1961 Rickenbacker 4001 Bass

[opticnerve]

I got an idea the other night while watching The Honeymooners.
It was the episode where Ralph & Ed can't afford to buy a TV alone,
so they chip in & share it...

Anybody interested in chipping in for this bass? I won't be a hog like Ralph was.

[superdick2112]

I got an idea the other night while watching The Honeymooners.
It was the episode where Ralph & Ed can't afford to buy a TV alone,
so they chip in & share it...

Anybody interested in chipping in for this bass? I won't be a hog like Ralph was.

Now thats some funny stuff right there! That reminds me of the Simpsons episode where Bart & his pals chip in together to buy a rare comic book - didn't turn out so well for them when it came time to share it...

[mgauction]

Auction is up online. Register online at ha.com, or, 800-872-6467 (ask for Customer Services). Once registered you will be able to view the auction, live, online and bid on Heritage Live.

http://entertainment.ha.com/common/sear ... Sold=0&Ns=

[egosheep]

Very nice Capri there as well!
http://entertainment.ha.com/common/view ... =off#Photo

[vincent_gallo]

I visited Heritage this past Wednesday and was allowed to completely inspect the bass. First, the tuners were not changed. After removing all four tuners only under one tuner was there one extra hole which was obviously from a realignment at build time. Under all three remaining tuners there was only one set of original holes and all four tuner pegs are all clearly original what the bass was built with. The routes under the guard are all factory original with no removed or added finish anywhere on the bass. All pots, wire, solder joints etc are untouched. The bass is 100% original including its case with no question areas whatsoever. Plays and sounds extremely good. Neck is straight and neck angle is great. Maybe a prototype for the upcoming 4001 deluxe, a one off for a professional or it is at least one of only two or three 4001’s made before 1963 and most likely the only one in 1961 ( my birth year).

The collection for sale at Heritage was put together by an antiques dealer who was not a musical instrument buyer. The instruments came only coincidentally throughout his buying days. This bass had it gone through the dealer musician circles would have been screwed up for sure. This one has remained the same as when it was made with only moderate playing time.

I own several from the late fifties to the late sixties and this one is by far the most rare, unusual and beautiful to see. For those like myself who primarily focus on 50’s 60’s basses this one is the holy grail and beyond. I cannot wait to show it to Andy Winter. I knew one like this existed but never in my life did I think one like it would finally appear and that I would have a chance to own it.

Today I won the bidding, paid for the bass and have it next to me as I type.

[rickenbrother]

Congrats and enjoy it, Vincent!

[leftybass]

Congratulations Vincent....I had thought from day one that you would be a front-runner for this bass. It has lots of great company...!

[jps]

Nice buy, Vincent, congratulations. If you can, please post some detail photos of the bass, showing the body cavities and underside of the pickguard, thanks.

[glking14]

Congrats and enjoy

[ajish4]

Nice catch Vincent,

I was watching the auction live on-line and wondered if you had a line on this one!

CONGRATULATIONS AND ENJOY!

[Ontario_RIC_fan]

Brilliant! Congrats on an amazing bass...

More images would be very welcome...

[egosheep]

Congrats Vincent, that has to be the coolest bass I have ever seen. Extra cool that it's your birth year bass.

[ilan]

Congrats! This is a historically significant bass. I'm glad it went to a good home. Take good care of it for future generations.

[Gilgamess]

That bass is like my ideal Rickenbacker. Fireglo finish with gold pickguard and trc with a horseshoe and toaster for pickups topped off with checkerboard binding. Heck even if Rickenbacker made it with a gold, normal style pickguard I'd be fine.

[cheyenne]

Nice catch Vincent. When I first saw this bass was going to be auctioned, you're the first person that popped into my head. Congratulations!