Real Deal?

rhinobass · Post by **rhinobass** » Fri Mar 21, 2003 7:26 am

Sorry, I am unsure how to create a link. Here's an ad for a 4000, but I have my doubts if it is the real deal. The neck joins makes me wonder.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2517591457&category=4713

leftybass · Post by **leftybass** » Fri Mar 21, 2003 11:11 am

John: I think it's okay, but it would be nice to see some better pics of this. It is surely constructed like most 4000 basses you see, but it would be nice to see behind the nameplate and the pickguard to see what's underneath. Most copies you see are of 4001 basses too, not 4000's, but you never know......

ojobob2 · Post by **ojobob2** » Fri Mar 21, 2003 12:26 pm

i saw a Jetglo 4000 in a shop recently, it was a 70's one and had a thru neck. but this one looks genuine i reckon

paul_yan · Post by **paul_yan** » Fri Mar 21, 2003 12:43 pm

I think it's a real one, Rhino.

Notice the "set neck" design of this 1980 4000? True for a post-mid-'70s 4000. Maybe there were less 4000 basses produced after the mid-'70s than pre-mid-'70s, as 4001 basses were the mainstay then.

With the present bid of $450, you might snap this rare baby for a very "reasonable" price at the end of the auction. Go for it!!!

Here's some data about the 4000 model, courtesy of Peter's Registration Page:
--------------------------------------------------
4000 MODELS

4000
This bass is the first bass model that Rickenbacker produced.
Original Features: Single pickup, chrome 1 volume and 1 tone control, mono output, unbound body, dot inlay, clear plastic pickguard with gold back painting, cresting wave headstock, unbound rosewood fingerboard, 8 dot inlays, clear plastic finger rest, Schaller BM nickel machine heads. Originally available only in Mapleglo and older style Fireglo (2 tone brown sunburst) finishes.
1957 - Prototype sent for photographing in April
1957 - Introduced in June
1957 - (Late) movable bridge with string mute
???? - Chrome plated knobs replace black "flying saucer" knobs
1958 - Walnut neck replaced mahogany neck
1958 - White pickguard became optionally available
1959 - Neck width narrowed
1960 - Maple and walnut neck replaced walnut (or mahogany) neck
1960 - "Fireglo" (red sunburst) finish became optionally available
1961 - Body became slighter, slimmer and more contoured
1963 - Bridge/tailpiece with under string mutes replaced bridge with sliding mute.
1963 - Jetglo and Autumglo finishes became optionally available
1963 - White pickguard replaced gold pickguard
1963 - Black bakelite knobs replaced chrome knobs
1969 - High gain pickup and cover replaced horseshoe bridge pickup
1969 - Headstock shortened
(mid 70's) - Set neck design replaced neck-thru design
1971 - Grover sealed back machine heads replaced Schaller open back nickel machine heads
1974 - Gap in center raised lip of bridge eliminated
1974 - Gap in center raised lip of bridge eliminated
1974 - Pickguard shortened 1/2 inch
1975 - Cast chrome plated zinc bridge/tailpiece replaces chrome plated cast aluminum bridge/tailpiece.
1975 - Schaller BMC chrome open back machine heads replaced Grover sealed back machine heads
1984 - Model 4000 removed from price sheets
1987(1985?) - Discontinued
-------------------------------------------------

ojobob2 · Post by **ojobob2** » Fri Mar 21, 2003 1:40 pm

this bass looks great! The first rickenbacker i ever picked up and played was a 4000, they are strange, what with one pickup, and no fancy inlays or binding. Very simple, like a P bass in many respects

davecondra · Post by **davecondra** » Fri Mar 21, 2003 7:57 pm

The pickgaurd is a bit odd. I've never seen one with a straight edge like this. Of course it could be a replacement... And the fingerboard isn't the usual color, but the rest looks Ricky.

paul_yan · Post by **paul_yan** » Sat Mar 22, 2003 11:27 am

That baby is in Cape Town, South Africa.
The shipping charge will be pricely.

rickcrazy · Post by **rickcrazy** » Mon Mar 31, 2003 11:54 am

Is this one for real? I think not. Look closely.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2520004166&category=4713

Plus, no pics in greater detail, no nothing. And all those convenient modifications...

paul_yan · Post by **paul_yan** » Mon Mar 31, 2003 1:37 pm

First time I see a 4001 with triangle inlays and no body binding.
I suppose it's either a fake or a rare one.
The mods (active circuitry and stuffs) are shameful.

ricnvolved · Post by **ricnvolved** » Mon Mar 31, 2003 2:15 pm

The owner of that thing is another Ric abuser to be shot at sunrise. It's bad enough that he put an active pick-up in it; worst of all is that it's an EMG. *puke*

anonymous · Post by **anonymous** » Mon Mar 31, 2003 3:35 pm

That could be real to me from what little of it I can see, but I can't be certain. It does have body binding, but was obviously sanded down. The pickguard is a bit suspicious with the knob markers though. Considering the mods, I wouldn't be interested in it anyway.

anonymous · Post by **anonymous** » Tue Apr 01, 2003 12:17 am

why do all that to such a nice bass? (assuming it is real) Yeah looks real but sanded, but who can tell

anonymous · Post by **anonymous** » Sat Apr 05, 2003 1:03 am

More fake stuff on Ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2521267006&category=7266

rickcrazy · Post by **rickcrazy** » Wed Apr 16, 2003 10:45 am

1972. Yeah, right. Make that 1974 or 1975.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2524020100&category=4713