Model of the Week 24: The "C Series" 4001C64 and C64S

[RobRick]

COOL basses! I am in line for one the last C64 in FG! BEAUTIFUL!!

[peewee]

COOL basses! I am in line for one the last C64 in FG! BEAUTIFUL!!

You'll most likely get the "new" and improved FG, too. It should be a knockout! Congrats!

[redvette]

I have a fireglo C64 that I got from a forum member a couple of years ago. I strung it with TI Jazz Flats and it is really my favorite for "richness" of tone. That is among the following: Mapleglo 400w with Rick strings, Blueboy 4003 with GHS Boomers, 4004 Laredo with Boomers and a 4004 Cheyenne with Ricks.

The C64 is really heavy though -- I think they found some petrified maple somewhere. Maybe that is what gives it the super tone and sustain.

Anyway, it's too bad it is to be discontinued. Great instrument!

[libratune]

Here are comparison photos of two 4001C64 FG models, one produced in 2005 (lighter), the other in 2006 (darker). Note the striking difference in the Fireglo treatment, which is especially evident on the back:

4001C64 05 06 full front

4001C64 05 06 body front

4001C64 05 06 body back

[simer4001]

Here are comparison photos of two 4001C64 FG models, one produced in 2005 (lighter), the other in 2006 (darker). Note the striking difference in the Fireglo treatment, which is especially evident on the back:

013.JPG

014.JPG

016.JPG

Which one of your models would you think more closely resembled McCartney's when he received it 1n 1965?

[JakeK]

I'm gonna vote for '06

[peewee]

Love the tint of the '06, Ron; beautiful bass!

As for the McCartney question, I'd say it's a combination of both. The darker red of the '06 with the spray pattern of the '05. Did I get that right?? I've confused myself.....

[libratune]

Which one of your models would you think more closely resembled McCartney's when he received it 1n 1965?

Brian -- based on the finish contrast between your 4001C64 and the MMT as shown in your stunning photo a few posts back on this thread, I would have to say -- that one! (2006-darker)

[simer4001]

Which one of your models would you think more closely resembled McCartney's when he received it 1n 1965?

Brian -- based on the finish contrast between your 4001C64 and the MMT as shown in your stunning photo a few posts back on this thread, I would have to say -- that one! (2006-darker)

Keep in mind that Paul and I took some liberties with the back of the MMT bass. Paul thought the amber fireglo would be best, but McCartney's MMt was white on the back. I have no idea what the back looked like before the white paint was applied. I believe that if Paul had never touched his bass it may have ambered nicely, but I don't know if he received it ambered. John Hall would know. He presented it to Paul. John?

[JakeK]

You've seen pics of the back of Paul's 4001S, Brian?

[fazeka]

Hi,

New member here. Great forum.

Was listening to Horizontal the other day. You know, the Bee Gees record. I hear Maurice's bass all over that record, and not too mention 1st. Great stuff.

Anyway, the sound got to me a lot. Not sure why it took a Bee Gees record to get me excited about the Rickenbacker sound, I'm first and foremost a Beatles freak, followed by the Who and Floyd. But I digress...

And yes I played some 4001s in my time, mostly in the 90s ('though I never actually owned one). 1997/8-ish 4001CS, 1999 4001V63, 2004 4001C64S. Thought the tone of the C64S was the best amongst the bunch...

So I got interested in picking up a 4001C64, though I just found out today that Rick has discontinued the model...

So then I went looking for any that are for sale and didn't really find any! About the only place I saw were the big boys (e.g., Musician's Friend, Sam Ash, Music123, etc.)

One thing that was disconcerting at these retailers was their "sale" prices. Basically, those retailers are only offering what appears to be a 10% discount. I seem to remember something more on the order of 20% in the past. Was I mistaken?

Secondly, I have heard some stories about some of the Ricks coming from these retailers with problems, or even as "seconds" or in non-original cases, etc. True? What's the story? Anyone buy from MF, et.al. of their ilk?

Where can a dude hook up with a nice 4001C64 for $3k or so?

Thanks,
Chris

[JakeK]

Welcome, Chris. We happen to have our own Marketplace right here on the forum!

[simer4001]

You've seen pics of the back of Paul's 4001S, Brian?

Only the white MMT, Jake.

[wints]

Welcome Chris,

I'm fortunate to be the custodian of Maurice Gibb's old RM1999 bass used on the early Bee Gees albums and performances from 1966-70.

That melodic bass sound is still all there...

[fazeka]

How cool is that? I saw that bass in another thread and I thought that was Maurice's!

How long did he use that bass for? I saw a clip of him playing in '72/'73 by which time he played a triangular fingerboard markered 4001.

Would it be impolite or inappropriate to ask how you came into owning that bass?

Thanks,
Chris