Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I got a line on a '84 4001 "Paul McCartney model" or something like that. I remember Ric making a series of Beatles inspired guitars and a bass around this time. I believe the bass was a set neck 4001S with a toaster. Anybody have any info on these and/or pictures?

Go here:
http://www.rickenbacker.com/model.asp?model=4001C64

Tom, the 'PMC' did not appear until around 1999, I have one from May '99. To my knowledge these were all left-handed as well.

The 'B Series' Rickenbackers were from 1982 and a 4001-S bass was part of that series, this sounds closer to what you describe. V63s are, of course, neck-thru.

Yes, the B series! That's right. I knew it wasn't one of those export/lefty only ones (PMC). And definitely not a C64. I haven't seen it yet. Didn't the B series have like a three color sunburst, or am I nuts??? Guy wants $2K. Seems OK if you really want one, but not really a "gotta jump on it" price.

The B series was a half hearted attempt to make a vintage reissue. It happened before JH took over the company. The bass is basically an S with a toaster and a ROS harness. The ones I have seen have two piece neck slabs. They are hard to find so pricing is open to interpretation more so than on the common models. 2K might be a bit high for a B IMHO. I have only seen Mapleglo B series basses. There was also an FG 360WB and a JG 320 in the series.

I agree with Ted, they are uncommon IMO..I can't remember when the last time was that I saw one of the basses, and I can only recall a MG finish. I have seen more 320B models in circulation than the other models, even a left-handed version. Dunno about the price on it either, $2K sounds like top dollar to me, Your Mileage May Vary..

$2K sounds expensive considering you can probably get a V63 or a C64 in the same price range. Now I don't know much about the "B" Series, but from what I hear the V63 and C64 are superior instruments.

Here's a link to a scan of an ad they ran for the B series. Looks like they stopped making these in '82. I'm going to have to go check out the one at Sam Ash and see exactly what it is they've got. Just for the hell of it...

http://www.rickbeat.com/modelslibrary/bseries/bseries.htm

Just curious, if Rickenbacker owns the patent for the words "toaster pickup", why did they call those pickups "chrome bar" pickups in that ad?

They own Toaster Top as a trademark . A patent is a different thing. Toaster Top has become RIC property just like Chevy became property of GM and Mickey D's has become the property of McDonalds. Fender has trademarked Strat and Tele. Popular nickames for products often become trademarked.

I still think that your better of with a "V" or "C" series instrument.

Then why call them "Chrome Bar" pickups? I'm confused.

Opps Sorry. I was not clear there. I think that is what they were officially called until the Toaster Top nickname took.