Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Every CS I've seen has some finish checking. No big deal, adds to their charm. Appears the finish is very delicate on them.

Typically the CS will sell higher than a v63. These two were built around the same time so I would think they would feel & sound similar. I'd go with the one whose color you prefer.

If you can get this CS for near 3 grand, I think it would be a screaming deal.

Do not bid before the auction close. There is always someone who can give extra couple of bucks. Go to www.esnipe.com enter your highest $ you want to pay and it is done. The program will bid for you 5 seconds before the end just adding the appropriate number of $ to the last highest bid. This way you make sure you win if it is within your budget.

Thanks for pointing out the differences in evolution of the CS. Very interesting and valuable information for a CS afficionado like me.
I was just very sensitive to difference between the words "wrong" and "different"

In fairness to RIC, I don't think the 4001CS was supposed to have been exact but a "dream bass" representation of his. That it changed with the V63 makes sense but since these instruments became less "correct" with the change, I don't understand why they were changed. I like the mojo these have, but at the current prices, I could modify a V63 or even a standard 4003 and still have money left over..a lot of it.

Dane, I agree with you. I'll get a CS someday when all conditions are right. In the meantime, I have an old 4001s (1982) that is awaiting a refinish similar to Squire's bass. It won't be exact, but it isn't meant to be. Project to commence around spring time, once I finish researching everything and make up my mind about some final details.

Every now and then I hint at doing the refin on my MG V63, to which my (very understanding) wife then firmly puts her foot down... she likes the natural finishes (and I wouldn't do that to a V63 anyway).

From the RIC press release on the 4001CS:

"The neck has been shaped to meet Squire's specifications and match his original bass"

http://www.rickenbacker.com/news_item.asp?news_id=2&news=old

That's interesting, but I'll provide a link to Nick Beggs CS interview from 2004. Note the comment at the end, after he plays Chris' 4001...

http://www.kajagoogoo.com/ChrisNickInterview.shtml

that finish is Fragile...Closer to the Edge that is;

I am really confused here or I may ne needing glasses. I am comparing this one to my 1990 #5 and really can see much difference other than my faded color.

It clearly states on our press release that this is an instrument "not produced before". There never was an intent to directly replicate Chris's bass and no claim to that effect was ever made. Therefore, to claim that it's "not correct" is really ridiculous.

It's also a totally unique instrument, in a class by itself, with the Vermilion headstock and wings, something that was advertised very prominently.

Mr.Hall with the Chris Squire bass,if chris had asked for the necks on the basses to be like his would you have done this.With all LE guitars & basses is it in recognition of artist using Rickenbackers for a long time.

And there you have it!

I do wonder if the CS Nick Beggs played was a later one, as the neck on my '91 CS, although doubtless not as thin as Chris's RM, is still extremely thin. I've played a '69 and I'd say the neck on my CS was probably thinner.

Yes what i was trying to say was on the LE guitars & basses was how long would an artist using Rickenbackers,wait for the honour of having a signature instrument.Or does Mr.Hall decide who has one.

No way to tell, Shaun. It would make sense that Chris got an early one, but that may not be the case. At any rate, I think what Mr. Hall is saying is that Chris Squire's bass was the inspiration and model for a LE 4001 that was a tribute to the man who did so much with his own customized model and was never intended to be an exact copy. The 4001CS stands in its own right. I still want one! I only wish one would become available locally to be able to play it first. There is no right or wrong neck, only what suits the player best and I'd want my CS to be a real player, one that would get into my original compositions and not be locked in a case as an investment. Rickenbackers are meant to be played and heard