4001/3S with Triangle Inlays?

[Tarrbot]

I have often wondered why this combo doesn't exist or if it does, where can I find one? I could be wrong but I thought I saw something like this here. Did I see Bryce with something like this? Maybe it wasn't stock, I don't know.

It seems that the 4001S and 4003S were fairly popular. I also understand that these models came with dot inlays. I have no qualms with this at all and am infatuated with my 4003S.

What I don't understand is how anyone hasn't made a decision to create a 400xS body with a regular 400x neck and triangle inlays.

Also, it seems that one of the things that people instantly recognize--aside from the headstock--are the triangle inlays. Why wouldn't a 4004 have triangles as well?

It seems like an instant success with the contoured body of both the S series and the 4004 and the triangle inlays. Those are two of the features I enjoy most and it seems I can only enjoy one of them on any single 400x series bass.

Anyone have any insight on this and why this never happened? Or can you correct me and point me in the right direction. I didn't see this model listed in the Model of the Week series so I can only assume it never was built.

I don't know. I just felt that it was a no-brainer and would silence those detractors who think "the edges are too sharp" on a 4001/3. (I'm of the opinion that if you think the edges are too sharp, your technique needs working on though )

I'm sure the purist side here will flay me alive for such questions, but I felt they required some discussion.

[cassius987]

It just makes sense to have it the way it is now. Triangle inlays and binding are purely aesthetic elements and do nothing to help the instrument, whereas lack of binding and dot inlays enhance the bass from many player's perspective because a) there is more fingerboard wood left behind and b) the lack of binding makes it easier on those of us who leave their arm resting on the bass body (though you really shouldn't do this). So one model is "deluxe" type and the other is more in line with common standards.

Personally I prefer the 4003S. Yet I don't own one... my 4003FL is the closest I have with dot inlays. I think the dots look gorgeous, and the extra wood is a huge plus for stability.

[woodyng]

but then you wouldn't have the lovely apples to apples comparisons that all of us love to niggle on about....i've owned most of the rick bass models over the years,and the 4004cii is my fave. it would be interesting if you could do the custom shop order thing with the factory,tho.....get your own combination of features including pickups/bridges /binding choices,etc./.....

[Tarrbot]

I definitely fluctuate between wants most times when it comes to Ric basses.

I see one (doesn't matter which) and instantly want to just run to the bank and pull out the cash.

Then I see another one and instantly forget about the one I just saw and want to run to the bank and pull out the cash.

I definitely need to try a 4004. I love the contoured body shape of the 4003S and the 4004 seems like an ideal match. I just want a fretless one.

They're all Rics, no doubt and I love them all.

I was just curious about this combo.

[cassius987]

A 4004 would be great. If the 4004 and 4003 could fuse into something that featured some 4003 aspects like pickup spacing and wiring and some 4004 aspects like the contours and dot inlays--as well as the TG finish!!--that would be the ultimate bass for me.

[paologregorio]

I have often wondered why this combo doesn't exist or if it does, where can I find one? I could be wrong but I thought I saw something like this here. Did I see Bryce with something like this? Maybe it wasn't stock, I don't know.

Binding, triangle inlays, and ROS/Standard circuits are features of the deluxe models, while unbound bodies, dot inlays, and a strictly mono/standard circuit are features of the standard models.

[seyesbass]

As a matter of interest there is a very rare 1960 4000 with deluxe features in the Rickenbacker book page 102.
Maybe there is an odd bass out there with the hybrid features of 4000 and 4001.
I seem to remember seeing a tv clip years ago of someone with a maple board 4000/1 anyone know that one?

[badeggs]

I seem to remember seeing a tv clip years ago of someone with a maple board 4000/1 anyone know that one?

Vaguely remember that one. Then there's the couple with ebony boards, from around 1970 (?)...

[bassduke49]

Here's that shot of the "delux" 4000. No telling how many were made this way, but it's likely an experiment along the way to make the modern "delux" 4001. Note that it has the old style pickguard, but the "new" larger upper body horn. This would place it about 1961-62.

[cassius987]

Awesome! He's playing it in upright position.

I have picked that up recently and it really improves facility and tone in a number of styles. For those familiar with Coltrane, try doing it for the melody to "Mr. PC" (named after the legendary Paul Chambers IIRC) and, at least IME, it really improves clarity and speed to play it in that position.

[weemac]

I seem to remember seeing a tv clip years ago of someone with a maple board 4000/1 anyone know that one?

Vaguely remember that one. Then there's the couple with ebony boards, from around 1970 (?)...

Dosen't Lemmy have a maple board 4001?

Eden.

[FretlessOnly]

...the lack of binding makes it easier on those of us who leave their arm resting on the bass body (though you really shouldn't do this).

I knew you'd come around.

[Tarrbot]

Oh believe me. I definitely favor the non-binding models for comfort.

Not that binding is bad, I just prefer the smoothness of the contoured body as opposed to the binding. But to be honest, I haven't touched a body with binding in nearly 20 years and I'm going on memory.

I do know that I enjoy the looks of the triangles and really want to try a 4004. I'm just too lazy to make a trip to a dealer that isn't within 10 miles of wherever my current location is that day.

One of these days I may just have to pay someone to customize one to my desires. Hopefully, I'll know what I want by then instead of just wanting one of all of them.

[rickenbrother]

I think the dots look gorgeous, and the extra wood is a huge plus for stability.

The dot markers are especially gorgeous on my '75 4001FL. Even better looking in person. They look deep and have ambered well. Although they look gold, they can also reflect other colors, depending on the ambient light.

[cassius987]

...the lack of binding makes it easier on those of us who leave their arm resting on the bass body (though you really shouldn't do this).

I knew you'd come around.

I am blessed by the fact that the new playing position I have taken up removes this issue altogether anyways... I am borrowing Gary Willis' advice to mimic a classical guitarist in the playing position, especially when seated, but I have gotten it to work standing up as well. My arm is well out of carpal tunnel's way. Interestingly BPM Senior Editor John Herrera mentioned this problem in regard to the temptation to rest your arm on a Jazz Bass recently. It's funny, now I have some pretty venomous ammo against the people who say the binding on Rics hurts their forearms... don't rest your arm their dummy! Incredibly a rather famous bass teacher who is very orthodox, Mr. Perfect Technique, gave me that very complaint once.


...Joey, your fretless is a perfect example of what I meant. My 4003FL's inlays are actually fairly similar to yours in hue, although the color saturation on yours is really the most striking I have ever seen to date.