A 1984 Rickenbacker 4001?!? Is this fake?

anoukane · Post by **anoukane** » Wed Sep 14, 2005 12:27 am

rickcrazy · Post by **rickcrazy** » Wed Sep 14, 2005 1:02 am

Well, Philip - welcome to the Forum, by the way - that bass looks legit - I'm not sure what to make of the treble pickup cover though, it looks like a non-original replacement - but it can not have been built in the '80s. I'd say it was made in 1974/early 1975, every appointment on it being original, that is. What is the serial number on it? The first letter in the date code should be 'N' or 'O'.

rickcrazy · Post by **rickcrazy** » Wed Sep 14, 2005 1:09 am

I think I can make out the code on the back of two of the potentiometers: 137 74 14, which means 14th week of 1974. I'm sure the seller meant to say 1974. My advice to you is, buy that 4001.

apollo11 · Post by **apollo11** » Wed Sep 14, 2005 1:12 am

The pickup cover is different, shaped more like a horseshoe, with its gentle curves. Gorgeous bass.

jps · Post by **jps** » Wed Sep 14, 2005 2:18 am

Welcome Philip, grab that bass! Now. I believe that's the highly coveted metal cover!!!

Well, this is my 4003rd posting, time for another 4003, somebody get me a Jetglo one, please!

bob_atherton · Post by **bob_atherton** » Wed Sep 14, 2005 2:50 am

Hi Philip, yes, grab that bass, it looks like an absolute gem.

Oh yes, welcome...!

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Wed Sep 14, 2005 2:53 am

could that be one of the elusive and rare metal covers for the high gain pickup???

that really looks like a 70's bass to me ...

bassduke49 · Post by **bassduke49** » Wed Sep 14, 2005 2:58 am

Hey Jeff Scott, here's one that might go cheap:

http://cgi.ebay.com/RICKENBACKER-4001-ELECTRIC-BASS-GUITAR-w-CASE-NO-RESERV_W0QQitemZ7350603378QQcategoryZ64400QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

ken_swearingen · Post by **ken_swearingen** » Wed Sep 14, 2005 3:09 am

Its got the plexi trc,the neck pickup in the 1/2 inch spacing its a 74. Great shape,the cover is different, from my understanding there were no metal covers they were all plastic,i was also told the only metal covers out there are Japanese.

ken_swearingen · Post by **ken_swearingen** » Wed Sep 14, 2005 3:12 am

I dont know paul, its a 97 on up 4003.

johnhall · Post by **johnhall** » Wed Sep 14, 2005 6:20 am

The very early covers were indeed metal but sometime maybe in the early 70's they were replaced with the plastic, copper, and chrome versions we have today.

ken_swearingen · Post by **ken_swearingen** » Wed Sep 14, 2005 6:34 am

Thanks John, for uncovering that, for us.