Is it rare because it is white, of because it says Model 4001, or because it is plexi?
That said, how rare is a black TRC in plexi? My '75 4001 has that but no "Model 4001" nomenclature; I assume it does not have that call out because there were no 4003's in production at that point so there was no need to differentiate two 2 pickup models.
It is rare because it's plexi and original (not reissue). I haven't seen one like this on eBay for at least a year or so. There was a 60's Plexi TRC on eBay (that I bought for a restoration project), but not an early 70's like this one.
A black plexi (Lucite?) TRC is even more rare. AFAIK it was only on white pre-75 Rics. My white '73 has a black plexi TRC and there's no "Model 4001" on it either.
If I was good at making my own TRC's then I would make one for each of my Ric basses and sell the real ones on ebay for $200 each and pocket the $1400 ...
By your comments it's possible that I *might* have one of the last '75 White basses with the Black Plexi truss rod cover. My ser# is OJ 7200, Oct. '75.
The bass itself is White, White binding on the neck, with black P-guard, black body binding and chrome hardware.
"Large" neck pup spacing, also. Bass is all original.
Yep, my bass looks the same as yours Dave, except mine has the half-inch spacing, and will soon have a toaster. I've never seen one with 1" and plexi TRC, either black or white, but I'm constantly learning. '73-'75 was a transitional period.
It's unfortunate for me that the black plexi TRC's are so rare, because, as some may remember, I'm in need of one for my '75 Burgandyglo w/black trim (OH - Aug '75). I've bought a couple white plastic as well as one black plastic, but I'm bound and determined to get the correct one eventually!
I am seriously considering having my own TRC's made for me ... and selling my real ones ... black or white could both easily be made ... and if I just put them on my own basses then there are no legal problems ... and the old style clear plexi ones would be easier to make than the new ones ...
Well, I have to tell you I'm a little surprised by these plexi TRCs being rare. It's actually pretty cool.
WHen I first got my bass I didn't know much about Rickenbackers other than they were what Geddy Lee used...thanks to this forum I have learned a lot of things.
I was tempted into thinking that it might be a fake bass because all the other Ricks I have seen have had raised letters on the TRC. Anyway I'm glad I can put these fears to rest.