What was the best Rickenbacker model made?

[cheyenne]

I think I'd have to toss a vote for the 4001V63. The perfect Rick bass IMHO.

[bottom4]

Cool thread, Peter! I've missed these on here... Well for me the ultimate would have to me the beloved RM19999 but then I go to my 4001v63 which I've owned for over 30 years now. Super slim straight neck with a factory installed original HS! Then I move to the shadow and finally, the newly released 4003 Noir which awaits me in NJ!

[wints]

Simple answer to this one.

The 4001 bass has been the cornerstone of this company for nearly 50 years. Without it's production and mass popularity in the 70's you'd probably be looking at a very different company today. Negligible demand and production of 6 string instruments in over a decade at this time removes them from the equation.

See, simple...

[antipodean]

The second-gen 4000 bass - the perfect blend of form and function. The whole two-pickup thing with the 4001 was an unnecessary complication - and don't get me started about binding and fancy inlays!!!!

[kt66]

I guess the 381 is the Rolls Royce of Rickenbackers, but my favourite looking would be a 1997 or 360F
I also think my 340 is up there with the best looking. And MG, always Maple

[Colonel Blues]

Hi !
I really think that the iconic model is the 360V64.

I had the chance to have one, a nice 1995 360/6 V64... until I sold it last year... (yes I know, that was silly...)
Just for pleasure :


But I was missing so hard a Rick' that I bought a brand new 330JG last week !!!
And I'll never let it go, for sure !

[thx1955]

Fireglo (insert model here)

[squirebass]

Some have said that my Amber Fireglo 660/12 is the best Rickenbacker model ever made, and I am not one to argue.
However the 4003S models are very fine, not much I can find to complain about on these...

[smurph1]

I'm new to the game, but I really LOVE my 330 Mapleglo!

[wim]

I'm staying with the Carl Wilson.

Top 5 of what I own or have owned;

1) 360/12 CW - best ever, I don't understand why the factory isn't building these in big numbers
2) 4001 - nothing else in the world is like a pre 75 4001 bass
3) 330W - the lack of thick layers of finish makes it really resonant, could use a mini humbucker.
4) 360/12v64 - does what it is supposed to, nails it in the process
5) 370/12 RM - beautiful and jangly, the electronics are a overrated though

[arbiter]

Hi !
I really think that the iconic model is the 360V64.

I had the chance to have one, a nice 1995 360/6 V64... until I sold it last year... (yes I know, that was silly...)
Just for pleasure :

But I was missing so hard a Rick' that I bought a brand new 330JG last week !!!
And I'll never let it go, for sure !

This is probably overall my favorite Ric i've ever played. 2nd would be Trottys 360F and 3rd Aitch's 350MB