4005 Rickenbacker V

[mgauction]

I’m thinking of buy one of the new produced 4005’s, however I’m hoping the neck profile is like the 60’s. The seller says it’s almost like a D profile. Would this still make the neck feel wide? Anyone know how these are made?

[Korladis]

I would describe most Rickenbacker necks I've played as "D shaped." Though of course they vary in their dimensions.

[Ratwax]

I got my 4005V a week ago and whilst I can't say what the neck profile is, or how it compares to a 1960's bass, I can compare it to my 03' 4003. The 4005V bass has a thinner neck in comparison to my 4003.

[nixdad]

I have both a '66 4005 and a new 4005V (as well as a 4005XC and 2 x 4003 basses.)

I can say without a doubt, that Rickenbacker absolutely nailed the shallow neck feel of the 60's 4005! The neck is incredible. My 4005XC has much more of a D-shaped necked - it's not bad, but nowhere near as comfortable (to me) as the 4005V.

These are simply killer. If you need any advice on where to get a good deal let me know.

[Isaac]

I have both a '66 4005 and a new 4005V (as well as a 4005XC and 2 x 4003 basses.)

I can say without a doubt, that Rickenbacker absolutely nailed the shallow neck feel of the 60's 4005! The neck is incredible. My 4005XC has much more of a D-shaped necked - it's not bad, but nowhere near as comfortable (to me) as the 4005V.

These are simply killer. If you need any advice on where to get a good deal let me know.

How do the 4005XC and the 4005V compare otherwise? Their sound unplugged, sound plugged in, feel in terms of length, balance, etc.?

[nixdad]

Hi Isaac -
I have not yet had the time to do a deep dive to determine the differences, but hope to do so soon.

You own both basses as well, correct? What have you found so far?

Chris

[bugman]

I'd love one of the new 4005 basses. Is there any worry of the exploding R tailpieces on these like I've heard so much about on the guitars?

[jps]

I'd love one of the new 4005 basses. Is there any worry of the exploding R tailpieces on these like I've heard so much about on the guitars?

Not in my experience (38 years).

[Isaac]

Hi Isaac -
I have not yet had the time to do a deep dive to determine the differences, but hope to do so soon.

You own both basses as well, correct? What have you found so far?

Chris

Nope. I don't think I've ever even seen a proper 4005 in person (nor a 4002, for that matter!), but I do rather like my 4005XC.

[Isaac]

I'd love one of the new 4005 basses. Is there any worry of the exploding R tailpieces on these like I've heard so much about on the guitars?

From what I've read, the R tailpiece breakage is most common in 12-strings with black hardware, like my Midnight Blue/black 330/12. Less common with chrome on 12s, and not common at all on other than 12s.

[cassius987]

I can also imagine that 12 total strings impose a lot more tension on a tailpiece than 4. Yes- bass string tension is higher due to scale length, but tension on the tailpiece is between the bridge saddle and tailpiece - so not as big of a difference in scale. (Maybe about the same %age wise? I have no idea.)

[nixdad]

Hi Isaac -
I have not yet had the time to do a deep dive to determine the differences, but hope to do so soon.

You own both basses as well, correct? What have you found so far?

Chris

Nope. I don't think I've ever even seen a proper 4005 in person (nor a 4002, for that matter!), but I do rather like my 4005XC.

Gotcha - my mistake (BTW, I've never seen a 4002 either!) I'll get to the comparison when possible.

Chris

[jps]

Hi Isaac -
I have not yet had the time to do a deep dive to determine the differences, but hope to do so soon.

You own both basses as well, correct? What have you found so far?

Chris

Nope. I don't think I've ever even seen a proper 4005 in person (nor a 4002, for that matter!), but I do rather like my 4005XC.

Gotcha - my mistake (BTW, I've never seen a 4002 either!) I'll get to the comparison when possible.

Chris

Unlesss it is one of the instruments that got stolen and never recovered, Gary has a 4002 (he's out in your neck of the woods).

[nixdad]

I have both a '66 4005 and a new 4005V (as well as a 4005XC and 2 x 4003 basses.)

I can say without a doubt, that Rickenbacker absolutely nailed the shallow neck feel of the 60's 4005! The neck is incredible. My 4005XC has much more of a D-shaped necked - it's not bad, but nowhere near as comfortable (to me) as the 4005V.

These are simply killer. If you need any advice on where to get a good deal let me know.

How do the 4005XC and the 4005V compare otherwise? Their sound unplugged, sound plugged in, feel in terms of length, balance, etc.?

Hi Isaac -
Here are the answers to your questions regarding the comparisons between the 4005XC and the 4005V. I've now gigged with both basses and can speak from experience:
- Unplugged: Acoustically, the 4005V is a bit louder. This makes sense, as I believe the body is a tad larger overall.
- Plugged in: Both have a wonderful focused heft, different from solid body basses. I didn't recall much difference during my gigs (both of my basses are strung with TI flats.)
- Length: The 4005V definitely feels longer (as it is.) Low notes are certainly a bit more of a stretch on the V compared to the XC.
- Neck: The neck on the V is incredibly, wonderfully shallow, and VERY comfortable to play. The XC neck is a tad deeper, but it's still flat across the back so it's very comfortable and easy to play as well. Since the XC is short scale, reaching the lower notes is easier, and of course, it's a 24 fret neck (compared to 20 frets on the V) with full access so fret access across the board is easy and expanded. I believe both basses have the same width at the nut (1.75") and at the last fret (2.25".)
- Balance: Both basses balance very well on a strap (when standing.) My band performs seated, so there are zero balance issues anyway.)

Chris

[Isaac]

Thanks!

I was wondering if it would be necessary, or at least worthwhile, to get a 4005V in addition to my 4005XC. Sounds as though, as good as the V is, it's not enough better justify the expense, and I can save my money.