Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

What is the proper case for a 1972 4001?

What would be the best case for my 1972 4001?

Where should I order from?

Thanks!

It's a matter of opinion.
If you can't get an original Victoria case in good shape, I prefer the
silver G&G cases.(Re-issue case). The black G&G cases are also good.
If you're traveling alot, you might use the SKB case; I just don't like the look of them...

Again, this is an opinion. I'm sure you'll get others....

Besides color, is there any difference between the silver and black G&G cases?
I'm not interested in a molded plastic case

I would actually prefer a black one but I can only find silver ones.

The original cases are better than the RI silver, which although look good, don't do much to protect. The newer molded cases protect better, but don't look that good...

If you are really serious it's time to shell out the xtra and get a custom ATA, and that's the end of it.

I'm not looking to haul an ATA around - a black hardshell will be fine for my needs - i just need to find one. I'd prefer to find an original but...

G&G Rick silver cases are the best for looks and are sturdy enough for most people's needs. SKB cases are somewhat tougher, but totally kill the vintage vibe. You can order either one @ http://www.the-music-connection.com/ricpart.htm#cases

The majority of the cases for '72 looked just like a Fender P-Bass case, only without the Fender logo on the outside. Like this:


IMO these cases don't work as good as the vintage RI cases that RIC sells now, and unless you pack the original case with t-shirts or foam or whatever....the bass WILL move around. The bass you see in the pic resides in a silver RI case most of the time, but I still have the original black tolex case.

Another popular option is to find a later 70s case -- these look the same on the outside, are equally sturdy in construction, but the inside is form-fit to the 4001 shape. It's kind of a pain to track down used 4001 cases, but when you do, they don't generally cost too much more than new cases (the correct early 70s case can get a little more expensive, though).

Thanks for all the insight! I am on the hunt.