A new 4000?

[todd1]

Since I've owned two ric basses (92 4003s, 2k 4003) and they've both been two pick-up versions, I'd been giving some thought as to why is it that there's no 4000 anymore? With the c-seies still seemingly causing headaches I wouldn't expect Rickenbacker to even attempt to put out any new/reissue models. Looking ahead though, a new version of the 4000 could be a very viable bass to make. The features I believe that could make the bass both attractive physically and financially would be: c64 unbound neck and body (flipped over to be a righty neck), a horseshoe pickup, 4003 bridge pickup surround, 4003 bridge/tailpiece, 4003 pickguard, a 3 position switch (up bass boost-center srtaight pickup-down treble boost), vintage knobs, walnut headstock wings on fireglo/mapleglo only, mono output, dot inlays, 4003 name plate, and put the volume and tone knobs where the two tone knobs one the 4003 are. This bass would be a mish mash of RIC parts, but it's the right mish mash. Nothing new would have to be created or tooled up for and I believe if sold for less than the 4003 than it would be an inexpensive way to bring in a new generation of Ric players. What does everybody else think?

[rick12dr]

Given that all a 4000 is[a 4001V63 with only 1 PU] this is a no brainer from my vantage point.
Anyone that wants a 4000, especially if, say, you already own more than 1 V63 bass, you could have a duplicate pickguard of your V63 guard, sans the neck PU route and minus 2 pot holes and a switch hole, made [for example,by yours truly] fairly easily.The bass is already a single mono jack, which is all you need with one PU.Now; the Big question; how many V63 players can Honestly say they Rarely use the neck PU at all, and would actually do what I just suggested?BTW, this "mod "would be Totally reversible back to stock, and No new holes need be drilled.BTW, I happen to have an exact repro I made of the 2 hole 4000 guard, taken from a friends' 1963 Ricky.Anyone feeling adventurous?

[todd1]

Don, good idea, but the reason I put this up for debate to see if there would be a market for it.

[admin]

Todd: I really don't think that there would be a market for ths instrument, unless, it was a limited run based on a famous bassist. The two pickup model has really taken over from the very beginning and it allows for greater sound possibilities in my view. You do, however, raise an interesting question which should make for some good discussion. I will be interested to hear what others have to say about this idea.

[leftybass]

Peter: I could see RIC producing a replica of the orig. late '50's model 4000....I have never had the opportunity to play one but I hear they sound incredible. I am assuming Rickenbacker still has templates for this instrument, and if the detail was of the same caliber as the C-Series, I would probably order one. After all, why not?? It is the first neck-thru bass guitar that was ever produced--it deserves a re-issue.

[gpatt5762]

Just to throw Y'all for a loop…

I concocted this "Fanasy 4000" idea about the same time I sent Mr. Hall my draft "4325" proposal (which I'm sure was instantly deleted!).

So here goes Lunacy to Spare!!

Start with premium flamed Hardrock Maple, with "Sealerglo" finish (`a la 4001C64S), so the sound can "breathe", single Horseshoe pickup, Gold Krylon back-painted 325-shaped pickguard, scaled to fit the 4000 body, matching gold Krylon back-painted nameplate, and Gold Hardware!!

Could someone who is / knows a Photoshop guru try and work that one up?

Knobs? Just use your best judgment there.

Your thoughts welcome,
Garry

[gpatt5762]

I need to follow up my own post with a legit-type question…

I remember seeing a pic of a '50's 4000, and it seems the bridge assembly was not the one we have all come to know and love ("love" uesd advisedly!).

Would one of you able to do so please post a close-up of one of these original 4000 bridges?

Thanks,
Garry

[ken_james]

Voltage Guitars in Hollywood has a few examples of early 50's & 60's era Ric basses that you might like to see.