Rickenbacker 4001V63

The pickups and shape are the things that make it a Rick.

You have two completely different pickups in this thing. The horseshoe pickup in the bridge position is the most unique feature. The "horseshoe" is a metal covering--a dome?--that gives the sound a more trebly "ring". I guess that means a few more frequency bounces within the horseshoe. The "toaster" pickup is in the neck pickup position. Looks like a toaster from the top--doesn't refer to the bass being able to "toast" other basses--just handles the low end.

I'm a player, not an engineer. This is the features breakdown of a total simpleton.

Bodies are something I understand a lot more! I'm not a Rick freak, but the appearance of the thing does turn me on! What curves! What a lovely neck! Only plain jane natural, but it is museum beautiful!

But as far as "tons of features" being the criteria for a 10, I'll just give it a supposedly above average 8 for the pickups and the shape.

I must admit I don't care for the sound so much on its own. Although I love holding that lovely creature, if I'm doodling or practicing without accompanyment, I do not reach for the Rick. I feel the strong point of the Rick sound is how it sits in a mix. In the mix of a song, for me it defines the sound of "electric bass".

It really does sound ELECTRIC!

The interplay between the volume and tone controls really does create a good range of sounds. The pickups in combination do as well.

A 9 because I have this thing about it on its own.

Excellent.

Beautiful!

Rickenbackers are among the most beautiful instruments in the world!

It's a 90's model. Still as good as new over 10 years later!

No need for a backup. No room for a backup!

Don't know.

Well, I walked into a pawn shop one day and there it was! The bass Paul McCartney was always holding during the Wings years! Do you think I would let a chance like that pass me by?

I also have a Warwick Thumb, a Gretsch Broadcaster, and an Epiphone Viola as well as the Rick. The Rick is the newcomer in the group. They all have their nuances. I call them "Rubber" "Round" "Punch" and "Electric" in that order, because that's how they sit in a mix for me. Of course the Warwick is active and it is much more versitile than just "rubber". It is my favorite of the bunch. The sonic range is incredible: dull thump to almost synth-like texture. In comparison, the Gretsch is woody and organic: very full, but not a real cutter. The Viola really surprised me: Korea coming up with a Hofner. Many reviewers say it is comparible to a Hofner. I don't doubt it. It sounds damn good! In fact, it's a third or a fourth of the price of the Broadcaster, and I think it sounds a lot better! It's certainly got a lot more punch, thus the nickname. The thumpy beat of "Saw Her Standing There" and "All My Loving" among others...

Then, finally there is the Rick. In comparison with my other basses, it truly fits my image of an "electric" bass. I don't just mean an amplified bass. I mean I feel like all I've ever know was acoustic and then some inventer handed this to me and said, "Try this."

Wow, electric!

Lost or stolen? I would say, "****"!

That being said, it still sounds a little thin for me on its own. In a mix, a 9; on its own, a 6 or 7.

My bass guitar has an amazing mapleglo finish, and all other standard features of this model (that you can read on the RIC site). Its equipped qith two passive single-coils pickups. On the neck the vintage reissued "toaster" and the vintage reissued horseshoe on the bridge.
I bought it used, and the previous owner cutted the horseshoe "over strings" wings giving full access to your fingers (or plectrum) also over the pickup area. (I fully agree with that modify modifies the tone very faintly). No body-bindings , No triangular fretboard inlays , no Ric-O-Sound plug for this version. But it looks stunning anyway!

Its a great bass with unique sound! You get exactly the Chris Squire sound ...even plugging-in as direct-injection on your consolle or audio card !!!! Even the reverb is not necesary!
It has a sort of "acoustic" character (double-bass like) if you use the bridge or the neck pickup alone. It become very "broad-frequency" when both pickups are blended together. Its a bass born to "sing" in foreground because its voice is so convincing already as single instrument.

Everything is fine on my instrument... I bought it used ... the previous owner probabily did a very good setup. Action is quite low, no buzzes at all.

Having it on my hands ... I would say that it is robust ... also the finish seem really strong and durable.

I hadn't any occasion to deal with

I'am a guitar player and I play bass in my songs. Its the first bass I own , evevn if I'am a big expert of instruments an tones (I am a guitar collector).

I found Rickenbackers are amazing instruments offering a superior quality, you recognize it playing it acoustically, in direct-injection through an Amp... always sounds amazing and unique.

It is just what I were looking for (I play prog-rock)

My Rick is a mapleglow V63 made in `93, and I fell in love instantly, my dream come true!
The only change ever made is rubberrings from bearbottles to hold on to make sure it doesnt slip. (better than straplocks and a lot cheaper by the way)
For the rating: you like it or you dont, simple as that, and I love it!

I didnt intend to buy a new bass when I saw the Rick, but I had to try it being that beautiful, and than I had a sleepless night and to sell another bass the other day and get the rick, thats what I think of the sound...

I had to adjust it a little to my personal playing style, but not much

I think that one will outlive me, and Im 38

never needed, so..

ever since `93, never regretted, shape and sound from my dreams, if it were stolen, I`d consider murder (joke)
for me it works best with la bella flatwounds,very thick, hot sound, perfect for me!
I play a few other basses: fender jazz bass special (a workhorse, will withstand an atomic blast perfectly)
a blade B4 fretless, nice, and a Stoll acoustic bass, I play the other 50% of the time, its just completely different but as great as the Rick.

Made in 1993, this Bass is a classic reissue of the Ric Bass produced in 1963. The Horseshoe and toaster pickups are perfectly reproduced and provide wonderful Tone. My 4001V63 is Mapleglo that shows a beautiful and unique wood grain.

I play mostly Rock \ Blues style and also introduce few slap techniques once in a while. The Bass does it all. Of course, the Bass is as its best when played with a pick and with a bit of overdriven sound from a good All Tube Amp, like my SUNN 300T.

The action is set very low and I keep the pickup cover as I use it for thumb rest. It does not get in the way at all and is actually a beautiful feature of the Bass.

I gig with the Bass at least onece a month and rehearse 4 times a month with it. This is my favourite weapon. I do not use a backup Bass and I hve another Ric, a 4003 which I would rely on it as well.

Ric has been of great support for any questions or services.
The only drawback is the fact Ric does not offer any Horseshoe pickups replacement parts, which is in my opinion really discouraginig if someone had problems with the one installed on the V63. This is unlikely to happen but there is always a possibility. Visit: www.rickresource.com for excellent informtion about Ric Basses !!!

This is the Best Bass I ever played and this one is with me for a long time. Rickenbacker Basses have something special that is unique to them. This is not for everybody but for Rock \ Blues style, this will do the job for you. Ric Basses have an excellent value which keeps going up all the time. If you find a 4001V63, buy it, simple as that !

Purchased from Gruhn in 1986, US made (of course) with real horseshoe pickup. Fireglo finish was and is still flawless, low, fast, sweet action. Have played some newer editions of the V63, and they're not as cool as this one...

The Rick has a sound like no other...and that's about the only sound she's got...trebly, cutting thru, 'lead-bass' kinda sound, heavy bottom end (especially cool thru Hartke's!) but don't try to lay back and pocket this thing, it won't do it.

Noisy at rest, studio guys hate 'em...but they own the stage.

all systems were 'go' upon delivery...i think some of the guys at Gruhn messed with this one a bit before I bought it. very slick.

My V63 has been played hard every day since Sept of 86, and it's just as much a hot rod now as when I first took her out of the case back then.

Toured Colombia SA twice with her, and played in the Andes one day, the deep jungle valleys the next, no problems...none.

The Ric guys are ok...but they're kinda busy. If you don't have a serious problem, they're happy to refer you to a local guy and get you off their phone.

I don't know if I'd try to replace this bass if I lost her...this one is very special to me...I own dozens of guitars, but this one lives with me, I don't own it.

Part of its appeal lies in the fact that everybuddy and his brother has a j- or a p- bass, and they all are fine, but a Rick is something special...not for the wimpy guy who wants to be a drummer...this for the cat who wants to trade licks with the lead guitarist and keyboards!

The vintage v63 isn't loaded with "features," other than its attractive natural finish. It is a beautiful instrument.

Like no other helicopter sounds like a Huey, no other bass sounds like a Ric. That's why we own them.

I had the factory nut changed to bone and slightly modified so I could use the standard Rotosound set of strings. That's just a matter of personal taste. Other than that, it was 98% there when I bought it.

This is a very well built bass.

I had a volume knob problem that required my having to send it back to the factory. Without having to ask, they completely changed out the electronics which corrected the problem. But they didn't stop there......they completely cleaned it and sent it back to me with new cleaning cloths, posters, wrench, etc.

I am very impressed with Ric's service department.

I own several bass guitars and have been playing bass for over 23 years. This is by far the best sounding, best looking bass I've ever owned. I wish I got complemented on my playing as much as I get complemented on how great it looks! :-)

74 RICK 4001 , NATURAL, WITH WHITE PICKGAURD, VERY NICE LOOKING BASS, THIS IS MY 3RD RICK.PAID $700 LAST 2 I GOT FOR ABOUT 400 BUT NOW THEY ARE WAY UP , TO MUCH FOR WHAT THEY ARE,A GOOD USED WARWICK IS ABOUT THE SAME AS WHAT A USED RICK GOES FOR AND WARWICKS ARE MUCH BETTER BASS.

RICK IS GREAT FOR ORIGINAL MUSIC OR PROGRESSIVE ROCK,SOUND IS DISTICTIVE AND BRIGHT I LIKE THAT.HOWEVER RICKS CAN BE INCONSISTANT IN LOUDNESS DEPENDING WHERE YOU ARE ON THE NECK AND RICKS ARE JUST ONE SOUND, NOT VERSITALE AT ALL, BUT GREAT FOR THAT CERTAIN ONE SOUND.

MOST RICKS I HAVE OWNED OR PLAYED ARE SET UP VERY NICE AND PLAY FAIRLY EASY.

TOGGLE SWITCHES TEND TO ACT UP WITH AGE, AND HAVE HAD 2 RICKS POP THE E STRING OFF THE NUT, OTHER THAN THAT GREAT.

NEVER DEALT WITH COMPANY.

RICKS ARE GREAT BUT IF YOU PLAY COVERS, YOU CANT USE IT ALL NITE, JUST NOT VERSITLE, ONLY ONE SOUND WHICH IS VERY DISTINCT, I USE IT IN ONE OF MY COVER BANDS FOR THE KANSAS , RUSH ,FORIEGNER AND SOME ORIGINALS.I HAVE 17 BASSES AND USE MY RICK ABOUT 10% OF THE TIME.

I got my 4001 v'63 from Manny's Music in 1993. After the loss of my first Rick I had to have another. (see that story below in the overall rating section) Color is Jet-Glo, and my girlfriend paid $1,295 for it. Came with hard shell case. I/We ordered it in February '93 and got it in May '93. She got some back child support money and knew the story of my original and how badly I wanted another. Everything is completely stock, which is the way a 4001 should be, except for strap locks which are a must for any valuable axe. Geddy Lee is one of my all time idols, although my playing is a lot heavier than Rush. Kind of a cross between Accept and Savatage. As far as features, you don't need a lot of features with the Rick 4001 sound.

In my opinion, there is no other bass that should be made other than the 4001. I do all basement studio recording these days, writing my own music, no playing out any more. Got tired of that scene. I run my Rick into a DBX 163A compressor, then into a BBE462 Sonic Maximizer, straight into my Tascam 8-Track. I then sync up the Tascam with an Ensoniq SQ-1 which has an on board 16 track sequencer. I have played out with this Rick and has always sounded terrific. I have no, I repeat no dislikes about this bass in any way shape or form.

This was set up fairly well when I received it. I lowered the action ever so slightly myself and had to adjust the intonation also, again ever so slightly. That comes from personal preference and playing style. To this day there is not one knick or scratch of any kind on it anywhere. The pickups were/are superb, but anyone who owns one already knows that.

As I stated before, I did play out with this for a few years. But now it never leaves my basement. The finish, hardware, frets, etc. are all immaculate. I put strap locks on it and use Roto-Sound Long Scale strings. Other than that it is completely stock from the factory. If I had to have a "back-up" bass on hand I would have a second Rick 4001'v63, Jet-Glo, the same as I have now. Dad always said, if it ain't broke don't fix it.

I have never had to contact Rickenbacker for any reason, and did not get any extended warranty of any kind at the time of purchase.

I have been playing music for well over 30 years. Mom and Dad started me with piano lessons around 1970 or 1971. To get my whole story go to www.mp3.com/me-3. My instruments include Bass, Rhythm & Lead Guitars, Drums, Vocals, Tenor Banjo, Piano & Keyboards, even used to peck around on the violin once in a while. I have way too much gear to list it all here. I am an amateur engineer and producer, in that I do it for myself only, and have a modest 24 track studio in my basement. I had an original 4001 in the early 80's (with the Rick-O-Sound) but during a sound check one time, Sam (my guitarist) and myself were clowning around on stage. I kind of spun around on my left foot (hamming it up) and the neck slammed into one of our P.A. speaker cabs. The neck ended up at a 45 degree angle from the body, and split the body right down the middle. We stopped....... we looked......... I sat down with it on my lap and literally had tears in my eyes. I knew I would get another one. But I had saved everything for years to be able to buy the first one. And being in or just out of high school, I didn't have that kind of money. So in closing I'll say thank you Dianne (girlfriend of 16 years now) for my most beloved musical possession.

1993. Fireglo. The join between craftmanship and art.

Unique. A full range instrument. I play fingerstyle with Dunlop 105Q and Sansamp Tri a.c. Unbelievable. I had the fortune to gig with John Wetton on vocals an unforgettable Starless. It ruled.

factory preset was excellent. It needs season-change truss rods adjustment that I make by myself (with great care...it needs a bit of experience and know-how). Finish is perfect. With the horseshoe removed it fits fingerstyle but after a comprehension of its strong personality. I have a very heavy right hand, and it roars and growls like a dragon. It requires a precise fingering, but has a very fast neck.

I have it since 1993. Gigged without a backup. I can depend on it. Stable and solid.

Have been playing bass since 1986. It can't be compared with other instruments. Different. If your style fits the instrument, the best possible choice.

Beautiful. Perfectly equipped. Total quality construction.

I took the horsheshoe magnet off. You don't needit, contrary to popular belief. Perfect tone, complex and clear. It's my favorite Ric bass for sound, and I own 4 others, all great.

Quality, quality, quality. Did I say quality? Nothing wrong here.

Finish seems durable, bears up well. Truss rod has settled down, although needs adjustment when seasons change. Well, you tune your piano twise a year, don't you?

Never needed to deal with company.

If this was lost or stolen, I'd have to buy another one. Favorite feature is the feel, the responsiveness, the tone it delivers dependably. Try getting that out of a Fender.