Rickenbacker 4001

Mid 70's Maple-glo near mint condtn. OHSC acquired with Sunn Concert Bass head + mtchng Cab. w/2 15" JBLs for 500.00$ Can.!! Nk. thru dble truss rod, to my eyes, ugly gloss finish on fret board.

Now,although I'm a beginner to personally playing bass, I think I know what I prefer/expect in the sound aspect. I'm not technically anywhere profficient in nuances of control/amp settings,attack etc. but my fender Jazz bass seems easier to adjust, play and is warmer? sounding to my ears than this puppy. Could be because of the Rik's slimmer nk. and more complexity in the control department but my guess is p.u. s and c'mon, doesn't the body on these seem undersized?

Bought this 2nd hand and as the price was so low [as described earlier] I grabbed & found out the action was rather high. This was discovered to be caused by 1 of the truss rods end being stripped and making any bridge adjstmnts moot. Easily repaired by a lucky coincidence of music store friend also being owner of same mod. and familiar w/same. Now the action is superb and only marred by the nk. being so slim and that god awful fretboard finish. I really like the maple glo and only the many laminations and cheesy looking truss rod/name plate cover detract from overall appearence.

Even though only owned for short time, I can tell this inst. was made to last. Excellent woods with that neck thru construction as well as the massive bridge and p.u. assmblys. seems
fairly indestuctible...well, as long as you don't knock it over - [shudder] - That largish headpiece looks awfully fragile.

Not sure 'bout the Co. Is it still wholly U.S. made/owned?

A pretty much subjective view from me in this category because of my beginner status; BUT
I'll have to say I was rather disappointed after finally getting a Rickenbacker, only because it was a bass. I still want to own/play one of the 6/12 string mod.s which I'm more familiar with.

I've played a few of these....

Made in USA. The only place they are made! ??890. excellent price!
There is a long back-log on orders of around 12 months for a new one and second hand ones hold their value unrealistically well. Expect to pay pretty close to the new price or more(!) for a vintage model.
CONTROLS:Passive, 2X VOLUME 2X TONE, 3 WAY TOGGLE SWITCH, PUSH/PULL classic tone control on the trebble.

Far more versitile than you would expect. Although the 'prog rockers weapon of choice, every indie band seems to have one now!

Classic looks, i had a custom abalone scratch plate fitted (??75) to go with the midnight blue colour of the body. Usuually they come with a thick white scratch plate.

It holds it's tuning very well and feels very much 'the professional' instrument.

Typically, paint jobs and finishing have blemishes, but bon't expect a discount!

CASE: new RIK cases are Not brilliant. They fit the bass snugly and will protect it very well but are prone to cracking. Having said that they are the best made to measure case for a RIK i'm aware of.

It can be slapped, picked or fingered (ooo er!) and responds well to most styles. It does have a certain 'clunk' to the sound and therefore remains destinctive in the mix. Nothing else sounds like a RIK, and the RIK doesn't sound like anything else. Keep that in mind if you want something phat and warm, RIK's don't do that very well!

I play it through a Trace Elliot stack, don't use the rik-o-sound system as that means having 2 amps! but have used various FX. Great with a valve amp, distortion, and heavy FX but can lose the subtlties of warmer FX like flange.

Spend some time setting up the pick-ups and pole pieces to get your levels right.

Not set up brilliantly, set ups are usually OK, apart from the pick-ups. The trebble pick-up puts out a lot more volume than the bass pick-up and is a bitch to adjust because of the guard over it. Pick-up pole pieces are also adjusted badly at set up, being higher on the middle two strings (D,A) so you get more volume on those 2 strings.

The action is good and comfortable, pretty fast.

They don't weigh as much as you may think either, lightr than a precision!

The lacquor will almost certainly crack at some point, but this a tank of a bass! very solid and sturdy.

Whether you take a back-up or not is up to you, I use 10 different basses regularly (acoustic, fretless, 5 and 6 strings,) and never need a back-up. Never broke a string live, never change a string either!

Support isn't great. RIK love themselves and are very proud of their waiting list! There's a good discussion forum on the website written by users with contributions from RIK.

I've been playing 18 years, semi pro. I sing lead vocals, bass, keyboards and bass pedal synths in prog rock band PuZzLe FaCtOrY. One album to date! I play all types of bass, my favourites being: Fender Jazz, Ibanez muscian fretless, RIK.

I wish i'd known about the waiting list for one of these!

If i lost this bass or it was stolen, i'd get a custom built bass. RIK's are great, like nothing else on earth but it all depends on what you want! I wanted a RIK for it's sound and looks- it doesn't disapoint on either front really.

I wish there were other control options i.e. 3 band EQ. but then, this is an iconic instrument that people love in it's limitations!

I have a 1977 fire-glo Ric. It's just amazing! Of course it has the basic volume & tone controls only, since it's passive. But it easily competes with more "modern" instruments in terms of sound. You can play with the basic controls and get many different sounds out of this instrument. Best of all, you never loose the distinctive Ric sound.

I play rock, pop-rock and latin. It is very suitable for the first two styles. I think this bass was designed and built having in mind rock and pop styles. Although I find the 4001 also good enough for latin music and I use it for this style, I prefer my 6 string bass whenever I play latin. But the Ric sounds great even with average quality amps. I recently have been using my bass along with a Digi Tech multi-effects pedal and it sounds great! Sometimes I just use the pedal to reduce the humming.

No need for adjustments whatsoever, good action because the slim design of the neck. Besides, it's amazing how this instrument holds its tuning (almost) no matter what!!

I would define this bass with a sentence: it dares to be different. Whenever I go to a gig, other musicians always admire the sound and the design of this excelent bass guitar. Besides, it is a very dependable instrument, that never let you down.

I never have dealt with the manufacturer.

I've been playing bass on and off for the last 20+ years. Almost since the beginning I've used this Ric. I have used Fender, Gibson, Honner, and (more recently) Ibanez basses; but the Ric is simply the best.

I have a 2004 Rickenbacker 4001, made in America. @0 frets pearl triangle inlay on a rosewood neck that shines! Classic Rick bass style, I bought the black and white. It came with a beast of a hard case that protects it like a tank. The ricks electronics are set up to run in stereo. I have not yet done it because I have been satisfied with the sound I have running straight from the ric-o-sound jack.

I love this bass. It was recommended to me by my father who had one back in the 70's. He told me (and I agree) that is the best bass out there. The sound is prefect. It has a sound that is distinct from any other bass I have heard. The way I have mine toned and set up, it almost sounds like a bass key on a piano. I play it through an ampeg b2r amp and an ampeg 4x10 svt classic cab. It is the perfect marriage for this bass. With it's high sensitivty pickups it plays louder through this amp and cab than any fender I have played on it.

I have recorded and gigged continuously with it and it sounds equally amazing in the studio and out of the studio. I would recommend this bass for anyone.

When i first purchased this bass I was made fun of by an older man. He called that bass part of the "british invasion" punk stly bass. He is right, it sounds good with that style, but, I play harder music than that and this bass tone jumps up and bites you in the balls on stage. It has such a crisp low tone that it vibrates your bones ans will give you a headace...I love it!

The action when I bought it was pretty low and fast. It played well. The pickups were great. I had to lower the pickup that is covered by the pick up guard because when I played slap bass the strings would hit the pick up. The bass had no flaws I was aware of.

I play the crap out of this bass! I beat it up and play hard at each show and it has never crapped out on me. The hardware has lasted just fine for me. Nothing on this bass has broken. I have owned it for two years and just recently the action has seemed to have gotten a little high from normal wear and tear (and remember I play this bass HARD) but it was nothing a bridge adjustmen couldnt fix.

I have used this bass live without a backup, not recommended for obvious reasons. I mean if you brake a string you are screwed.

I have never dealt with them

this bass has been everything its histroy has said it was. Classic bass tone and ground shaking lows. It is the best bass my fingers have had the privaledge of playing and I will keep playing it until I brake it in half. It is a little on the heavy side. Something I had to get used to because I was used to playing an Ibanez. But the sore shoulder for a little while is worth the sound.

I purchased my Ric in 1976, but it's a 1975 model. I told the salesman (a friend) that I wanted to buy a new Ric. He said "I have just the one for you". He returned from the store basement with a '75 walnut finish Ric wrapped in plastic in its case. I ran my hand up and down the neck and bought it on the spot without even plugging it into an amp. Before I bought the Ric, I had owned a Hagstrom, Gibson EB-3, Fender Jazz Bass and a Fender Precision. The Ric blew them away and I haven't owned another bass in the last 30+ years.

I've used my Ric for all types of music; commercial, prog, Latin Jazz, funk, surf, classical, etc. Currently I use a Fender Rumble 60 for the bridge pickup and a Fender Rumble 100 for the neck pickup via a Ric-O-Sound kit. The 4001 is a stereo bass and if you're not using a Ric-O-Sound kit and two amps, you are shortchanging yourself. I know some people complain about the Ric's lack of tonal variety and bottom end, but that's because they don't know how to use one properly. You also don't need to change the pickups for some designer brand if you know what you are doing. The Ric will put out crisp, clean highs and deep, thunderous lows when the stereo feature is used.

My Ric came set up perfectly from the factory. The neck has never needed to be adjusted. I've adjusted the pickups and bridge height depending on the strings I've used. The action is low and fast and the finish is excellent. When I recently brought it in to a Guitar Center to test my current amps before purchase, the sales people were drooling at the sight of my Ric because they'd never seen such a fine example before.

This bass is built like a tank.

I've never had to deal with the company. Teey built a product that has never needed their service.

I've been playing music for about 40 years. I also have one Mosrite electric guitar, a Hammond XK System with a Motion Sound Pro-145, a Mellotron M400 and new Mellotron on the way from Streetly Electronics, a Dave Smith PolyEvolver synth, a Mini Korg synth and an Alesis QS6.2 for midi. If something happened to my Ric, I would certainly buy another one.

I have a fire-glo 4001 I bought used in '79. (Many years later, I wound up working with the guy who had bought it "off the shelf" for his brother to play in their band. This was in 1974-75. Turns out, I had bought it from his brother after their band broke up.)

I paid $300 dollars for it and it is the only bass I own after nearly thirty years.

When I was a teen in the mid-late seventies, my friends and I considered the Ric the Cadilliac of basses. I didn't like Fenders and still don't because of the feel of their necks. My Dad had a beat up Gibson EBO I used some but for rock it was too low and got muddy at high volume.

It is the most stable instrument I have ever seen. You can literally tune it, put it in the case, carry it around, come back in a couple of weeks and it is still in tune. Nothing fazes it.

My backround is semi-pro in city of about 50,000 in a very rural state. I prefer straight ahead rock with a real soft spot for Americana. I play with my fingers and do not slap. I also have played country (modern and traditional), folk, bluegrass, southern gospel, Broadway and swing jazz.

I put the traditional Roto-sound round wounds on it now to get the famous Ric "growl" on the low E string. People critize the Ric for non-versatility, but I've not found that not to be true. Other than when I was in college and playing a lot of jazz, I have always used the RS round wounds. My amp set-up is pretty simple, one Peavey 15 inch Black Widow cab with a Peavey MKIII bass man head. I have been thinking about adding a twin 10 cab for rock shows.

Using this setup, I can, by adjusting the amp, get a smooth, deep mellow sound for country, southern gospel, folk rock or jazz, but also re-adjust and cut through the mix of a rock set.

Unfortunately, the single coils can be noisy. When I was playing a lot of Broadway stuff, I had to be careful, the hum from the stage lights could really get loud.

I may be the only person in town playing a Ric, everyone comments on it and on the distinct sound it has. A good friend (and the best country guitarist I know) swears if he could afford one, he'd never have anything else after playing mine.

The action on the Ric is the best on any bass I have every played. This has been pretty well borne out by everyone who has ever played it.

I have had trouble with rust on the screws holding down the hardware, but the bass is thirty years old, I don't know if that is common or not.

See my aboove remarks on tuning, I have been playing nearly 30 years without a back up. What does that say?

The only odd thing was that the pickups faded into nothingness over the last 5-10 years. I recently replaced them with stock Rickenbackers and everything is OK. The magnets had gone weak. I think the stock pickups were a little pricy though.

As I said I've been play almost thirty years and have a degree in music from a local college. I've been trying to learn some other instruments and have a Gibson Les Paul, and Epiphone double neck, a Regal RD75 Dobro and a Sierra pedal steel.

If the Ric were ever stolen, I would immediately replae it with another Ric.

I love how easy it plays, it has no deceit it it. It does exactly what you ask it to. There is nothing I hate about it. My favorite feature is the neck and the action.

Rics (new) are probably overpriced (what isn't), but a used one is not so much that a person couldn't get one - it's the best "sleeper" on the market and is still a contender with the new high tech basses.

mine was born in august of '79
burgandy-glo all original with original fitted case.
bought her for my 21st birthday gift to myself.
standard neck thru 20 fret sharkfin inlay 4 string.

perfect for playing any and all styles fo music. she groves with mellow blues and jazz and i crank her out for some pounding rock/metal and i have even taken her to surf and funk and she won't miss a beat. acid rock, country stylings, speed metal, ballads. she does it all. action was set up by a pro in california just prior to my acquiring her and she plays like a dream. no buzz no twang none of "THAT sound" or any problems what so ever.

strings are perfect for quick picking as well as sustaining those long fade off finishes.
i reinstalled the bridge pickup cover, apparently the previous owner (i am 3rd owner) didn't like it because it "limited the fingering surface" but i find it to be a perfect thumb anchor.
has a few nicks pretty standard for a near 26 year old. better condition that most others in burgandy-glo that were played, of course those that were kept hidden away will be in better shape, but come on, how can you not play your bass? especially a RIC?

truss hasn't needed adjusting after the original factory setup, i was told by the previous owners that all they changed was the string heights, one liked using the bridge mute so he had the strings dropped, the first didn't like it much and was a fan of harder pounting notes so he liked high action.
i like low and fast, but she does everything so well i didn't see adjusting her higher for swing style.

plays in the studio (my spare room) on the stage and im sure she would perform in the attic or bathroom if needed.

consulted a great rep when i was looking at her, he told me a few signs to look for and how to desipher the date code, have talked a few times about ric accessories (the ric i sound box) and other special edition ric basses.

had her 5 months and has never let me down. will keep her for 5 decades and see where i stand, im willing to bet she will still be running strong.
i run her mainly thru my peavey dual head full stack,
an 18" PA subwoofer, a 410 tvx, an '82 mark VI 800 watt 2 channel head with footswitch powering the lows thru the subwoofer and a '02 firebass 700 watt head (bi amped with the mark VI) running the mids and highs thru the 4 10's
peavey has been great to me with equipment, i got a 16 channel mixer board from 1980 and it works great. but the halfstack i drag to practice and such is rough so im looking to pick up the ampeg ba-115hp because it is rather choice and it is twice as powerful as the 115 kickback.

if it were stolen (because i could never lose it, that would be like losing your genitals, you keep track of them well) i would like to hunt the thief down, but if i cannot ever recover her, id definately buy another, i love the feel, the sound and the color, burgandy glo is just cool looking. im looking at a jet glo that osmeone punked out (dimarzio pickups and swapped the ric-o-sound jack for a preamp) if the price is right id get her and put in classic ric pickups like the v64 bridge horseshoe and the high gain toaster in the neck, keep their black pick guard and maybe find a black truss cover, but hell id just as well get the black shadow bass, but they're expensive.

well hell if you've read this far, you must either be very bored or be interested in what i have to say (lol)

well other bass stuff of mine includes building and re working them.
i built a p-bass with a big gibson EB pickup right under the neck, she sounds great. i stained her deep red mahogany on the flat surface but the relief cuts and edges i painted black, ive never seen one like that, except for some carvin custom shop deals with top and bottom woods, but mine is ash solidbody. a custom cut head, 20 fret neck with a great flame look in the rosewood fingerboard, was great looking so i bought it, i put a 57 p-bass upgrade kit on (gold pickguard and both covers. have both pickups wired with a switch and 1 vol and 1 tone both on 500 pots giving both a great low end with great trebel response when turned up. i ran the jack on the side (strange for a standard p-bass i know)

i rebuilt about 6 guitars including a cort headless which played a little high but had a good feel had custom wound pickups and i refinished to a purple/gold mystic with gold pickguard, sold her to pay for more projects, got a charvel eliminator, don't have the active/passive preamp so i put in a blue lamp, looks good with the blue metalflake finish i put on. i have an '85 ibanez axstar the steinberger small body style, she plays beautiful. full 24 fret with 2 guitar humbuckers they acutually sound good, i had to replace the neck pickup so i put in a zebra jazz and she is good to go. was black but was dropped so i had to refinish, i chose blue/purple mystic and left the neck black, did the pickup covers and top bridge plate mystic with black p/u rings and rest of the bridge black an she looks sharp.

just finished wiring up an old domino bass i picked up for a song because it didn't work, the double switch was bad so i stripped the electronics, they were all corroded and junked up. i just finished making a new switch plate (covers the large hole left by the double rockers and holds the 3 position toggle i put in, also out in a double tone control both on 250's nice low and mellow but can get twangy for good funk.

i re worked an old silvertone (i think because it looked just like it but had no markings) i put in a pickup that looked like 2 jazz singlecoils mashed together in the neck and split the coils, then an aria humbucker left alone in the bridge, she has a nice range, the aria really gets up there in the trebel. had to cut a pickguard, my first one, but it came out looking nice, used a 10x14 piece of tortise shell and did a p-bass style but it

My Ricky was built in April 1981 in the USA. It is a long scale and is a through neck. Solid maple with two Rickenbacker pickups. It is jet black with a home made custom chrome scratch plate. Rest is all standard for the model.

It could have been built for my style of playing. fast, heavy, and hard hitting. I was inspired as a lad by Lemmy of Motorhead which also helped me fall in love with Rickenbacker's. I like to use it on the rear pickup and play using a pick right down next to the bridge. This not only gives you the sound that only a Rickenbacker can give, but also deliver's it like the kick from a shotgun..! I love this bass to bits, and would not part with it for love nor money. My only dislike is that it can become very heavy to use when playing a gig of more then 2 hours which is why I now have a Flying V as back up. I use a Zoom bass pedal and power it all through a Marshall Valvestate 265 which is on top on a 2x15 200 watt HH bass cab.

Action is great. You can get the strings down to as low as a fag paper before you get any buzz. Pickups need to be as high as possible and I have removed the rear pickup cover as it makes playing very difficult if you leave them on. As it is now 24 years old, it is showing it's age in all the right ways. The lacquer has cracked in many places, but this only adds to the attraction as it gives the bass a personallity of it's own.

My Ricky has never let me down in the 23 years I have owned it. I have giged with it as my only bass more times then I like to remember, but short of breaking a few strings over the years when getting carried away on an old Black Sabbath number it is great. It still turns heads and only last week at a gig I had somebody come up to me and tell me what a fantastic looking bass it is.

Only ever had to contact them when finding out when my bass use built. They sent me loads of info and stickers in return.

I have been playing for 24 years now. I also own a Epiphone Flying V bass, a 1991 USA Fender Telecaster, and a few other accoustic guitars and bass. If it were stolen or lost I wouldn't know how to replace such an old friend. I love the fact that it looks great. It has a certain uglyness about it that just adds to the appeal. I once had somebody say that my bass reminded them of a Cadillac..! ONly other bass I would like to own is a Gibson Thunderbird.

Standard Rick stuff. Fairly limited tone-wise, though it does have "that" sound.

Sort of a one flavor instrument, though it does what it does well.
I've never been pleased with the stock hi gain pickups. The bridge pickups are pretty lame. I've owned 3 of them, and they've all been the same.

Action is very good. Setup was very good. The paint is what stinks...
Every Rick that I have ever owned has suffered from some sort of finish problem (3 guitars, 3 basses) I'm not particularly hard on instruments and have had no similar troubles with any other brand. Expect hairline cracks or worse after a year or two of normal gigging/touring.

Again, finish problems... Everything else seems solid.

Seem decent enough...

I've been playing for 17 years and have always had a soft spot for the Ricks. Everytime I own one for a few years then I change my mind and sell it. Then for some reason I come back. I would say that they are solid and reliable, I just can't stand the lame finishes. They look great at first, but don't last. For studio use they are fine, but I can get a tone I like better for a lot less money.

It is a July 1979 (SF) bass. 20 frets, 2 pickups, the typical 4001. Neck through, passive electronics, I don't know the wood, redbrush, Rick style, 33" neck, great hardcase. As always, two volume, two tone and the selector.

The sound is old, but for rock, heavy, all kind of hard music it's the best. I love Rush (this is why I bought it) and for this kind of music is very good, for jazz too, but not for fast music (Dream Theater for example). Not noisy at all, low volume output though. It is good for both, studio and stage, the sound is too much, sometimes the band says "the bass is too high", but it's not, it's just it SOUNDS a lot!! I love my Rick

Since it was adjusted, in 1992, never again. Never loose intonation, perfect pitch in every fret. Perfect. The finish was perfect, I bought it in 1987 and it was my only bass for 8 years. So it is... touched but, it is good!!!!

It seems like it will stop work when I'll die, it will be buried with me. All the hardware is excellent, the bridge is fantastic. never used on stage with backup, just me and my Rick, look:
http://www.supernova-rs.com.ar/Discografia/Discos/uno/fotos/unopunto.htm

Excellent, nice people

Amazing bass!!!!!!

Alright, this is a 1977 4001 that I picked up used for $400 CDN. The main reason for the bargain price was the fact that the headstock had been cracked (snapped may be a better word) and screwed/glued back together. After visiting it a couple of times and spending a few hours trying it out, it seemed like the action and intonation were still good, so I picked it up. Rickenbacker 4001? Four hundred dollars? How could I go wrong?

Eight years later, I still consider it a fantastic investment. I've had some work done on it, but haven't had any real problems. Yeah!

It's got the classic Rickenbacker versatility - from a deep, dark, clear punch to a snarly growl. I've used it with a number of different amp heads, with a wide variety of results. The most interesting is my little 30-watt Lancer Little Rock tube head. With the "bright" knob pulled out, this bass wails out Cliff Burton "Anesthesia" tones without even needing my wah pedal.

Depending on the setting, I may or may not get some hum from the pickups. Even at its worst, it's never overwhelming and is pretty much par for the course for single-coils, as I understand.

I've had some work done on the bass; like others here I won't touch it myself but instead take it to a professional. As noted above, the headstock was broken and pieced back together. I've had a couple of luthiers examine the instrument, shrug and say that the repair doesn't seem to have affected it in the least. For a long time I had some minor buzz around the fifth fret, although raising the action a hair and having the frets recrowned basically took care of that (being a 4001, this bass was never designed for roundwound strings).

I like my action low, but had to raise it a bit to eliminate the buzz. No big deal to me; I've adapted.

The neck tends to move around a bit with the seasons, but that's nothing out of the ordinary (particularly in Manitoba where the seasons are so pronounced: from +40C to -40C in a matter of months). I generally have a full set-up done twice a year, in late spring and late fall.

It should also be noted that nothing short of a nuclear explosion seems to knock this bass out of tune. I can tune it, then play it for days on end, leave it sitting for a week, and the tuning will still be dead on.

It was built in 1977. The headstock was broken and rebuilt. It still plays and sounds great. Do I need to say any more?

I've never dealt with RIC by phone, but I've ordered a few parts from them through their website and never had any problems - delivery was prompt and they got the order right, too!

I'm seriously considering investing in a new 4003, and stumbled across this website while doing some preliminary research. Based on what I've read, people's experiences with RIC are all over the board, although it seems like there are more satisfied people than not. My 4001 is fantastic, considering that it is now 27 years old and has obviously taken more abuse than most. If I can get a 4003 with the same quality and durability, I'll be one happy camper...

Classic Rick 4001 purchased new in 85'. I bought the bass simply because of Geddy Lee. Heard him play one and coughed up $900.00. Simple as that. My bass was black with white pick guard. It came with Rick hard shell case. A nice set up for the money. You know the features. Dual pickups with distinct Rick sound. Rush bass tone a mystery? It was Rickenbacker and/or Fender! Plus Rickenbacker was the only bass maker to have stereo inputs. Not familiar? Listen to any
Man-o-war tracks and indulge yourself in a real stereo bass players illusion. Joey Dimaio rips a pick on a Rickenbacker through stereo amps.Warning: sounds as if it's a guitar! In-fricken-credible!

This bass sounded great as with anything you just handed over large bills for. Quality for days......

Perfect workmanship!

100% American! Enough said.............

N/A

I have played for 21 years. Not good, just play. I have owned many basses. Some, American made such as the Rick, Peavey, Fender and G&L. I must admit the Rick has the reputation and nastalgia of a true American bass. However, I traded it because of two main issues. The bass was too heavy for me (sack of bricks) and the pickup guard over the bridge pickup was in the perfectly, wrong place. I play with fingers only and rest my thumb on the neck pickup. This was in direct contrast to the location of the chrome pickup cover. I had no room to perform my Steve Harris imitations. Not wanting to take away from the beautiful bass, I left the guard on and traded it. It may just be me, but why complicate life. Play the originals, Fender and Ampeg!

Its a 75 4001...Need i say anymore? Made in California USA, this 20 fret 4 string bass would be any bass players dream! With 2 volume and 2 tone controls, uve got complete control over your sound! An all maple solid body and neck with beutiful inlays on the fret board! Plus i got the origianl hard case...BEAT THAT! And lets not forget teh Rick-O-Sound, i tried that bad boy feature just a week ago, not only will you get THE clearest best sounding bass possible...you will have bass playing friends relitave or even people int he croud, DROOLING over what ur holding in your hands!

Now we all know about Rickenbackers famous ring! Although the sound of this bass could never be douplicated, i have to agree, its not as versitile for all the types of music a GOOD bass player should be familiar with. Its not the greatest for deeper Regee type music, but if u wanna rock out on it there is no better bass!Right now im using a beutiful Ampeg that makes the guitar sound like something from heaven! Although this bass is the most beutiful thing ive ever heard, when your pouring yourself out on stage, its really embarassing to hit the toggle switch undernethe the back pickups and go straight to pure treble...

well teh only problems ive ever had wiht this bass is the treble tone adjustment knob came loose...but that is an EXTREMELY easy fix, anyone with a brain and a flat wrench can fix it! But the cover over the back pickups...not only was it annoying and ugly, but a bitch to get off...but once it was off, it still looked like no other! The finish ont his bass still looks like it came stright off the floor, mint condition, no chips nothing!it gleams like no other!

I was playing at a frinds house and droped it (luckily on very think carpet!!!!!) but not a chip dent or scratch on the thing, i would play a gig with this guitar no backup needed, its rock solid body and neck are almost indestructable!

Ive never had to call Rickenbacker so seriously i wouldnt knwo, this is a well built guitar that will rarely if not NEVER need any repairs.

Overall this is a better guitar than any other...i literaly SOLD my P-Bass cause i had no more needfor it...this would be the perfect item for any great players collection!
But i am having problems with my pickups, my strings keep touching them if im not carefull, and im scared to raise the bridge in case of striping or breaking something. I u have any hints or tips PLZ e-mail me!

My 4001 was made in August 1973 - i recently bought it used.

You all know what a Ricky 4001 is so i wont bother with ALL the details........ The control layout of 3 way selector plus volume and tone knob for each pickup is to me the best layout of any bass.

As Rickenbackers bass design is so different from everything else, i have given its features a 9, as its a unique design that does what it is meant to. Execpt that darn bridge. Looks cool - what what a piece of sh*t. And the bass cut cap. Equally sh*t..and dont even start on those truss rods! And,,,,that pickup cover! :( hmmm

Mine has a Jetglo (black) finish which has developed a slight green tint due to the ageing of the varnish - also the white binding is now a nice puss yellow colour.

This 4001 is of particular interest as its probably part of the last batch to be fitted with the "toaster" neck pickup.

Rickenbackers have such a distinctive sound - you can usually pick it out on a record. No joke. It has such personality that its not really usable in many styles of music - particularly something like reggae/dub, where the fat dark tones of a Fender Precision are far more suitable. But for crunchy rock and roll there is no substitute.

The older Rickys like this one have underwound pickups - that is they have less output and mid thump, but a greater "bark" and clarity than the modern 4003's. The bass sounds amazing in the mix but on its own is way too clanky. The pickups detect WAY more overtones and string noise than most.

The pickups are single coil but are suprisingly quiet. The only problem these old 4001's have as far as sound is the stupid bass cut cap fitted to the bridge pickup. The idea is that the neck pickup provides the full bass sound, whilst the bridge pickup ONLY picks up treble. The problem here is that the neck pickups never have enough output (especially if like mine you have a toaster pickup). Once this capacitor is removed and replaced with a run of wire, the bridge pickup is loud and meaty and totally wins over the neck pickup.

These basses CAN play great, they have very low action due to their thin necks and small frets. Im good at repairing/setting up guitars tho, so my opinion is biased.

The wood is top quality maple - the neck through construction is great.

The finsihes are supreme.
Now to the flaws:

?Truss rods. Awful. Need to often be completely rebuilt. If you attempt to adjust those dual truss rods like any other bass, you will chew up the nuts/threads, the nuts will lock against the wood and you cant get the wrench on them. The fretboard will separate from the neck!! AAARGH!!!! Thankfully this is all avoided if you know what your doing.

? bridge. 4001's of this era have the brisge positioned wrong. So all the saddles must be moved all the way back to acheive correct intonation. On mine, i had to file down the E to allow further backward travel. Also the bridge plate snaps backwards thus ruining your setup. This is corrected by wedgeing screws under it.

?The back ends of the tailpieces curl upwards after years of string pressure. They still are stable and work,but hmmmm

? That thing over the strings atop of the bridge pickup is so annoying. Yes your left with a gapping hole but TAKE IT OFF!!!

These basses perform well and are solid as a rock.

However you need to know about them in depth to adjust them correctly to get them right. If you cant be bothered dealing with as these issues get a 4003.

Ive never owned a new one so N/A

Unbeatable look/sound/vibe

But the non standard features and adjustments let them down. Nice that RIC has now addressed most of these issues

This is a late sixty's ric 4001 built in the US. It has twenty frets and four strings. This bass was given to me by mt father who was in a band and bought it used in the early seventies. The bass is all original except for the bridge pickup cover, which was removed because it was ugly.

I have never played a bass which sounds better. I have searched extensively for a bass that can match this one, however they just don't make them like they used to. It's highs are phenomenal, I love it but lower tones are kind of hard too achieve. I don't regularly use the neck pickup, but i think that the reasom for low tones being difficult to attain is that i am running it through a 15w guitar amp.

This bass is imaculate. It is probably about thirty-five years old and it is still mint stucturally and electronically. The only flaws are cosmetic and that is because it has been in and out of every bar in New York. This bass is so sturdilly built that when my strap broke at a friends house, it dropped to the floor and left a dent in his hardwood floor without any damage whatsoever to the bass. Try that with a p-bass.

I can describe how sturdy this bass is with one word. Maple. I would play it without a backup. The only problem that i have with it is that after a few hours of playing, the strap buttons become loose. However, these are just screwed back in without dificulty.

This bass is so well built that i never had to use customer support. However, as a thank you to those over at Ric for building such a great instrument, i will give them, a 10.

I have been playing for four years, i don't own any other basses, if it were stolen, i would hunt the culprit down to the ends of the earth and introduce it to the terrible world of pain. I love everything about it, i hate nothing about it, and my favorite feature is the fact that it has been built and i have had the opportunity to own and use such a fine instrument.

The same as it's always been.

Nothing else sounds like it. This is the model that is responsible more than any other that RIC ever made for the Rickenbacker bass sound that became part of 60's and 70's classic rock. The 4003 is similar, but the neck was strengthened to handle heavier strings. The sound changed somewhat. Nothing else sounds like the 4001/4003 bass. It's a good sound, but it's not the most versatile bass sound in the world. This bass is a "must have" for cover bands wishing to emulate certain rock groups. Paul McCartney, Geddy Lee, and Chris Squire are just three that used this bass extensively to great effect. However, I expect a great bass to cover lots of territory, and the 4001 falls a bit short compared to numerous other basses that have a wider range of tonal capability. In this respect it is like a P-bass, only different sounding. I'll give it 8 for the sake of nostalgia. It mates very well to that bastion of 70's bass amp tone, the Ampeg SVT. It also mates extremely well with Eden amplification, but what good bass doesn't? For modern bass players, there are far more versatile basses, unless you just want to be different from the crowd. I prefer the 4004 for more modern tone, as long as a more bassy character is what you want. Do not mate the 4001 with a bright toned amp, or your sound can get wiry and irritating. You buy this bass because nothing else sounds like it.

Rickenbacker finish is usually well done and very durable, since they use conversion instead of faster finishing methods like lacquer, polyester, or polyurethane. The action is usually where it suffers. John Entwistle said he didn't use them because he felt the necks were weak, and I must agree. RIC tapers the neck in width, but not in thickness. It is a thin neck to begin with, so any lack of strength in the wood or failure to keep the neck almost straight with frequent truss rod checks and adjustment will often result in too much bow near the heel of the neck where the stress is greatest. That is why a large percentage of Rickenbackers cannot achieve low action without fret buzz up near the nut, or else the action is very high above the 8th nut or so. Keep the truss rod adjusted and never use heavier than medium strings.

It seems to do OK, except for the neck that bears watching closely. I put medium light strings on my to protect the neck.

RIC is not many people's favorite company for customer service.

This bass works best in a music style that lets the piano like ring and midrange growl work to best effect. What is does it does well, like a P-bass. To cover a wide range of music, I would rather use my Spector NS-2 bass. I keep my Rick bass around for special use.

I own 2 4001's. A 1980 and a 1963 model. It is interesting to see the evolution of the 4001 by comparing these two basses. They have the same basic body shape and are both bound. The '63 has checkerboard binding on the body while the '80 is done in solid white. The headstocks are similar in shape but the '63 is about 1 inch longer and perhaps 1/2 inch wider than the '80. The '80 has the standard humbuckers and the '63 has a toaster at the neck and a horseshoe in the treble postion. The '80 has standard and stereo outputs where the '63 is mono only. Rick-o-sound was available in '63 but as a special option. It did not become standard until some time after '64. Both are made primarily of maple but the '63 has walnut wings on the headstock and the '80 has a narrow walnut stripe down the center of the body. The '80 is Autumnglo and the '63 is Fireglo. Both have rosewood fingerboards. The '80 has orangish fingerboard while the '63 has a very dark brown one. The fret markers are triangular on both but the '63 has the crushed pearl type that go from edge to edge on the neck. The '80 has the standard (glass?) markers that sit well inside the rectangle of the fret. The '80 has an updated version of the tailpiece featured on the '63. The adjustable mute is present on both tailpieces which are similar but I don't think the parts are interchangable. The '80 comes a lot closer to playing in tune but the intonation error on the '63 is too small to notice most of the time. The tuners are nearly identical. The posts of the '80 are slightly larger in diameter and are surrounded by a plastic grommet. The posts on the '63 are surrounded only by the wood of the headstock. Both instruments stay in tune for weeks on end. The necks differ greatly. The '63 has a very-very thin neck. Not narrow but thin. The '80 is at least half again as thick. The headstock-neck joint on the '63 is very fragile looking and I suspect it would not take much of a shot to break it clean through. The '80 has a much more robust construction. The frets seem to be unchanged over the years.

Despite the differences in electronics, these basses are remarkably similar in the sound department. The old pickups are surprisingly hot. Both basses have that classic Rickenbacker growl and they can also produce rich, warm tones. The '63 is a bit warmer and deeper perhaps because it does not have the extra tone capacitor and because the strings run closer to the pickups (about 3mm closer). The '80 is dead silent when not being played but the '63 has a small hum that is probably due to old electronics or a sloppy rewiring job. The horseshoe pickup is a bit if a challenge to adjust in that when lowered to move the pole pieces away from the strings the top part of the horseshoe magnet gets closer to the top of the strings. The gap between the magnet and the polepieces is a bit narrow. The strings will rattle against either the polepieces or the magnet if not adjusted properly. The horseshoe produces a strong, growly tone ala Squire more so than the under-string pickup of the 1980. The only problem is that the horseshoe magnet gets in the way. Though I pluck in many places, the sweet spot on the 4001 is right over the treble pickup which is not reachable on the '63.

I bought both basses used so I inhertited the setups. Both have good action with the '63 being a bit faster because of the very thin neck. The Fireglo on the '63 is amazingly bright after 40 years but there are obvious signs of fading here and there. Red pigments don't hold up well to UV. Autumnglo from the '70's/'80s is a matte finish that will gloss up in places where it is touched often. I can take it or leave it. The color is nice though.

The '63's thin neck appears to be quite fragile. I understand that Chris Squire snapped his headstock off once and had it repaired by the factory. This does not surprise me as the wood under the nut is only about half as thick as that of the '80. I would take the '80 anywhere but the '63 is better off at home. Both are as solid as any other Rick I have ever played. The strap buttons on both basses are the typical knurled-head machine screws that Rickenbacker has used forever. They are very solid and not likely to come loose or break. I almost never have to adjust the trusses on the '80 and I have not had the '63 long enough to know all of it's seasonal tendancies. Would I gig them without a backup? Yes.

I have had several pleasant dealings with Rickenbacker but none regarding these basses.

I have been playing nearly 25 years. Though I don't gig anymore I enjoy collecting guitars and playing when I can. I have 3 other Rickenbacker basses and one guitar in addition to 2 old Ibanez guitars and a Gibson acoustic. I use a Laney BC75 amp for bass and guitar though I plan to buy a real guitar amp some day. I have always loved the sound of the Rickenbacker bass. McCartney, Squire, and Lee have really showcased the tonal range and qualtiy of these wonderful instruments. Granted, they are not for everyone but for me they are a perfect fit. I have owned a few Fenders ( which I loved) and quite a few other Ricks. Some day I would love to own a older Gibson Thunderbird bass.

Ok, This is an 81 Rickenbacker (USA) I bought on 2nd hand, a 4 string bass guitar. It has the so called Rick-o-sound wich means that you can plug it into 2 amps and get a stereo sound. I've used that once, and think it's not worth it...you can check the rickenbacker online so you get all it's other features. mine is on natural color and it's really beautiful, I'm a rickenbacker fan and this one it's in a really good shape. the best sounding I've ever heard.

I play Rock mostly with this bass using an ampeg B2, and I must tell ya, if your into rock this bass sounds amazing, just couldn't be happier. I'm happier with it day after day. It is really a rock bass, but if you want variety then this is not for you. You have to play it the way it is suposed to play, rock and that's it. I've bought it a couple of months ago and I haven't been into the studio, but on stage it's brilliant!

It's action is really great. It's really easy to play it but you've got to play it well cause you hear everything..the finish is great it's a really "hand made" bass guitar, I just would like to raise or low a bit more the neck pickup, but it's not a big issue...ohh it's a bit noisy I have to solve that...

This is an 81 bass, and it's perfect, the hardware is pretty solid, and It seems that I can depend on it...just bought it 2 months ago so can tell you much.

Haven't used.

I've been playing for 6 years now with a Cort, and for a few I had this bass in my mind, i'm from portugal, and it's quite hard to find it here even in 2nd hand, so maybe I paid a little high value for it in britain compared to the US prices, but It was a lifetime buy, do I don't care. I'm still in heaven with it, I just love it playability and mostly it's sound and it's look as well. Wouldn't own 2, cause one is enough to me but if I were stolen I would cry and get another one as soon as possible!

I AM THE PROUD OWNER OF A 1978 4001 NATURAL MAPLE RICKY.
NEED I SAY MORE?
IT IS A TIMELESS PIECE WITH A RANGE OF SOUNDS LIKE NO OTHER BASS AVAIALBLE.IT HAS THE TWIN PICK /INPUT RICKOSOUND THAT ROCKS LIKE NO OTHER.ALTHOUGH IT HAD SEEN 8 YRS AS A RENTAL BEFORE I GOT MY HANDS ON IT, I THINK I'VE ONLY HAD TO TUNE IT TWICE A YER SINCE I BOUHGT IT IN 1985.THE BODY , WEIGHT AND SYLE ARE UNMATCHABLE BY ANYTHING ELSE OUT THERE TODAY- LET ALONE THE SOUND!!!

I STARTED PLAYING BASS IN 1984 WITH A FENEDR JAZZMASTER.THAT WAS ALRIGHT UNITL MY BUDDY WANTED IT BACK. WHEN I RENTED THE RICKY FOR THE FIRST MONTH, I KNEW I HAD TO OWN IT.IT WAS WHEN I GOT IT THAT I BECAME SERIOUS ABOUT BASS PLAYING.WITH THE PUNCHY TREBLE P/U YOU CAN PLAY ANYTHING FROM PUNK TO COUNTRY.ON THE BASS P/U BLUES ARE A BREEZE.ON THE COMBO SETTING , ANYTHING ROCKS FROM HARD ROCK TO RPOGRESSIVE STYLINGS OF MIKE RUTHERFORD OR CHRIS SQUIRE.ULTIMATELY I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A DOUBLE NECK 12 STRING/BASS BUT I HAVEN/T WON THE LOTTERY YET.I PLAYED IT IN SEVERAL LIVE GIGS WITH PEOPLE SWARMING AROUND AND YOU KNOW, IT JUST TAKES A SHIT KICKIN AND KEEPS ON CLICKIN.I

BEING A USSED RENTAL BASS , WHEN I AQUIRED IT , IT HAD A FEW KNICKS END DENTS.BUT FROM THE MOMENT I GOT IT IT THE ACTION WAS INCREDIBLY SMOOTH AND FAST.I FOUND CRYOGENICALLY FROZEN STRINGS (DEAN MARKLEY-BLUE STEEL) GAVE ME THE MOST VERSATILE SOUND AND EXCELLENT PLAYABILITY.ALTHOUGH ITS 25 YRS OLD NOW, THE FINISH IS BRILLIANT ASIDE FROM WHERE SOMEONE PUT A HOT CUP OF COFFE ON IT ON THE BACK OF THE BODY. GUESS I MUST HAVE BEEN A LITTLE OUT OF TUNE WHEN THAT HAPPENED.

AS I MENTIONED BEFORE - LIVE PLAYING IS WORRY FREE WITH THIS INSTRUMENT.CYMBAL BASHING WITH THE NECK , OR JUST PLAIN FALLING DOWN WITH THE BASS HASN'T AFFECTED ANY OF ITS UNIQUE PLAYABILTIY AND SOUND
OVER THE PAST FEW YAERS DUE TO CHILD REARING , I HAVE NOT HAD MUCH OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY, BUT EACH TIME I TAKE OUT OF ITS CUSTOM CASE
ITS ALWAYS IN TUNE.I WOULD NEVER WORRY ABOUT A BACK UP AT A GIG.

I'VE ONLY DEALT WITH RICKY ONCE, AND THAT WAS TO CHECK MY SERIAL #
RESPONSE WAS IMMEDIATE , AND I WAS CALLING FROM TORONTO.
DID HAVE TO HAVE A HUMMING NOISE REPAIRRED AT A LOCAL SHOP,
NOTHING MAJOR - BAD GROUND

I'VE BEEN PLAYING BASS FOR 20 YRS, AND GUITAR FOR 22 YRS.
MY GUITAR IS 1989 FENDER MONTARA ACOUSTIC/ELECTRIC (MINT- NICE)
IF MY RICKY WERE TO BE LOST OR STOLEN, I'D BE REALLY PISSED!
BUT I WOULD NEED A LOTTERY WIN TO REPLACE IT SADLY.
I LOVE THE WEIGHT AND THE NECK ON THIS BASS AND WITH THE SHAPE OF THE BODY YOU CAN JUST PICK IT UP BY THE HORN AND WALK ANYWHRE WITH IT.
I/VE PLAYED A COUPLE OF OTHER FENDER BASSES BUT YOU KNOW WHAT,
THAY JUST DON'T CUT IT FOR VERSATILTTY OF SOUNDS. THROW ON A WAH WAH PEDAL, AN ENVELOPE FILTER AND A COSMO CHORUS , AND YOU CAN DO ANYTHING.

Built in 1973
Fretless (looks to be original).
Classic Ricky look with the blond finish.
I switched the bridge pickup to a jazz pickup for more punch.
Now has the jazz pick up at the bridge and then the single coil at the neck.
Passive Elec. of course.
The neck is rosewood, and the body is...actually, I don't even know, but I'm sure it's the standard for this era of 4001.
Neck through body, again, the usual.

I never liked the Rickenbacker sound, but I love the feel. It was only recently after years of dickering around, that I have found a way to make it sound the way I want it to. I did this by putting in a j-bass pickup at the bridge, replasing the old single coil that is there. This allows a definitive edge into the tone that can be identified even in the most noisy and busy situations. However, I'm still trying to perfect the tone. I think that I need an overhaul of the electronics. The last time this happened was probably when the damn thing was built.

I play jazz, rock, folk and whatever else happens to be going on. Not much slapping or shredding, though. This bass between being fretless and a Rickenbacker is applicable to mabye half of what I do, or even less. I rely on my P-bass for the grunt work, but pull this axe out for more melodic and laid back types of music.

The classic Rickenbacker sound is extremely unique. Kind of an articulate woof. Does that make sense? Not for everybody. Not for me, hence the pick up change. I may even change the neck pickup one day.

My bass is thirty years old. There tons of wear and tear on the thing. The finish is cracked throughout, the electronics are badly in need of cleaning, etc. But what does someone expect from an axe this old? Considering the age of the instrument, it's in good conidition. Playability is incredible. My ideal bass would have a Rickenbacker neck attached to a deluxe P-bass.

I had the encasement for the bridge pickup (where the metal cover attaches over top of the strings)cut so I could have the action lowered even further. Now between my ultra low action, nylon covered strings and the flat rickenbacker neck, the bass plays like nothing else.

The bridge is not easy to adjust for intonation because the strings cover the screws that move the saddles. Requires some deft handwork to get the job done.

Let me tell you a story. One day there was this punk 19 year old who was borrowing his brother's 67 Chrysler 300 to drive to band practice. Said punk neglected to place bass in trunk prior to moving vehicle. Said vehicle drove over a speed bump previously unencountered before. Said speed bump was in actuality a 1973 Fretless Rickenbacker. Said Rickenbacker found a secret place in closet for next three years in which to reside in all it splintered fallen glory.

That story will haunt me for years to come. Friends tend to bring the occassion up when conversations get boring. Yes, I drove over my precious Rickenbacker. However, two years ago, my wife convinced me to have a luthier take a look at it. For $200 US I found a violin maker in Edmonton, AB Canada, who fixed it. The stupid thing plays better now then it ever did. Aside from a tuning key that was bent back into shape and buzzes in harmony with certain frequencies, the bass is in great shape.

The company sent me a little bag of goodies a couple of years that I ordered. Ordering was easy, and delivery was prompt. Compared to Fender, Rickenbacker is leagues ahead in the customer service department.

I've been playing for nine years. I learned on this bass. It's a great instrument that draws a lot of attention when I bring it out (although, I'm sick of people assuming that I can play Jaco-licks because I have a fretless).

My favorite feature is the neck. Nothing else like it! Smooooth and Fast fast fast!

I did not like the classic sound, and so I changed the pickups.

1977 Black on Black 4001. All original configuration.

I play harder edged rock in larger venues and stages and I need a bass that will compete with some pretty banging drums and turned to 11 guitars. Although I love Rickenbackers and always have I have to say this bass just doesn't cut through the way I need it to. I use a 1976 Fender P-Bass as my main thumper. I play through a 1973 Ampeg SVT rig with 8x10 and it still doesn't have the punch of my "P" which is a pity. On it's own it sounds great though. It's a great practice bass and it's easy and smooth to play. I suppose I could change to hotter pick ups but what's the point? I have used it for recording to great success though.

Great action, thin neck never had a problem with it in any way. I owned a 1973 4001 for quite a while which I regretfully sold, that's why I picked this one up. This Ric is more quiet than the 1973, maybe the toasters weren't gounded as well, I don't know. The 1977 has the dot neck pick up and they seem to work well both seperately and alone. I've used the Ric-O-Sound feature and that's pretty cool especially if you run one channel clean and one through effects.

This bass is built well. Although I wouldn't say Rics are built like tanks, they can take a beating. The tuning machines(especially the old Grovers) and pots are the weak points of these basses. Screws also have a tendency to strip in the wood as well, but after 25+ year of rocking out, any bass will have its issues.

I've dealt with Ric a few times and although the are very nice and responsive, they are also very busy. I've ordered parts through Ric specialty shops and parts were very easy to find.

I've been playing for 17 years, since I was 13. I've owned many basses and never regreted letting any of them go until I sold my 1973 Jet-Glo with checkered binding. I own a 1976 P-Bass which I'll be buried with and that is my baby. Nothing comes close to the sound. The Ric is beautiful and the finish on this bass is very very rare only a few made. Jet-Glow with black plastic and black binding with a thin strip of white on top as an accent, very nice. They seem to be kind of trendy right now, you see all the indie rockers playing them, maybe because the price of vintage Fender is headed in the direction of the automobile buyers market, ie: $$$$$. But I just wish it had more balls so I could rock it out more. Don't get me wrong it's a great bass, just for the sensitive bass player.

The thing I love about this bass is the ability to switch between pickups or even use tham both. This feature alone makes this bass very versatile. I can play the most hardcore punk to the softest jazz with this thing. The only problem is you gotta find your tone your self. I wish I knew what that dang mute is for, its cool anyways so whatever. Two volumes and two tone knobs is also a cool neccssity.

sounds good as long as you know how to play. I can play and this thing cuts. I have heard crap from this bass as well, maybe it was cause I was stoned and wasted

Perfect, except for the unusable double thruss rods.

I dont know if it was just my bass or all of them but most of the screws on this thing are stripped and bolts behind the tuning pegs loosens up all the time, as a matter a fact I lost a bolt.

Never had to deal. I want to though, perhaps buy new pickgaurds or something.

Wonderful. Ive owned this and a fender jazz bass deluxe and loved to use them both til my deluxe got stolen. Now I have to use my second half to my favorite arsenal.

This review is for a 1979 Jetglo 4001 that I obtained in original stock condition in 1984, and has gradually been modified through the years to the ergonomic, tonally sensitive machine it is today. If you are a "Stock Snob", you may want to move on... These basses are by no means "rare", so I had no qualms about modifing mine to my particular tastes. (I will never sell it, needless to say). I don't rate the categories for this reason.
I won't list the well-known stock features, but I will state the modifications I have made over the years that may shed some light on what I considered the shortcomings of the stock model.
First modification was replacing the bridge pickup with a single coil vintage Duncan Telecaster bass Hot model pickup (because it fit and the string spacing was right on- I wanted something hotter than the weak stock pickup). The original Rick bridge pickup was then moved to the neck position (mounted under the pickguard without the usual large metal bezel. Didn't sound as deep as the regular neck pickup did, but I was curious).
Second modification was removing both those pickups, and installing a passive Bartolini humbucker in the bridge position, and eliminating the neck pickup. I designed a special pickguard shape for this, to eliminate the huge chrome bridge pickup ring/void which was a detriment to my playing style. Also gave the bass a very clean, more modern look. (At this point, a Stock Snob would say, "well, just get another bass if you don't want a genuine stock Rick"-- my point here is that this bass was so fundamentally "right", it only took changes in hardware and finish to take it to the next level for me.)
Third modification involved installing a Rick reissue toaster top pickup in the neck position. (Gave a nice vintage vibe, but I wanted more solid mid-low thump).
Final modification was replacing the toaster top neck pickup with the Bartolini direct Rick neck replacement (passive, no preamp).
The body has been re-contoured to eliminate getting a sore/scrapped right forearm, from rubbing against the sharp edge of the binding at the body's upper edge. (Never liked playing it in a t-shirt for that reason). The 4000-series "s" versions have a contoured body with no binding, like the vintage reissues.)

The stock pickups were too limited for me sonic-wise, after I outgrew the usual Squire/Lee initial attraction fifteen-odd years ago... I gradually wanted to be able to do more of a James Jamerson/John Paul Jones-type sound and it just wasn't possible stock. I wanted more swampy thump, but didn't want to switch basses completely since fundamentally this particular Rick has many positive things going for it, including a low action, nice neck profile, great ringing sustain, and overall nice vibe. Each successive pickup change has been an improvement in expanding the tonal possibilies. The passive humbucking Bartolinis are hotter, quieter, and more versatile, while still letting the essential Rick quality come through. The main reason why a Rick sounds the way it does is from the hard maple neck-thru construction, and the placement of the pickups. The ringing sustain and higher-harmonic emphasis will always be there, no matter what pickups you pop in. I felt that the stock pickups were limited by what the bass was really capable of. The stock pickups contribute to the overall classic Rick "sound", but are not the key to it. If you own a Rick and feel you may have outgrown the basic Rick "sound", try replacing the pickups-- you may change your mind. Duncan makes a set also, and I have heard Alembic does as well.
I've always preferred nickel strings on the Rick-- easier on the frets, and less harsh and metallic. Don't be fooled into thinking you need Rotosounds to get a genuine classic Rick tone-- other strings brands don't suffer from out-of-the-pack dead E strings (which I've found with Rotosounds)... D'addario works well for me... I buy single strings in certain gauges to even out the string response.

My particular model is the best Rick bass I've ever tried. Modifying it has made it feel even more intimate to me. These basses vary tremendously from unit to unit. Some are very lively, some seem dead. Some have poor action and faulty necks, and some are set up with very playable low action. If you are new to the Rick world, perhaps your first attempt won't succeed. But then again maybe I just demand more from an instrument than others. I would recommend paying the relatively small amount of money required to have it professionally set up before deciding to buy it. Buying sight unseen, beware! These aren't like bolt-on neck- type Fenders, which are somewhat more uniform. The pickups on Ricks vary throughout the years in output/quality as well. If you essentially are craving that particular classic Rick growl, some recommend to check out the vintage reissues with true horseshoe and toaster top pickups.
I wanted more than that. Modifying my bass has enabled me to keep it as my main bass, even though my style has changed throughout the years. Although the bass is a bit heavy for me, the hard/heavy maple construction is what makes it what it is. The essential Rick character is always there, but I can convincingly mimic other bass sounds if needed a bit better with the modified electronics. I also appreciate the quieter technology of the modern pickups, and keeping them passive does not impart the "hi-fi" sterile modern tone that many active systems seem to have.

The basic construction is very solid and reliable. The stock hardware leaves much to be desired-- the bridge assembly is quaint but hopelessly outdated, and sometimes hard to intonate. (The mute is only necessary for those wanting to imitate McCartney with flatwounds, IMO. Muting roundwounds this way doesn't make sense to me, since adjusting it is pretty tedious, and not a "on the fly" thing at all.) The stock nuts are usually pretty poor, and can transform a so-so bass into a great one if re-done correctly. The antiquated bridge pickup assembly requires way too much wood in the crucial neck-to-bridge area to be routed out, which may compromise the potential sustain allowed, even though it is exceptional as it is with the hard maple/neck-thru construction. I have not replaced the stock bridge, and have no problem muting the strings (as some people have noted) with my palm. In fact, if I replaced it, I might miss having that ridged place to rest my palm for thumb playing in the Jamerson style. I get great sensitivity in being able to mute certain strings with the palm in the stock configuration, so I haven't seen a reason to change it so far. The stock bridge may or may not allow the E string to be intonated correctly, however, since the saddle may not slide back far enough as required.
The stock finish is shiny, happy, nice-looking and durable, but I needed to remove it from the back of the neck to eliminate friction (the feel of smooth bare wood was much preferable to me). I also am not crazy about having the fretboard coated in thick lacquer (they actually spray the lacquer all over the binding and frets, and scrape it off the frets afterward.) Very lacquery feel compared to most other basses, which you may or may not like. (I prefer wood that can "breathe" a bit more, and appreciate that modern bass makers use thinner finishes to allow this).
Luthiers vary in their opinion of the dual truss rods-- make sure whoever works on your Rick knows the proper procedure (the neck needs to be forced into position BEFORE the rods are adjusted). I have never had a problem, although in some set ups I've had, the rods needed to be adjusted so loose that they would vibrate on certain frequencies-- they just needed to be tightened a tiny bit to fix this, but nevertheless, they were at the very end of the adjustability scale, although this varies from bass to bass. That is probably due more to the variability in the physics of neck-thru basses than a comment on Rickenbacker's craftsmanship. Nothing beats a "good" Rick.. but you have to find a good one!
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Never used warranty support, but was surprised to have several mailed responses to my inquiries directly from the company president back in the 1980's (pre-internet) on the classy creme-colored Rickenbacker Inc. stationary.

My first bass was a set-neck Rick 4000s (with a wicked single bridge pickup), and then I moved up to this 4001 which is still my main bass. The ringing sustain has become so much a part of my style/approach, I haven't really been satisfied with other makers, or bolt-on necks at all for that matter. When I want a typical P-Bass thump, I can get that by playing with my thumb and slightly muting the strings with my palm- the Bartolinis are key here. I've learned how to tame the wild ringing natural tone of the bass accordingly. The classic ringing punch is always there at my disposal as well, just by changing my attack on the strings. Although I became dissatisfied with certain design aspects of the stock model, I am able to get a wider range of tones with the humbucker replacements, and the classic single-coil Rick tone is only a switch flick away (coil splitting). Also, I have sanded the original finish off the neck, headstock, and back of the body, replacing it with a very thin layer of poly, and the bass "breathes" so much more and sounds more woody and earthy, unrestricted by the stock thick plastic finish. Upon examining Rick's current model line, it seems I have essentially transformed my 4001 into a current model 4004 (consider that model if you like the basic concept of a Rick bass but are turned off by the sharp binding/limited pickups/heavy chrome aesthetic).
What would I do if someone stole this bass? Ask my parole officer.

The bass was built in California, USA in 1968. Standard 20 fret, four string classic Rickenbacker 4001. Neck through body constuction, maple with walnet board and headwings on larger headstock. Beautiful maplglo finish. Two tone, two volume, and toggle switch. The pickups are the original toaster and horseshoe pickups. I had to glue small magnets undernieth the pickup coils in the horseshoe PU due to the loss of manetism from the horseshoe magnets. Seems to be the same problem McCartney suffered from. It brought the output up tremendously, although it's still a little quieter then the toaster. But since I got the bass with special active pickups (of which I cannot remember the name) I had to redue the electronics. The original PUs and wiring came with the bass so I put back in the original toggle and tone controls. But, being that Ric-o-Sound was not out yet, I wired it in stereo. Other then that it's all stock.

I'm a huge fan of Yes... and I've owned two 4001v63's and a 4001CS and this bass is the closest bass to Squire's sound. I also have that .0047 filter cap which I've heard cuts the bass tremendously out of the treble pickup. It's funny but I get the best Yes tone with the horseshoe pickup tone all the way down! It's very nassally...check out Long-Distance Run Around on "Fragile" and you'll hear THAT tone. The bass has a very good "woody" tone. Very soft and aggressive at the same time. Only thing that I don't like about it is that it's difficult to get that solid bass tone that you need sometimes in a band. But that's why I have a Jazz bass too.

Action is extremely low. Yes it does buzz, but the frets are thrashed too. Once it gets that refret job (about $300!!!) it'll be much better. But then again, I don't really mind the buzz sometimes. The neck had to be readjusted so I read up on the proper method of adjusting old 4001's, which is to bend the neck to the desired spot THEN torque the rods, and the neck is now perfectly straight. Doesn't bow at all. Someone, I don't know when, tried to adjust the rods and didn't do it right and POP went the fret board. It's been repaired, sloppily but strong. The neck is quite thin. Strong enough for use and quite a bit of abuse I imagine, but it's also bendable. But that's the way wood is. It doesn't lose it's strength so it's nothing that anyone should worry about. Just as long as you don't drop it or stand on it it should be fine. I wish RIC still made 'em like this. It's THE most comfortable bass to play.

Like I mentioned above, the neck is quite thin. For those who may not know, there is roughly 200 pounds of string tension on the neck and if you were to drop this bass on the headstock it'd probably break somewhere. If Rick basses were built with the necks this thin now it may hold better due to the newer, more practical truss rod system. It's not that the old rods are no good, but the newer ones can probably cope with more abuse. The finish has lasted great. No ware on the neck at all which is a bit of a shocker. The back of the body has buckle rash and the bass has verious dings, but it's been taken care of obviously. Being that the frets are worn beyond practical use, it's obvious that this bass has been played a lot. But all the hardware is original and in very good condition so it seems that Rickenbacker was using the best stuff around. I will, however, say that the old Kluson tunners have a little slippage. Not bad but it's there. All 'round this bass has proven to be a true warrior lasting 34+ years with little fatigue.

While Rickenbacker does make fine products, they've been building basses that, to me, do not meet the quality and especially the sound of the 1960s 4001 basses. They changed the pickups, and the headstock, and the body, and the feel of the neck, and now it's almost something entirely new. It looks close but it's just not the same. Why would they go and make such a huge effort to change the greatest bass they ever built? I won't buy a new 4003 or 70s 4001. They feel like fat, bulky Gibson basses. And the sound just isn't there. The 4001v63 came just close enough...and that seems to be what they do. Make it just good enough to get by. I've owned 8 Rickenbacker basses and this old one is the best one of them all. If RIC put the same effort into the basses as they do the guitars it may be better. They're guitars are far nicer feeling then the new basses. And what's up with this new 4001c64? Only left-handed headstock? I'd never buy one. Not to bag on McCartney but not all people who like vintage 4001 basses want to look like him. Now for the good things about RIC. They're always responsive to emails and helpful when you call. If you need to order parts or a catalog they're quick to mail it. They have great customer service. They just don't seem to produce quite what people want. If they did, they'd build basses like this one.

If you get the chance, and the cash to buy a vintage (1963-1970) 4001 or 4001S, JUMP ON IT!! I know some people may not like them because "they don't sound like a Fender," but they truly are unique basses that sit in a class all their own. They breath life into bass playing.

1978 rickenbacker 4001. mine is a dark red, almost wine-colored. It's currently equipped with 2 Bartolini Ric 4001 pickups. this bass is passive. it's got 4 knobs: 1 bass volume, 1 treble volume, 1 bass tone, and 1 treble tone. it's also got a regular input, and a "rick-o-sound" input. mine came with a hardshell case. it's also got a neck-through design, which rocks as well.

this bass totally friggin' rocks. i played 2 fenders, 1 alembic, and a modulus before i got this bass. let me tell you, this bass is perfect for rock 'n roll. i was searching for the ultimate balls-to-the-wall tone, and this is it. this thing growls like no other beast. i am currently playing it with an ampeg SVT-4Pro, but that won't be much longer because I should be getting my Mesa Boogie 400+ next week. That will make this thing scream even more. I can't say one bad thing about this bass, i absolutely love it.

When I got it, this bass was tuned really low (i think to BEAD), so when i tuned it up the string tension was nice and the action is incredible. the bridge pickup is a little loose, but i just have to put a piece of foam or felt in there and it'll hold it down a little better. for a 1978, this finish is great. it's in excellent shape. only a couple dings - one near the bridge, one on the back of the neck.. right near the body so it doesn't affect playability, and one small one on the back/top. i must say this bass is in great shape for the year. the tuners and hardware are all in great shape too.

these rics can take a beating! i don't abuse my instruments at all, but i've known guys who toss 'em, step on 'em, and break the strings off of them and they're still playing. i'm gonna treat this thing like a newborn child, it's so beautiful. if people are still buying vintage 4001's, that must say something about reliability and durability! it rocks!

i've never had to deal with ric personally, so i can't say. if i have to call them or any reason, i'm sure all will work out.

in all my years of playing, this bass totally sums up exactly what i want in a bass. i had a fender p-bass, a fender stu hamm urge, an alembic epic 4-string, and my most recent bass, a modulus flea 5. i thought i was content with the flea 5, except it had more of a cold sound to it, and i needed something that growled. the body shape has always caught my eye. it's unique, and gorgeous. i must say, this is the greatest bass i've ever played. if i ever broke this bass, or lost it, or it was stolen, there is no doubt that i would buy another one. maybe even 2, or 3 more. just to be safe. this thing totally rocks. if you are looking for something for pure rock 'n roll, this is it. look no further. i've found my home in rickenbacker.