Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

First I would like to apoligize for the ****** pictures, but what do ya'all think of this one?

Kelly Howard, owner of Apple music in Portland currently has this in his collection, and has already been in touch with RIC. No word from them yet. Thought I would run it by the experts
Greg

What do you think is prototypical about it? Doesn't appear to be different from the basses of the period. Looks like a '59, BTW. Experts?

Looks like an early one Greg, maybe a '58 or '59, and in very nice condition too, if it's not refinished.

The first basses had the jackplate on the guard.

What's the serial number?

Kelly and John Hall are discussing it, and JH beleives it possible that it is. Personally I have no idea. Kelly asked me to ask.

P 9141
I could not see any signs of a refinish.

'P' is probably a weak strike on a 'B', so probably a '59....If it hasn't been redone, it's in sweet shape.

That P would be a faded out 'B'...and is a '59 number, (good call John B!) with the 9, and number 141.

Actually the Smith book quotes B9144 as the first bass credited to 1960, but still using '59 serial numbers code.

Double good call there John.S! Beat me by a minute!

I can't make out the polepieces on the pickup, but the bobbin sure looks like a re-issue HS one to me. What gives?
Great-looking 4000, by the way.

Here is a closup of the slidy thingy, and the whatca ma callit deally.

Sorry about the glare, I looked at it in person, and definitly was a P. If it is a faded B, then it was something like I have never seen before, however, I will go down, and take a really close look it soon. Next week maybe.

They look flat in the hi-res pics I have.

Hey, Dale, next time your in town, run down there and take a look at it will ya. I told Kelly you might be coming down to inspect it. He's not there on Mondays, or Tuesday. Call him in advance. 503-226-0036

That looks beautiful Greg! I would say it's December (or at least late) 1959. I have B9139 and B9143............

http://www.rickenbacker.me.uk/Site_4/Bass_Models.html

Now Graham, there are not enough of these to go around so it is not fair that you have two of them! Next time you are in the US come to Cleveland, visit the R&RHOF&M, and deposit one of the two '59 4000s with me, please.

Thanks in advance.