Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I am still kicking myself for not jumping in on the fireglo 4005 on eBay about 2 weeks ago. Mind you, I've never owned or played one, I just have a weakness for hollow or semi-hollow instruments and I think the 4005 is just one of the most beautiful designs I've ever seen. Even though they were made for several years, it appears few are around or at least available. Where can you find one?

So tell me, have any of you in here owned or played one enough to tell me something about how it sounds and handles? How's it feel? I'd really like to know more about them. I'm still watching out for one...hey, you never know!

More will show up on ebay

I hope so. I have my sights set on two basses, one is the 4005 and the other is a Gretsch. It's a challenge finding these two instruments, but patience is a virtue!

I'm surprised it sold as low as it did. I love my '67, easy as butter neck, combination mellow, hollow tone and those toasters. Ergonomic feel. A very unique instrument. And the R hasn't exploded. I like running mine through my Blues DeVille, which is sort of like a reissue '50's Bassman with reverb.

Yeah Jerry, I thought it would have gone higher. Probably would have if I had entered the bidding!! I think there just are too many instruments on eBay and it has a way of deflating prices a bit. Too many choices and only so much money to go around!

It sounds like the kind of bass I'd like to own and play. If I can't find one, I'll stick to my Gretsch Broadkaster for the time being, but it looks like something I'd enjoy. BTW, what did you mean about the "R exploding?"

I quite agree that the Model 4005 is a great looking bass and I like the toasters sound. Some have felt that its shape is akin to a phallic symbol. I will leave that to the Rickenbacker Anthropologists.

William,
The R exploding has to do with another post somewhere. One member/owner had his r tailpeice break apart, and I'm not one to let a joke at another's expence pass me by (karma police notwithstanding).
I've sold a few of my old cars and guitars lately and it seens the market is generally soft. If you have a colectable to sell, I'd say hang on for a bit til the economic picture brightens. I'd say that 4005 on ebay fell victim to this. Some lucky buyer got a deal. And I would like to know where all the 4005's are. They're not for sale, they're not showing up at gigs or on CD covers or on TV. Where the heck are they?

Hi

It's been a while, apologies to those who already have seen mine

http://www.sonic.net/~claudel/4005/

It was thrashed bad when I got it, but I was lucky enough to get in to the program when Rickenbacker was doing refins a few years ago.

It plays & sounds great. It's kinda big & clumsy compared to some basses, but hey, it's a 4005.

It's Purple. I should name it "Barney"

I really like playing it loud thru a 100 watt Marshall cranked just shy of runaway.
Don't know how that would work with a band, tho. :^)

Claude

Very nice Claude. It is certainly worth a second and third, look. You really should add a few more photos. Ha Ha! A 4005 bass player's dream page to be sure. Please describe what you mean by clumsy.

Peter >>Please describe what you mean by clumsy.

It just seems to be huge... Larger than life :^)
The neck seems to be longer than it really is, and it is balanced a bit differently than the other basses that I'm used to. A bit heavy toward the headstock.
It's fine with a strap.

Not really a complaint, just an observation.

I _really_ do like it, and I've had a couple of EB-2s ( mud city ) and a Starfire or two over the years. As far as hollow body basses go the 4005 definately rules. Actually, this is the only fretted 4 string bass I own at the moment.


Claude

Thanks Claudel. The one and only time I ever heard one played live was this guy from a local band (Glass Prism), playing his Fireglo through two Marshall stacks. I'll never forget that sound.

Hey, those bridge saddles are real close to the back of the bridge assembly. There's something seriously wrong and you should sell it to me before it gets worse. I can deal with it.

Joe Smith >> Hey, those bridge saddles are real close to the back of the bridge assembly. There's something seriously wrong and you should sell it to me before it gets worse. I can deal with it.


Sure. Got $4K?

:^)


Claude

Claude,

Where'd you have the beautiful resto done? Sometimes I'm tempted to redo mine in Apple Corps. Green. Anyone in So Cal talented enough do do it?

Jerry >> Claude, Where'd you have the beautiful resto done?

Hi Jerry

A friend of mine here in Surf City who is an expert luthier did most of the work including crack repair and dissasembly/reasssembly. As far as the paint, I was fortunate enough to catch a slow time at Rickenbacker a few years back when
they were doing refinishing... I don't believe that that program is still active. Perhaps somebody more knowledgeble than I regarding Rickenbacker policy
can chip in.

There probably is someone in Southern Cali who could do a decent green-glo refin, but I haven't clue one who it might be. I'm up north. Drop Don Butler a line. If anyone in the southland would know, it would be the Toneman.

Claude

Wow, I am jealous for sure. It's really one of the most elegant designs I've ever seen for a bass. I hope to own one someday! Nice job Claude.