Model 4003/8FL Rickenbacker Bass

This is the only fretless 8-string bass ever produced by Rickenbacker. It is serial #FO8772, made in June 1987. In additional to being fretless, it is also unusual in that the neck and body are both bound, and it has the stereo electronics. Rickenbacker custom made this bass and the fretless 5-string for me after my local dealer persuaded them to build this at the NAMM show. Apparently sales of the newly re-introduced 5 and 8 string models were sluggish, and they needed more orders for these models. It is in the silver finish, which has developed a greenish cast. Actually its getting better looking with age!
~ Mark Rowe ~