Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi folks, I'm new to the forum. I finally got myself a Rickenbacker bass.
A couple of weeks ago, my 4001c64s arrived via courier. I bought it used, but if I hadn't been told it was used, I would never have known (i.e. it's in mint condition).

Here is the only dilemma I encountered:
To my knowledge, there are a few differences that distinguish a c64s from a c64.

4001c64
-black nut
-no zero fret
-glossy finish
-"hexagonal" shaped
bridge pickup surround
-"regular body shape"

4001C64S
-white nut
-zero fret
-satin finish
-rectangular
bridge pickup surround
-reshaped body (i.e. shaved "horns")

In every way listed above, the bass I received meets the c64s model specs - except 1.
The body isn't reshaped. I've been calling it "the hybrid" to this point.

It was made in mid 2003. I'm not sure weather it is a "proto-type", mistake, or
custom work requested by the purchaser. Anyhow, I love the bass, and I'm pleased
with it. I just wanted to put the info out there to get some interpretations
from folks who might know a little more about the c series bass models.

Here are a few pics.

Hmmm.... I have a C64S. Love it. Yours does look a little odd, almost more like a C64. The top pic does look like the upper horn has been altered, but not nearly as noticeable as mine. In the third pic it doesn't look as though it's been sanded at all. Weird.

Welcome to the Rickenbacker Forum Chris and for this most interesting post.

I can't imagine that there were many that left the factory this way, so yours certainly seems unique.

It will be of considerable interest to seem whether your 4001C64S is a "one of a kind" in this respect.

Very neat and interesting.

Right you are John. Years from now this will have Rickenbacker "C" series enthusiasts shaking their heads. Just a hint of mystery here that has us sit up and take notice.

It would be nice to hear from the factory on this one. I suspect that we can probably rule out a custom order but to me its departure from the mainstream is a happy one as it adds uniqueness.

It has to be one of a small number if not the only one like this. A modern rarity, of sorts.

Very cool bass!

My bet is John Hall lets one like this out every so often so he can sit back and laugh at us trying to figure it out!

I know I'd do it!

Kevin

Oh, BTW, Welcome Chris!

I'll bet that is a C64 in Mapleglo. Does it have the satin sealer finish or the high gloss finsh? I know that Gary @NCM had a few C64 models in mapleglo.

Paul's looked like that at one time.



If you are interested in selling, let me know

Maybe they ran out of sandpaper that day.

I don't think you were supposed to let that slip Bob.

BTW, what happened to Chris. THis was his one and only post. I thought he started out pretty good. I hope he comes back with some more interesting thoughts.

The finish on the bass is satin... I know the picture doesn't show really show it very well.

Brian, thanks for the pic of Paul. I hadn't seen his bass at that intermediate stage before. Originally, I wanted to try and establish the model in order to see if the retailer had got a few extra dollars out of me...the price was based on markdown from a c64s model which is slightly more expensive (than the c64).

Chris, where did you buy the bass?

Long & McQuade in Brampton... it was just chance that I managed to find it. In the 26 locations they have in Canada, they had 1 Rick bass in stock.