Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

rickenbrother wrote:

cjj wrote:'70s basses are great. In fact ALL of then are great. I love my '76 4001, but my '84 4003 is wonderful too, as is my '08 4003 FL and my '08 4004. But then, my '09 4003 is pretty spectacular too as is my '10 4003.

So, there you have it. They're ALL great...

I almost completely agree with you except for that I'm not too fond of the early 4003's with the truss rod adjustments at the body end of the neck and the two piece pickguards.

Why? Is it just that the truss rods are more of a pain to adjust?

Personally, I've never tried to adjust them, the bass had some sort of roundwounds on it when I got it. I think they were rather old 'cause I actually broke one! I've never broken a string before! Anyway, I put Roto's on it and the setup seemed just about perfect to me, so I didn't adjust it. 'Course, I tend to not bother adjusting truss rods much anyway, unless the strings are buzzing on the frets or they are a mile off the fretboard. I guess I'm just not that setup sensitive...

cjj wrote:Why? Is it just that the truss rods are more of a pain to adjust?

I don't like the look of the two piece pickguard. I had two different '81 4003's,they just didn't sound right to me. The the truss rods being more of a pain to adjust is also a reason, but the least important one that makes me shy away from the early 4003's. I know some people love them. Yours is a very special looking one, which I wouldn't part with if it were mine, as long as it sounds and plays well. Neck girth is not an issue for me. I don't mind a chunky neck.

johnnysain wrote:wait on the perfect 4001. It is the bass that changed the world!

As much as I love Rickenbacker I have to say that I agree with Jim Roberts that Fender is the brand of bass that changed the world.

coolingitdown wrote:So, question:

Is a 70's 4001 worth investing in? ... I buy instruments to play them. No case queens here.

Just looking for some guidance!

No case queens here.

Mmmmm! I like that one...

cjj wrote:Mmmmm! I like that one...

+1! very nice!

rickenbrother wrote:

heinpete wrote:...but you have to admit, that this series never had a tail lift!

True, but the minimal amount of tail lift that some of my Ricks have, has never been an issue for me.
I now there have been some cases where the tail lift was excessive. Usually due to string sets with alot of tension, but some people make too big of a deal about a little tail lift. Just my own humble opinion.

coolingitdown wrote:I've actually been to a SCARF and a mini-con now, but have yet to try a 4001.

I'll give one a test drive next time.

I'll make sure of that!

Play Joey's FireGlo 4001 (1979 IIRC) - it is an awesome bass and sounds/plays great.

2ndHand72Rick wrote:To say that newer 4003's are better basses is a false statement.

I'm pretty sure it's all just a matter of opinion. I like 'em all, but having played quite a few 4001s, 4003s, and even 4004s at this point, I know what my preferences are.

jps wrote: No case queens here.

mmmmm checkered binding.......

johnallg wrote:

rickenbrother wrote:

coolingitdown wrote:I've actually been to a SCARF and a mini-con now, but have yet to try a 4001.

I'll give one a test drive next time.

I'll make sure of that!

Play Joey's FireGlo 4001 (1979 IIRC) - it is an awesome bass and sounds/plays great.

Great memory for all points made in that statement, John!

Great feedback!

Why did Rick quit making the 4005's? That is one gorgeous Bass! I don't know how they play but as far as looks they're an 11!!!!!

Probably unrealistic for me but what should a guy pay for a nice one? Ballpark.

Thanks,

Glenn

My Rick 4000 made in 1974 is my all time fave Rick bass!

larsongs wrote:Great feedback!

Why did Rick quit making the 4005's? That is one gorgeous Bass! I don't know how they play but as far as looks they're an 11!!!!!

Probably unrealistic for me but what should a guy pay for a nice one? Ballpark.

Thanks,

Glenn

Lack of sales. Depends on condition. I'd figure $7-10K USD would cover one.

johnnysain wrote:patience,......this is the decision of a lifetime,.....wait on the perfect 4001. It is the bass that changed the world!

But while you're waiting... pick up a new 4003 and rock it!

Don't get me wrong - I have a '72 4001, and I'd never give it up - but the new 4003 has a great reputation. Mark my words: in a few decades, the 2011 4003 will turn out to be a fantastic investment. In the interim, it'll be a great bass to play.

I guess at $7 -10K it will be quite a while before I get one of those!

Thanks,

Glenn