Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Let's look at photos and make comments on what can be described as Rickenbacker's bass flagship: the mighty 4001. For clarity sake, we should define the 4001 as the deluxe trim, two-pickup model made from 1961 to the early 1980s. We're not talking about the S model right now, and we're not going to cross into the 4003 just yet. And we're not going to include the "vintage" models, either. The V63 or C64 aren't really true "4001" basses.

It's funny; there is still quite a large number of players and non-Rick dealers who think the 4001 is still the current Rick bass -- even some who think the 4001 is the ONLY Rick bass! We know better, of course, from the Forum's collective brain bank. But it is probably the most famous Rick bass and is truly iconic. I'll start 'er off with my only true 4001, my old '72. Formerly a Mapleglo June '72, it was professionally restored by Ted Staberow and Paul Wilczynski a couple of years ago. The finish is now a "wine burst" that I've called "mink." Here are before and after shots:

Gah, 0 for 2 so far!

Oh well, looking forward to being a spectator on this one.

Here is one, just to get started!

Not the greatest pic but a full shot. My late '75 4001 MG.

My january 1973 4001. It has been here before (search for ma010).
[edit] I have a 4001 FL also. Does it belong here?

I've got some 4001's laying around here somewhere ........ where did I put those things?(scratch) Oh, here they are -

Here's my first, a Nov 1981 with fat horns

OK!

Oh ya, and the Finger Rest should arrive today!

Aug '73 JG



March '79 FG




I didn't include my 4001FL. I'm assuming that would be on a FL thread,

No, actually, we can include fretless here among the 4001. As I mentioned in my "Bass Models" thread, the fretless is more of an optional feature rather than a separate model. The fact that Forumites own 4000, 4002, and 4001S fretless basses that were not listed in catalogues, supports this supposition. So, sure, post photos of 4001 fretless basses!

My second Rick. A 4001 FL.

Here's the one I have currently, a '76


I've got a picture of my old '74MG, but it's on a slide (remember those?) I need to scan it into digital. Maybe this thread will get me to do it...

My Feb '71 21 Fretter. Hey, who's that guy with my bass?

teeder wrote:My Feb '71 21 Fretter.

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It always surprises me, when I see another Rick that looks so much like mine!

Kevin, I just now noticed that yours has no skunk stripe!

Garret