Last of the 4001's

[tallpat1]

After doing some research I have found out that my VG1892 serial number was mfg in june 1982 According to John hall the last official production of the 4001 was in Dec 1981. but there was production backlog and clear outs which lead to production dates going into 1982. Do you think these models are more valuable in similar condition to earlier 4001's ?

I would like to know your opinion.

Thanks everyone

here is Mr Hall's answer

Questions about Rickenbacker bass By John Hall
Subject: Rickenbacker Model 4001 or 4003 Bass. Which is it?
Date: 1998/03/13
Question: Your previous remarks concerning the production dates of 4001, 4001S, and 4003 were as follows:
4001 - '61 to '86
4001S - '61 to '69, and '80 to '84
4003 (1st version) - '79 to '84:
truss-rod adjuster at body end and two-piece pickguard
4003 (2nd version) - '84 to current:
truss-rod adjuster at headstock
Am I reading this wrong then? You said this information is correct and 4001 and 4003 were never in simultaneous production. But don't the dates here say the 4001 was from '61 to '86 and the 4003 was from '79 to present?

Answer: Sorry, I didn't notice this error before. The 4001 ended sometime during 1980, maybe even '81. That overlaps too, but that's the difference between the catalog or price list dates which reflect inventory, and actual production dates. Without a doubt there are even a few 4001's with later serial number dates, which would been "stragglers" through the production process or "clear off the shelf" goods.

[sloop_john_b]

I'm pretty sure we've seen 4001's as late as '83 around here, and perhaps even later!

[phlemmy]

87 is the latest 4001 i have seen...i think.

[bosco64]

My local Rickenbacker dealer has a somewhat rare white w/white trim 4001 built in 1983 (I believe that Paul Boyer saw it a couple of years ago). Doesn't a forumite own a 4001 made in 1985 or 1986? I can't remember.

[ajish4]

I can remember as late as 1985 as well, but I can't recall if they were just left overs or not...

[tallpat1]

Wow !Rick must have had a large Backlog back then as well, almost 5 years by the SN's you have seen. His own response make me wonder how many were in production in 1981 or clear offs that it took 5 years to Finish production and ship them out

Thanks guys for your input

[ajish4]

I have a beautiful 1981 Walnut that I purchased from the original owner.

He purchased it NEW in late 1984, I have the receipt. It boggles my mind that this STUNNING guitar sat in a store somewhere
unsold for all those years. It had to be some kind of straggler.

[ryan.jones]

wasn't there a 1989 around?