Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I just heard about this forum a few days ago and registered just a couple of hours ago. A quick look around, shows this to be a pretty neat site.
I've owned a 4001 bass since (I think) Nov 1978 (bought it brand new after I graduated from HS) and it is still in most excellent shape. I am curious to find out when it was actually built. The markings on the input cover plate are RH 4509. I always just assumed that the 'RH' stood for right hand model. Can anybody help me out? I welcome any and all input.

Thanks...........Mike

Your guitar was manufactured in August of 1978

That's what the RIC serial number decoder said.

In the old serial numbering system, the first letter represented the year, the second the month, of construction. My OB 1087 4001 is February 1975.

"RH" is August 1978 (i typed 77 by accident. I really do know my alphabet!). If you purchased it 1978 that makes perfect sense. I bought my (October) 2004 Laredo in March of 2005.

The new system of serial numbers is not as familiar, which is funny since I have 2 instruments with those numbers. IIRC the first 2 numbers is the year. There's a serial number decoder on the RIC site.

Welcome aboard, Mike! This board is a great resource.

Hi Mike,

Welcome to the forum. The serial number decoder is at http://www.rickenbacker.com/service_serials.asp.

I bought my first Rick (MG 4001) right before I graduated from high school in 1977. It was gigged for years and is definitely not in excellent shape!

There's a lot of knowledgeable and very helpful folks here who will be able to answer just about any question you have.

Take it easy,
Steve

Man, that was quick!! Thanks for the information.
I'm sure I will have other questions later on.
Thanks again............Mike

While the RIC decoder works great when you give it a known serial, this explanation of the various (over time) numbering systems is more informative:

http://www.the-music-connection.com/ricinfo.htm

Welcome aboard!