Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

4004's are nice basses, the necks are a bit "big" feeling width wise, but very thin between your thumb and fingers. The tone on the CII I had was dark and, for lack of a better word,, "compressed" sounding. Loved the bass, couldnt get along with the tone.

The Laredo I had, felt the same, but was much brighter and livelier sounding, I really liked this bass, but it had a neck that I just couldnt get to settle down. It was a 2008 model, and perhaps I'm the only one,, but I noticed a bit of a problem here on the forum with that particular year as far as neck stability, I finally tossed in the towel and sold it.

The 4004s come from the factory wired in a very basic format. With a little thought and ingenuity, they can be modded into a much better bass for your needs.

Nice basses,, alot of quirks, wiring them volume/ volume/ tone, or concentric volume/tone,,volume/tone is really a must in my opinion to open up a little versatility.

All things considered,,If I would go out and buy a Rickenbacker tomorrow,,, I would shop for a new 4004 Laredo. I'd love to try one with the 2 piece neck, wire it V V T, and explore the wiring possibilities of the pickups,, splitting the coils exc...

bassduke49 wrote:The picture looks familiar:

http://www.rocks-bottom.com/sample_pages_4004Cii.html

So if you got the photo credit to use it did you get any information on the bass itself? Just curious if it's worth tracking down. There seems to have been a handful of Amber Fireglo 4004cii made in 2007. I never liked it on the bound models because it made the binding and inlays look dingey, but on this with the gold HW it is really stunning.

It was one that they had for sale at some point. Lovely figuring and against the black made it more stunning. Don't know where that bass ended up, sorry.

Here's a pic of a 4004Cii in AFG 2008 from the Register, sold by Wildwood:

That is absolutely stunning Ron. RIC did a great job on this bass.

winston wrote:That is absolutely stunning Ron. RIC did a great job on this bass.

+1 It would be welcome in my possession if it were possible!

yes,amber FG is high on my favorite color list. that is one gorgeous bass!

ive had some time to live with my 4004 laredo. not much but enough to afford an opinion. i won't bother getting into colour and finish. neck is definitely different. bigger, but nothing to whine about. as far as the neck being unstable, hasn't happened. i found putting the pickup switch in the middle put out the best in terms of the classic ricky sound. a thought...this feels more like a straight ahead"bass" whereras the 4003 feels like a lead instrument to me. but i found there to be a definite increase in the bottom end. i just have a small line 6 practice amp, and this bass sounds gorgeous even through a cheap amp like this. but i find the 4003 to be more unique...either way, i love them both. beautiful bass, does what i want it to do. as far as the rough reviews i've read, can honestly say that isn't the case with mine. worth the chance and am happy with the purchase.

I for one am looking forward to playing one of these with the new neck. I did find the ones I owned in the past to be a bit "big". Thinking about placing an order, but I think I'll wait and see what new finish options are unveiled at NAMM.

Love the sound.

John, grow your hair back out, wear a black shirt and slacks, and get an MG. Too cool.

Nice basses,, alot of quirks, wiring them volume/ volume/ tone, or concentric volume/tone,,volume/tone is really a must in my opinion to open up a little versatility.

All things considered,,If I would go out and buy a Rickenbacker tomorrow,,, I would shop for a new 4004 Laredo. I'd love to try one with the 2 piece neck, wire it V V T, and explore the wiring possibilities of the pickups,, splitting the coils exc...

My 4004 Cii is a 2008, I have the vol/vol tone mod, much better. I would consider tapping the HB1's. I have a tapped HB1 (neck pos') in my 4003, sounds great.

As for the neck problem on 08's, I had a buzzing/false tone problem on E & A string around the 5th fret, I fixed it with a shim between the string & the nut but was never really happy with the action, so i removed the bridge mounting plate (& the shim), adjusted the neck & now feels pretty good, I will be using it for my gig on Sunday.
However, I am a little disappointed that I had to go thru the long process of fixing these issues myself considering the cost of a 4004.
At this price point when you unpack & first play your bass you should have nothing but a big grin on yer face, & not be reaching for a screwdriver.

SPEAKING OF 4004cii, has ANYONE else seen what is available over a POTR?

Hmmmmm?

Go ahead, I'll wait..............

Oh, alright...here,

http://www.pickofthericks.com/rickenbac ... ted-price/

Go ahead, call him! He's dealing!
IF THIS HAD THE NEW 2 PIECE NECK, I'd be at the blood bank selling pints.

ajish4 wrote:IF THIS HAD THE NEW 2 PIECE NECK, I'd be a the blood bank selling pints.

I think this is a big reason why it didn't sell on eBay. People are embracing the two-piece neck by and large. I used to think my 2007 had a small neck but it feels like a baseball bat now... I'm spoiled.

ajish4 wrote:SPEAKING OF 4004cii, has ANYONE else seen what is available over at POTR?

Dang! Looks like I'll be asking Santa for lottery tix - I want the brownburst Cii, the blueburst Cii and one of the white 4001C64s.