1974 4001 with checkerboard

[bob77362]

Hello all.

I picked this bass up recently from a local gentleman, who bought it new. The serial is NB and 1120. Is it possible to have a '74 with the check binding? It's completely original, and is in great shape. He was a pro player, and a teacher. Everything I've read says the binding stopped in '73. The inlays also point to '74. Could this have been a special order, or a left over body. The azureglo is beautiful.

Regards,
Bob
http://members.cox.net/bob77362/images/ ... CN1730.JPG
http://members.cox.net/bob77362/images/ ... CN1731.JPG

[cjj]

Well, the one sure thing you can say about Rickenbacker is that nothing is absolute. There are numerous cases of instruments/options that weren't available after a certain time showing up far after they were "supposed" to have been discontinued. I'm not sure, but I think check binding was an option one could order for a while after it became non-standard.

Anyway, nice lookin' Azureglo there! If I ever get my '76 Azureglo 4001 refinished, I'd want it to look like yours!

[rickenbrother]

Welcome to the forum Bob! That's a really nice one. This find ends my thinking that my August '73 was the last regular production 4001 with the checkered binding. I figured that would happen eventually!

Might have been a left over body. Does it have the red side dot markers on the neck? Don't be shy, post more pictures! The second link is not working.

[johnallg]

Second link worked for me. Feb '74 - it could be a production holdover and thus the CB. Very nice shape too. Welcome aboard Bob.

[bob77362]

Thanks for the replies. It has black side dots. I will take some more pictures soon, and post them. It's a great playing and sounding one too. Relatively light weight too. That's why I like it. I can't deal with the heavy ones anymore. Age will do that to ya.

[marc61]

Great bass Bob and welcome

[johnallg]

Bob, the dots being black also point to a bass that was hanging around the factory for a while. Possibly awaiting the AzureGlo paint.

[FretlessOnly]

Yeah, that's very nice. And a bit strange to see a 1/2"-spaced non-toaster with checked binding. "Waiting for Azure" is the best reason I've heard yet.

[s4001]

Welcome to the forum Bob! That's a really nice one. This find ends my thinking that my August '73 was the last regular production 4001 with the checkered binding. I figured that would happen eventually!

Might have been a left over body. Does it have the red side dot markers on the neck? Don't be shy, post more pictures! The second link is not working.

Yep, many, many, many years - I figured I'd never see a '74 with checkered binding.

That's Ric for ya.

[rickenbrother]

Second link worked for me.

Working for me now also!

[ilan]

This bass is PERFECT, it's my dream bass. Yes, I prefer the narrow inlays... and a long time fan of Azureglo as many of you know.

[badeggs]

I love one-offs...

[markbass99]

Welcome to the forum. Here's his brother, a June of 73. I would say yours is extremely rare especially in azureglo.

[ken_j]

Welcome to the forum Bob.

[bob77362]

I took a few more shots of the '74. That's the original foam mute in the case too.
http://members.cox.net/bob77362/images/rick4001.htm

I know this is a Rick forum, but I did want to show some pics of the other bass I purchased from this gentleman. I did pay him a very fair price for both. This one is strange, but it is fun to play. Such a clean, high fidelity sound. Not sterile though. The narrow width helps with my smaller hands. It's not a Rick, but it's cool for you fretless players out there.
http://members.cox.net/bob77362/images/stbass.htm

I just got lucky that day.