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RCA bass
Posted: Wed Sep 05, 2007 6:35 pm
by bassduke49
I've heard tell that when RCA had Rickenbacker make a special set of instruments, they made a few basses as well. It was something to do with RCA giving these out to their top recording artists. I'd like to know more about the RCA basses for the book, who they went to, where they are now, and also about the rumored double-neck bass/guitar. Anyone know the story? Where can I find publishable photos?
Posted: Wed Sep 05, 2007 7:04 pm
by jwr2
there is a 4004ci with a pickguard on the front ...
Posted: Wed Sep 05, 2007 8:48 pm
by sloop_john_b
I could swear I saw the doubleneck pic on Jwilli's old site.
Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2007 12:58 am
by cheyenne
I've seen the 4004CI as well.
Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2007 8:09 am
by aceonbass
I remember when the bass was on Ebay a few years ago.
Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2007 8:29 am
by dswp
John B,
A RCA doubleneck does exist.
Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2007 10:25 am
by bassduke49
Dave, can you get information to me on the RCA basses and/or doubleneck? Anyone I can talk with?
Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2007 10:34 am
by sloop_john_b
I know Dave, I think I remember seeing the picture of it on John Williams' old website, AURS.
Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2007 10:36 am
by dswp
Paul, a not so helpful email sent....
Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2007 12:26 pm
by johnhall
The one and only doubleneck instrument like this was made for Rocky Ryan, then president of RCA/Nashville, presented to him by his staff as a Christmas gift. They were unhappy that we charged them $3000 for this totally custom instrument.
Essentially it was a cross between a 4004 Cheyenne and a Dakota guitar.
Did I mention it was left handed?
Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2007 12:42 pm
by rickcrazy
Hmm... Unique and very desirable, I reckon. Are there any photos available of it?
Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2007 12:45 pm
by blueflamerick
Unhappy about a $3000 price tag? Imagine what he'd get for it now!
Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2007 12:48 pm
by dswp
I do have a photo of it when it was in the factory.
I do not know if it is proper for me to post it as I am not 100% sure where the photo came from.
Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2007 12:52 pm
by sloop_john_b
I suppose this would be the ultimate one for the collection, eh Dave?
Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2007 1:26 pm
by edski
Wow, a 4004 Ci/650 Dakota doubleneck? That sounds purdee...
Too bad it's a lefty.
And $3000 sounds pretty reasonable.