History of the 4004

[sloop_john_b]

My '03 didn't - the transition lies somewhere inbetween!

[markbass99]

The early Ci's had walnut wings because that bass was a maple neck component and all the other parts, head wings and body wings were walnut.

When the first Cii's came out they were maple neck, maple head wings with bubinga fretboard, figured maple body top with walnut body back.

Then they changed to the maple, walnut, maple sandwich, bubinga fretboard, maple head wings.

Then at the end of 03/early 04 they started the walnut head wings and moved the neck pickup back up against the fretboard.

[sloop_john_b]

When the first Cii's came out they were maple neck, maple head wings with bubinga fretboard, figured maple body top with walnut body back.

My question is, were any ever shipped like this, or was this a prototype thing?

[markbass99]

You know, now that you mention it, I'm not sure since you hardly ever see those on ebay or on the forum. I think they made a small amount of them, some with quilted maple tops(Jared's pic), I think the production run was so small that they are scarce and are being hoarded (just a guess).

[jps]

Here is one that was on ebay a few years ago:




Another dream of Jared's!

[relayer4u]

my 4004cii has the walnut wings,it is an '04 model. to me,it also seems to have a fairly slim neck. it looks to be the gold-tinged twin to your laredo,ray. plus,i paid what i thought was pretty high-dollar(procrastinated for monthes on that one),but it is literally flawless,plays better than any bass i have ever had,and sounds really fantastic. i am loving it!

Woody, we need pictures!!!

[sloop_john_b]

Thanks Jeff, that one is absolutely gorgeous. Matte finish?

[jps]

I don't know, those pics came off ebay. The fingerboard does look like it has no finish.

[woodyng]

ray,look under "BASSES". posting "it's here,part 2". there are several pix there. thanks for asking! the more i play this bass versus my 4000,the more i am noticing the differences-they both play and sound like a rick,though!

[relayer4u]

Looks like we have non-identical twins Woody!

Mine arrived today, you got a walnut sandwich with yours and I got left over baloney sandwich all over mine.

She's still pretty though!

[woodyng]

leftover baloney! lol-i guess the previous owner couldn't afford roast beef after buying that bass!congratulations,she is a beauty,i know i am in love with mine.

[Alberto]

Is the Blue Boy a Cii or Laredo (I'd assume Laredo but I know some people insist on changing hardware)? And how do you like it with the different p/u configuration?

I briefly owned one of each 4004 model made.....Ci, Laredo, Cii, Cii/5 and LK......

Hi Brian,

Wow.. is that a clear 4004 in the photo on the right? I never knew Rickenbacker made those - ala Dan Armstrong. What are the details? Sustain and tone comparable to wood? Mass produced or rare? Thanks

[jingle_jangle]

Al, that is an LK (if you're referring to the second from the right). Carved walnut; optical illusion at no extra charge.

[Alberto]

Thanks

[cheyenne]

When I had my '02 it didnt have wings. I remember it was a big controversey at the time. When I ordered mine, rumors were floating around about the transition from walnut wings to maple wings,

I originally ordererd Mapleglo because I wanted the walnut wings to shine through, but changed my mind and went with the transparent red when I heard they were switching. There were alot of dissapointed forum members who were expecting the walnut but didnt get them.