1964 Rickenbacker 4001

[spacegrrrl]

My first bass was a 64 4001, bought it as the third owner in 1972. Still have it. It is 100% original. I don't play it often these days. It is in decent shape for a bass that was played regularly. I'll try and get some photos to share this weekend.

It was interesting to learn what it might bring these days. I know at one time John Hall offered to remagnatize the horseshoe pickup if I sent it in (it always seemed weak) and suggested someday the bass could be my retirement fund!

Michele

[chronictown]

Welcome to the Forum, Michele! I'd imagine a few pics of your '64 would be highly popular here

[berth]

I would love to see some pictures.

[wints]

Hi Michele and welcome....

I remember you posting about your '64 (DK650?) over 10 years ago on the old alt Ric. site IIRC. Would love to finally see the photo's!

[T.A.R.]

Hey Michele, welcome aboard and, yes, pics would be hugely popular!

[Rubsoul]

Hey Ron, That IS bizarre isn't it? The pg is original...& no screw hole in the body. How the heck did that happen?

Reminds me of Gerry's RM1999 which has the hole in the guard and the screw, but no hole drilled in the body!

Nice to hear it's still playing good Geof.

Apologies for posting this one again, but it does show the shades of Fireglo quite clearly. The '64 on the far left is by far the darker, and the '68 is next to it. A '71 next to that, with the two '73's in the foreground.

DAWG Andrew,
Are they all yours??
(Can my Azurglo come over to play with your Fireglo's)

[wints]

Hi John,

The '64, '71 and fretted '73 have moved on since that photo, which was @ 2006 IIRC. I still have the '68 and the '73 FL though, which are special to me for a number of reasons.

[johna]

Hello, new to the forum and thought I would add I have a November 64 4001S which I purchased in 1993 for A$1000. I have just started playing it again after some years (due to small children). Would appreciate some advice on the most suitable strings as I understand from other forums that the neck is prone to bowing with roundwounds. Will post some photos if anyone is interested. Regards from Melbourne Australia.

[wints]

Welcome John,

You have a Rose Morris1999, or, as you mention a 4001S, from a batch that had DK serial numbers that was exported from Rose Morris (hence the RM1999 tag) in London in late '64. I know I speak for us all here, when I say we would certainly like to see photo's!

Old Ric basses from the 60's/70's have had problems due to excessive tension and incorrect neck adjustments. My '64 had Rotosounds on it for many years and was fine, but I choose a lighter gauge of string today. I have D'Addario 40-95's on my older Ric basses, as these as very low tension, and one usually finds that these thinner 60's necks appreciate them much more than high tension strings. Providing your neck is straight, and not badly out of whack already, these should be perfect, or a similar gauge/tension string.

Looking forward to those photo's and we need to add your bass to the registry!

[johna]

Andrew, thanks for your response. I'll upload some photos in the next few days.

[beatboy77]

Here is my Macca bass collection. Consists of a 1961 Hofner 500/1 "Cavern", a 1962 Hofner 500/1 and a 1964 Rickenbacker 4001S. Other than not being left-handed each is Macca-spec.

Josh

[pag]

Geof,

Great bass you have there and dont underestimate its value!

Should this thread have a link to the bass section?

[wints]

What's the serial on that bass Josh, if you don't mind me asking? It looks familiar...

[paulramon1962]

Here is my Macca bass collection. Consists of a 1961 Hofner 500/1 "Cavern", a 1962 Hofner 500/1 and a 1964 Rickenbacker 4001S. Other than not being left-handed each is Macca-spec.

Josh

My jealousy rears its ugly head...

[jps]

Here is my Macca bass collection. Consists of a 1961 Hofner 500/1 "Cavern", a 1962 Hofner 500/1 and a 1964 Rickenbacker 4001S. Other than not being left-handed each is Macca-spec.

Josh

Why is the TRC falling off the headstock?

Also, it is hard to see the walnut wings, do you have a better photo of the headstock, thanks?