Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I have been looking around the net looking at different cases hoping I could find one that fits my 73 4001 snugly. I tried to fit my '05 4003 in my vintage brown Fender case but it is 1/2" too wide at the bottom but my Dec. 73 does fit. My other 73 which I think was born in April is away getting a fret dressing so I can not check it although I think it is too wide as well. I wanted to know what everyone else's 4001 measures at the bottom bout. My 4003 is/was(I sold it recently) 13 1/2" and my Dec. 4001 measures 13". I didn't realize that they fluctuated that much.
How Big is YOUR 4001?

The early ones (60's) had large headstocks. When they switched to the shedua stripe design, the headstock was scaled down (width and length). Some time in the 80's the headstock was re-enlarged to about the same size as the 60's headstock. The there were the 21 freters which are about 1/2" longer than the 20 fret basses. So yes, there will be some variations over the run of the 4001/3.

I found a 70s fender case that fit my 68 4001 perfectly ...

My 68 is too long to fit in a molded Ric case.

How much longer is your '68 Scott?

The two lefty '72s I have retain their OHSC's, which look just like the Fender cases of the day..black tolex/orange lining--some people even call them 'Fullerton' cases....Fender cases sans the badge on the lid.

Funny thing is when I try to put my Jazz Bass in either one of them it won't fit! LOL

jazz basses won't fit in a p-bass case ...

Jazz basses are longer because of the offset body shape. That's why when you buy a case for a Fender you have the choice between a Precision case or a Jazz case.

I believe the silver vintage case that my 4003 came in was made by G&G just like the newer Fender cases. The padding inside is what makes the difference I think.

My '63 measures 45 1/4" from stem to stern. I don't remember ever having trouble fitting it in any one of my cases. I would not be surprised if it did not fit thought. My '80 4001 measures 44 1/4". Just about a full inch shorter.

If you buy a black tolex Fender case the padding is soft and covered with plush material but when you get a vintage tweed, brown or blonde tolex Fender case the padding is much stiffer like styrofoam and is covered with a less dense poodle material but is still soft. The vintage RIC case is made the identical way. I think a 4001/4003 would have a better chance fitting in a black case with the softer padding than the vintage cases and their stiffer padding.

My 73 JG is 44 1/4 and 13 wide.

Damn!...I wish I had the other one here so I could check it too!

My 97 4003 is 44 3/4" and my 68 is 45 1/4". Not much difference, but the 68 won't fit into the 4003's case.

Is it not logical to presume size does not matter...

"I found a 70s fender case that fit my 68 4001 perfectly"

+1

I keep my '73 4001 in an old 70's Fender HSC (amp logo case).