to cover the costs of my schooling.
Now… if I get a reasonable rate on a student loan that lets me spread out those costs, that might change the picture.
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That is my impression. This seems like a fair or competitive price. What I would expect of the market rate. But not an amazing deal, except that the blue is a rarer color and commands a higher price.
But if I wanted Fireglo, Black, Walnut, or Maple… plenty for the same price on Reverb right now.
I think the correct answer is for me to take the opportunity of it being for sale locally to test play it and figure out how much I love it or not. Then I can be more comfortable deciding how much I want to order one after I have a clearer picture of my finances.
I might miss the chance to own a blue one, but… whatever.
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This^^^ 
Hell, if nothing else, you’ll get a test drive and a good hang with a bud. Ain’t nothin’ wrong with any of that.
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I own a Ric so understand your dilemma
When I first played bass as a teenager ( a few years ago) I always wanted a Ric. as my hero’s all played them (Chris Squire, Geddy Lee, Lemmy etc.)… Stopped playing for many years, so fast forward to 2025 and I finally got a Rickenbacker, I only had to wait 45 years. But it was worth it. I can afford it now, got my education, brought up the kids, paid for my house and got my wife’s permission to get one.
Do the important stuff first and keep the dream going, and you will eventually get one ( and the most important thing is a happy wife).
Forgot to add, I’m 64 & 10/12ths.
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Tbh if you have to think about finances this much I would just play it safe and buy one when you are in a more comfortable position. Just my 2 cents.
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Ah….blue…then that’s a good deal if that’s important to you. Almost bought a blue 4001 in Japan when I was there.
I can’t do that! Many, many years ago, I had a 4001 in Fireglo. It gave me so much pleasure, at home, rehearsals, on stage. I had to sell it, in the end. I regretted having to do that so now I have a 4003 in Blue Boy.
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In this case, I would prefer not to buy the bass, and leave it for after graduating. Buying it could later on be a strain on your relationship. I agree it sounds more prudent to save the money for now.
I would however use the opportunity to get to see and play the bass. Then at least you will know if you like it or not. But I wouldn’t buy it. You have to decide it for yourself, but you kind of did in your message when you weighed the pros and cons.
I might be breaking the forum rules by not telling you to buy it , but I myself would save the money in this situation.
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Serious question, how much do you value your marriage? Think of the optics associated with dropping $2k on a bass, when about to start grad school, with you wife partially funding said education. Doesn’t exactly sound like a recipe for marital bliss.
Of course, many will encourage the spending, but having gone through a divorce - not related to bass playing, but partially driven by a desire to spend money on cycling and enter bike races on the other side of the world - I really would urge caution…
Equally, the fact that you are asking, and then make statements about your wife funding grad school, means you already know what the right answer is 
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Also, it’s a matter of good old respect…
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Now we are talking about divorces 
That being said, premium basses hold value quite well. You can also see it as an investment. Selling it later would most likely give you a similar price. So in any case it is not the end of the world.
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Yup. That’s why I said at the start that I was looking for reassurance that finding a Rick is not that rare of a thing that I’m going to kick myself for missing the opportunity. Unlike, say… buying my SBV-550 from Howard.
I am feeling reassured that - I should take this opportunity to test one out and see what I think, but that I don’t need to fret that I’m going to struggle to find another Rick in the future.
As for my marriage - it is the most important thing in the world to me. It is very strong and healthy. If I were to buy this, it would be a point of minor frustration, but not conflict or tension. (Or rather… the money would not be. She is more bothered by me acquiring Stuff that takes up space, rather than spending the money.)
I would be more bothered about my choice than she would.
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My (current) wife gets extremely frustrated by me ‘collecting’ stuff, whether it’s the bikes in the garage or the basses in my office. I’m on a ‘declutter’ campaign, I’ve recently sold 2 basses, plus have one listed for sale and another that I’ll list over Xmas. Same with bikes, there’s one specifically that I need to offload as it hasn’t been ridden in 3 or 4 years! Oh, then there’s an amp I need gone…!!
There will always be another Rick. And to be honest, even if you get that Rick, who says you won’t be lusting after something else in a month or two? At least for me, the desire for GAS doesn’t seem stop!!
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This
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The counter arguments here is/are:
- hair
- makeup & other beauty products
- shoes/purses
- jewelry / clothes
None of which recoup your money like an properly researched instrument or other collectible, the first two are sunk money with repeating purchases…. you’re welcome.
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Agree 100% but just want to throw out there that “shoes” is not a windmill you of all people should want to tilt at 
Actually me either at this point (though for boots)
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shhhhhh, his wife don’t know that - and my wife’s shoe collection is way way more $$$ than mine
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Hey. You don’t know my wife. So you don’t know how wrong you are.
But you are insulting me with your low opinion of her.
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