Joe's Vintage Guitars - Preserving History One Guitar at a Time

Mesa, Arizona · Buying Nationwide

Sell Your Rickenbacker Guitar Or Bass

I buy vintage and used Rickenbacker guitars and basses across the US. Send me photos for a free appraisal and a cash offer.

A 360/12, a 4001 bass, or a Rickenbacker you've inherited: start with the instrument and whatever you know about it. I can help identify the model and year.

Or call (602) 900-6635

Natural-finish Rickenbacker 360 lying in its blue-lined case
A Rickenbacker 360 from Joe's photo archive.
Free Photo AppraisalsPrepaid, Insured ShippingSingle Instruments & Collections

Talk With Me

Tell Me About Your Rickenbacker

Tell me what you know about your guitar or bass. If you're unsure of the model or year, leave those fields blank. I'll review the details and get back to you.

Have photos ready? See which photos to send. You can upload them after submitting the form.

Call Joe: (602) 900-6635
Best Way To Reply: (optional)

*If you have photos, you will have the option to upload them after clicking submit

Guitars, Basses & Twelve-Strings

Rickenbacker Models I Buy

Send photos of your Rickenbacker even if you don't know the model. Include any letters or numbers on the instrument, along with the case and loose parts.

Fireglo Rickenbacker 360/12 with an R tailpiece and two toaster-style pickups
360/12 from Joe's photo archive.

330, 360 & 12-String Guitars

I buy six-string and twelve-string Rickenbackers, including the 330, 360, 330/12 and 360/12. Send the full headstock as well as the body so I can see the tuner and pickup layout.

Natural-finish Rickenbacker 325 with three pickups, gold-colored pickguard and vibrato
325 from Joe's photo archive.

325, 350, 620 & 660 Models

Short-scale guitars, solidbodies, reissues and signature models each need the correct comparison. Include the full model designation if you have the receipt or original paperwork.

Blue Rickenbacker 4003 bass showing its body, neck and headstock
4003 bass from Joe's photo archive.

4001 & 4003 Basses

For a bass, photograph the bridge and tailpiece, both pickups and the neck from the side. Tell me about high action, fret wear, replacement parts or any work you've had done.

Blue Rickenbacker 4005 hollowbody bass with white pickguard in a red-lined case
4005 from Joe's photo archive.

4005 Basses & Earlier Instruments

I also review hollowbody basses, early electric guitars and lap steels. If yours has an unfamiliar model number or an older Rickenbacher spelling, send photos of the markings.

These are examples from my photo archive.

Can I Sell A Newer Rickenbacker?

Yes. Send the model, condition and photos of your used Rickenbacker. A modern reissue needs to be identified by its own production date. For example, Rickenbacker's 12-string model information describes the 360/12C63 as a replica of the earlier design; the model name alone doesn't make it a 1963 guitar.

Appraisal & Offer

What Is My Rickenbacker Worth?

The model, production period, originality and condition all affect the comparison. I review those details before making an offer, so a changed pickup or a repaired neck doesn't get overlooked.

Rickenbacker 360 body showing the pickups, controls, R tailpiece and natural finish
Body photos show the pickups, controls, tailpiece and finish together.

Rickenbacker Value Factors

Model And Year
A vintage 360, a later 360 and a vintage-style reissue need different comparisons. Include the complete serial stamp and any model paperwork.
Original Parts And Finish
Tell me about changed pickups, tuners, wiring, bridges or refinishing. Keep any removed parts with the guitar.
Condition And Repairs
Photograph cracks, repaired breaks, worn frets and areas where the finish has changed. Mention playing problems even if they don't show in a photo.
Case And Documentation
Include the case, receipts, service records and any documented ownership history. Send clear photos of paperwork rather than relying on a family story alone.

Asking Price, Sale Price And A Cash Offer

An advertised price doesn't show what a buyer paid. Reverb explains that the price visible on a sold listing can still be the listing price rather than the final sale price. Use comparable completed sales, with the same model, period and condition, when they're available.

A dealer offer also accounts for the work and costs of preparing and reselling an instrument. Compare the amount you'd receive after fees and shipping with the cash offer, as well as the time you'd spend photographing, listing and answering buyers.

For a closer look at your instrument, request a free Rickenbacker appraisal. I can explain the details behind the offer. For questions about selling, contact Joe.

Start With Your Phone

Photos To Send For A Rickenbacker Offer

Take clear photos in even light, without filters. Keep the whole instrument in the frame for the front and back views, then move closer for the markings and hardware.

If you can't find the serial, send the photos you have. My Rickenbacker serial number lookup shows common locations and formats.

Text Photos To (602) 900-6635
  1. Front And BackThe complete guitar or bass, including the headstock.
  2. Serial NumberThe entire stamp, including letters above or beside the digits.
  3. Headstock And TunersFront and back views, with the logo and tuner mounting visible.
  4. Pickups, Controls And TailpieceA clear body close-up, plus any loose or replacement parts.
  5. Wear, Repairs And CaseClose-ups of damage, the neck from the side, the case and paperwork.

See Joe’s estimated values and original instrument photos in the 330 and 340 value guide, 12-string value guide, and 4000 and 4001 bass value guide.

Does A Serial Number Prove The Year And Originality?

A serial number is a starting point. A replaced jackplate or bridge can carry a number from another instrument. Compare the serial with the pickup types and the body, binding and inlay details before treating it as a confirmed date.

Should I Repair Or Refinish My Guitar Before Selling?

Send photos before paying for work. Tell me about any repairs you're considering and include photos of the problem. You don't need to remove the pickguard, adjust the truss rods or take the guitar apart for the initial review.

Online Or In Person

How To Sell Your Rickenbacker To Joe

You'll work directly with me through the appraisal, offer and payment.

  1. 01

    Send Me Photos

    Text me the front, back, headstock, serial number and case. Include your location and any repair history. Leave cleaning and repairs until we've talked.

  2. 02

    I'll Appraise Your Rickenbacker

    I'll identify the model and check its condition, parts and finish. The appraisal is free, and I'll ask for more photos if I need a closer look.

  3. 03

    I'll Make A Cash Offer

    If it's an instrument I can buy, I'll tell you what I can pay and explain the offer. You can accept or decline it.

  4. 04

    Agree On Shipping And Payment

    We'll choose the payment method and go over my prepaid FedEx arrangements before your guitar or bass leaves you.

Nationwide Rickenbacker Bass Guitar Resale & Appraisals

I'm based at 47 N Fraser Dr E in Mesa, Arizona, and buy instruments from sellers across the US. Call to arrange an in-person visit or discuss a sale from another state.

Sell Your Rickenbacker Guitar Collection Online

For several instruments, send an overview photo and a list of the models you know. Include cases, amplifiers and loose parts. My guitar collection buying service covers collections as well as single guitars.

Rickenbacker bass resting on a FedEx counter beside shipping boxes
A Rickenbacker bass at the FedEx counter, ready for packing.

Prepaid Nationwide Shipping

How I Arrange FedEx Shipping For Your Rickenbacker

I explain the shipping process when I make the offer. There's no shipping cost to you: my FedEx account covers the box, professional packing, fully insured shipping and tracking.

Once we've agreed on the sale, I'll arrange the FedEx handoff and explain where to take your guitar or bass. The box and packing are provided at the FedEx location through my account.

How You'll Be Paid

I offer same-day payment in most cases. We'll agree on your payment method and confirm the timing for your sale before you take your instrument in.

You can contact me throughout the process if you have a question about the drop-off or payment.

Send Joe Your Rickenbacker Details

Joe's Vintage Guitars

Meet Vintage Guitar Expert, Joe Dampt

I'm a guitarist, collector and buyer based in Mesa. My interest in old guitars grew out of the music I listened to and played, from country and swing to rock and roll. You can read about Joe and the shop before getting in touch.

“Thank you for an easy pleasant transaction.”

Keith Smith · Google Review Excerpt

“Selling my vintage guitar couldn’t have been easier”

Mike (StratMC) · Google Review Excerpt

Questions About Selling A Rickenbacker

Where Can I Sell My Rickenbacker Guitar?

You can sell directly to a guitar buyer, list it yourself on a marketplace or discuss consignment with a shop. I buy Rickenbacker guitars and basses nationwide. Send photos to compare my offer with your other options.

Can I Sell My Guitar On Consignment Or Trade It For Another One?

It depends on the instrument and, for a trade, what I have available. Send the details and tell me which option interests you. You can also review my consignment service.

What If I Don't Know The Model Or Year?

Send the full front and back, the headstock, the serial stamp and any paperwork. Leave the model and year fields blank if you're unsure. I can help identify the instrument from those details.

Do I Pay For Shipping Or Need To Pack My Rickenbacker?

There's no shipping cost to you. I arrange the box, professional packing, transit insurance and tracking through my FedEx account. We'll go over the drop-off and payment details before you take the instrument in.

When Will I Be Paid For My Rickenbacker?

I offer same-day payment in most cases. We'll agree on your payment method and confirm the timing for your sale before you take your instrument in. For an in-person sale, call me to arrange the handoff.

What If I'm Buying A Guitar From Your Inventory?

Contact me about the specific instrument and review the refund and return policy before purchasing. Payment, delivery and return terms for a purchase are separate from an offer to buy your Rickenbacker.

Talk With
Joe Today

Have a vintage guitar to sell or a question? I’m here to help.

Best way to reply: (optional)

*If you have photos, you will have the option to upload them after clicking submit