RCA bass

bassduke49 · Post by **bassduke49** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 6:35 pm

I've heard tell that when RCA had Rickenbacker make a special set of instruments, they made a few basses as well. It was something to do with RCA giving these out to their top recording artists. I'd like to know more about the RCA basses for the book, who they went to, where they are now, and also about the rumored double-neck bass/guitar. Anyone know the story? Where can I find publishable photos?

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 7:04 pm

there is a 4004ci with a pickguard on the front ...

sloop_john_b · Post by **sloop_john_b** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 8:48 pm

I could swear I saw the doubleneck pic on Jwilli's old site.

cheyenne · Post by **cheyenne** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 12:58 am

I've seen the 4004CI as well.

aceonbass · Post by **aceonbass** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 8:09 am

I remember when the bass was on Ebay a few years ago.

dswp · Post by **dswp** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 8:29 am

John B,

A RCA doubleneck does exist.

bassduke49 · Post by **bassduke49** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 10:25 am

Dave, can you get information to me on the RCA basses and/or doubleneck? Anyone I can talk with?

sloop_john_b · Post by **sloop_john_b** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 10:34 am

I know Dave, I think I remember seeing the picture of it on John Williams' old website, AURS.

dswp · Post by **dswp** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 10:36 am

Paul, a not so helpful email sent....

johnhall · Post by **johnhall** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 12:26 pm

The one and only doubleneck instrument like this was made for Rocky Ryan, then president of RCA/Nashville, presented to him by his staff as a Christmas gift. They were unhappy that we charged them $3000 for this totally custom instrument.

Essentially it was a cross between a 4004 Cheyenne and a Dakota guitar.

Did I mention it was left handed?

rickcrazy · Post by **rickcrazy** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 12:42 pm

Hmm... Unique and very desirable, I reckon. Are there any photos available of it?

blueflamerick · Post by **blueflamerick** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 12:45 pm

Unhappy about a $3000 price tag? Imagine what he'd get for it now!

dswp · Post by **dswp** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 12:48 pm

I do have a photo of it when it was in the factory.

I do not know if it is proper for me to post it as I am not 100% sure where the photo came from.

sloop_john_b · Post by **sloop_john_b** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 12:52 pm

I suppose this would be the ultimate one for the collection, eh Dave?

edski · Post by **edski** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 1:26 pm

Wow, a 4004 Ci/650 Dakota doubleneck? That sounds purdee...

Too bad it's a lefty.

And $3000 sounds pretty reasonable.