4004 On E-Bay - Thoughts?

[spongebob]

Spotted this on E-bay -

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Rickenbacker-4004 ... 1|294%3A50

Isn't this an old colour? No feedback, new 'old' stock?

I'm not looking to buy (honestly) but keep a look out on what comes up. It looks like the face lift pick-up position?

[incubus2432]

Well it's a discontinued model.....the 4004Ci. Excellent basses, my favorite next to the LK......maple fretboards rule!

The zero feedback would make me hesitate as well but some specific pics would ease my mind and I'd go for it if the price stays reasonable.

[deblase4001]

Yeah, I was looking at that one too. The zero feedback and being located in Singapore scares me though. I really love the look of that bass. I noticed that the D and G strings are not lined up with the string guides on the bridge - whats up with that? Someone set it up improperly or were they trying compensate for some problem?

[rickenbrother]

Yeah, I was looking at that one too. The zero feedback and being located in Singapore scares me though. I really love the look of that bass. I noticed that the D and G strings are not lined up with the string guides on the bridge - whats up with that? Someone set it up improperly or were they trying compensate for some problem?

bridge.jpg

A zero feedback seller from Singapore makes me wary as well, but he could be a decent guy and has to start sometime.
I have the feeling that who ever changed the strings on the bass was not careful when they pulled the strings through the holes in the back of the bridge, causing the adjustable rollers to turn hard enough to jam into the sides of the saddles. When this happens, they can be a bit tough to turn to get away from side of the saddle. He probably couldn't turn them to center them, so he put the strings as you see in the pic. An eraser usually works well to undo a jammed roller.

[spongebob]

I agree - looks good, but 'caveat emptor'.

[deblase4001]

From the ebay description:

Nestled into a massive metal tailpiece, the height adjustable bridge reflects maximum string energy back as extra punch. Individually saddled strings have generous intonation adjustment range. A variable mute assembly hides out of the way until called upon; each side adjusts separately. Strings are easily threaded through the end of the tailpiece for rapid changes.

I have never played a 4004 series bass. Is there really a mute assembly on the tailpiece?

[cassius987]

That's ripped right out of a 4003 description. Not a good sign re: this seller.

[jps]

That's ripped right out of a 4003 description. Not a good sign re: this seller.

+1000; be vewwyyy caeful out dare!

[marc61]

I was just checking out the pictures from the link below. It shows a Re-issue case. Will a Cheyenne fit in that?

[rickenbrother]

I was just checking out the pictures from the link below. It shows a Re-issue case. Will a Cheyenne fit in that?

Yes it will.

[gshadoan]

He's got 1 positive for selling a hot plate now, so who knows. Most likley ligit.

[cassius987]

Well, a guitar is not a hot plate, and ignorance about guitars can be just as big of a problem as greed or deceit when they are sold. I would still be leery.

[johnallg]

From the ebay description:

Nestled into a massive metal tailpiece, the height adjustable bridge reflects maximum string energy back as extra punch. Individually saddled strings have generous intonation adjustment range. A variable mute assembly hides out of the way until called upon; each side adjusts separately. Strings are easily threaded through the end of the tailpiece for rapid changes.

I have never played a 4004 series bass. Is there really a mute assembly on the tailpiece?

Sure as he!! not on mine!

[weemac]

Well.. If you asked for "Proof of life" pic (todays date on paper lying on the bass) and he does it. It will again show that he has access to the bass.... And is probably genuine...
However no reply or dodgy reply...... Barge pole!

Eden.

[ianmatth]

Couldn't be that new. It appears to be a 4004Cii with an ABM bridge, and I know for a fact the 2008 4004Cii does not use that bridge any more. Also, if it is a maple fingerboard that would make it really old (I have a 1998 4004L 4-2-5 with a maple fingerboard). The 4004 series has used bubinga fingerboards for quite a while, but maybe the maple fingerboard was a typo. Of course Rickenbacker needs to update their site in a big way. They still show the 4004 series having the pickup back from the fretboard, and they haven't made a 4004 that way since at least 2004 (both the 1998 and 2005 4004 series have the neck pickup right against the fretboard, so the pictures on the Rickenbacker site are showing the models they were making somewhere between 1999-2004.) They also still have the 4004Cii5 on their site as well, and that was discontinued years ago.