4001CS production sequence mistery

stts64 · Post by **stts64** » Fri Dec 08, 2006 6:33 am

While puting together the 4001 registry I came across a wierd discovery. My #5 was produced in December 1990, the #30 in April 1991 and # 45 in August 1990(!?) all three were dated using serial numbers and Rickenbacker decoder. How can # 45 be produced way before 5 and 30? Any ideas?

seyesbass · Post by **seyesbass** » Fri Dec 08, 2006 7:07 am

The only thing I can put it down to is that mine was the 45th certificate but was actually a very early model and thats how it ended up being the one that Rick exhibited at Frankfurt.I thought it was a prototype but Mr Hall said it wasnt.Rickenbacker sent the certificate a couple of months after I bought the bass so who knows?
I still think this bass is about as early as they come.

jdogric12 · Post by **jdogric12** » Fri Dec 08, 2006 12:01 pm

Short speculative answer - they are all made by a small number of talented, dedicated human beings. I don't mean this to sound snarky... just my pure unadulterated reaction. After some time on this forum, something like this doesn't surprise or disappoint me, just makes them a little more special. And probably the show had something to do with it.

kcole4001 · Post by **kcole4001** » Fri Dec 08, 2006 12:07 pm

It could also have been one sent back for reworking of some sort, finish flaws or otherwise.
That could account for a delay in it's release from the factory, while others would continue on their journey to their owners.

johnhall · Post by **johnhall** » Fri Dec 08, 2006 12:48 pm

While a group of instruments might start out at the same time, when they actually come off the line is a very different story for any number of reasons related to delays in production. The certificates are printed only as the instrument is being shipped and reflect shipping order, not the sequence at the beginning of production.

Also, sometimes an artist will also request a special edition number too; Joe Walsh's request for Carl Wilson #409 comes to mind.

bassduke49 · Post by **bassduke49** » Fri Dec 08, 2006 7:13 pm

She's real fine.

j_gary · Post by **j_gary** » Fri Dec 08, 2006 9:24 pm

Great stuff to know, thanks John.

Nice job on # 30, love her.

stts64 · Post by **stts64** » Sat Dec 09, 2006 7:01 am

Yes, Thank you John for participating in the discusions and keeping in touch with those who use your product. This is very valuable to us and very unique as well.
Thank you for #5. Greatest sounding bass I have ever owned (I have 16 of them)