Looking for info on CMI Rickenbacker copy

[bassbloke]

A friend of fine was moaning about the bass sound on one of his recordings and saying his bass was an ancient rickenbacker copy with dead strings. I saw it on Sunday and it's a natural finish CMI Rickenbacker copy. The bass is in good condition and is very light and playable. The only odd thing is the overly lacquered fingerboard. The dead strings were flatwounds, hence the total lack of zing. It's the perfect bass for a beatles fan though.

I seem to remember them being quite sought after. Is it worth much?

[Bassassin]

[quote name='bassbloke' post='746834' date='Feb 16 2010, 08:09 AM']I seem to remember them being quite sought after. Is it worth much?[/quote]
Broadly between around £300 - £450, depending on condition.

Get some good, clear & detailed pics up & I'll see if I can work out what it is. CMI was an importer brand (Cleartone Musical Instruments, an offshoot of Marshall Amps) and they sourced instruments from
several different manufacturers.

Real Ricks have heavily lacquered boards and most of the copies did likewise - there's probably no noticeable effect on the tone but I doubt it would make it duller.

Jon.

[bassbloke]

Thank you for the excellent information. I didn't think the lacquered board would affect tone, but for someone used to fender fingerboards, it looks a little odd.

I'll get him to take some pictures. He may be more inclined to keep hold of it given its semi-collectible status.