Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hey, check Ebay item 902625029, a transitional version of the 4001 Bass bridge pickup. The screws on the one in my November 1970 4001 bass are smaller, which prompts me to think that what we have here is a later (?) version, probably made in '72/'73 (I hasten to add that I've never come across a 4001 bass made in 1971, 1972 or 1973). Anyone?

I once had a 73 4001JG but it had high gains all round although the neck one was in the "early" position. It had a sweet sound and a great neck! And then, like an idiot I sold it.

I have an early '71 4001. I'll check it with mine....

Hi, Eden and Gene. Thanks for reading my post. I think that since the pickup at issue is sprayed black we can safely assume it was made sometime during '72 or '73, not '70 or '71. The baseplate (made out of metal, not plastic) and the magnet (smaller than the one eventually adopted for the 'button top' pickup) are just like those in my November 1970 4001 bass. I guess that both the black plastic baseplate and the large magnet became standard with the 'button top' pickups.

REQUEST:

Guys, Please include a link to the eBay item in your post. I promise I always will when I see something buzzworthy there.

Thanks,
Garry

The picture in the eBay ad is no longer viewable. I'll take a look at my 1973 Autumnglo (Walnut), which, like Eden's bass, has the neck pickup in the 'early' position and maybe take a picture to post here.