Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

'Cause it looks flaming gorgeous, I'd say.

I like Ss, and in many respects the new "S" which exists as the 4004C/L...

...But nothing can beat those original full-width MOPs with Checker.

this was a standard 4001 for 1968 ...

http://www.3dentourage.com/425/68-ric-2.htm

According to Richard Smith's book, "Rickenbacker," the introduction of the two-pickup 4001 was in 1961, and this was also the intro of the shark-fin position markers and checker-bound body. Also, according to Smith, the origin of the 4001s was the Rose-Morris export model 1999, but no dates. Paul McCartney, Peter Quaife, and others had the "s model" around 1965-66. (Can you tell I'm doing research on my book?)

Paul ,i believe the s model[RM1999]production lasted through 1968 ,Andy[wints] would know better when the exact cut off was.

the 4001s was discontinued in the early 80's when the they stopped making all 4001 basses and the 4003s was discontinued 1995 ... the s5 and s8 basses were discontinued about 2001 ...

but the 4001v63 is technically an "s" model and the 4001c64 is an "s" ... they stopped making the v63 about 2000 and they are still making the c64 ...

I'll drop in my 2 cents, but I am certainly not the authority....
All the genuine RM1999's I know have a 64 serial number. Although Smith gives 50 more examples for 65 and 66 I have not seen one. Funny, that out of a (supposed) 100 examples in 64 there is roughly 10-15% known. For the 50 other examples 0%.
Of course that doesn't mean they aren't out there somewhere...
That was the bulk of it probably. After that I would tend to think it was all special order and domestic market. Ken's (and my) 67 would be examples. Round heels, not square like all the 64's. I would like to see a 65/66 to see what heel they would have. Phil Harris has a March 65 deluxe I believe that still has the square heel.

There was a 1970 4005 with F hole that was posted here a while back that came from Europe, that originally would have been a RM order I'd imagine.
I would presume that only JH would be able to clarify what was and what was not an export model by invoice....

was the first 4001 an "s" model or a deluxe model with binding and triangle inlays?

Jeff thats a good question, i would think it was a deluxe model [non export] with all the goody's to attract attention.

There is a picture in the smith book of somebody playing or posing with a 60-61 4000 with binding and inlays maybe a transitional bass ?

That 4000 also has the newer body style with longer and sharpened horns.

I have known Squire for several years now. I am Godfather to his son. The first day we met, I begged and was able to hold, touch and play his 64 ric. It has the thinnest neck of any of the 64's I have played. As far as the weight, it's only slightly lighter than normal. Paint is thick. I own his early 70's eight string. (Gift)

Seth, you lucky dog! How is the neck and action on it? Do you know if that one and Entwistle's are the only white 8-strings from that period? (Is it a 1975?) Do you know if Squire still has the 1970 21-fret Mapleglo?
Anyway, congratulations! That is priceless!

Seth, there was a guy who used to visit these parts named Randy Decker who would love to speak with you!
Welcome to the Forum, and we look forward to your contributions.

Seth,
Are you coming to the RIC Confluence? If so, please bring the 4008 and Chris with you!

I loved the neck on my old '68 ... and the resonance of the whole instrument ... but the pickups were so weak ... they didn't get the job done ... they lacked punch and balls ...

Seth ... how does Vincent like the '68 4001? how is the black one you got off of ebay?