Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi there, I'm new to Rickresource and this is my first post. As you can tell from my user name I'm a big fan of the 4005. I played one a while back which belonged to a bassist of a band we onced gigged with. I fell in love with it and being a small(ish) girl people said it really suited me (as it would anyone really). I did my reseach as to what it was later as I had never seen one before and have been hooked ever since. There is no-way I could ever afford one after finding out how much they go for now (if you can find one).
Has anyone any idea if Rickenbacker will make a new one? They have to be the most beautiful looking and sounding bass ever made, surely they (Rickenbacker) would make a fortune if they started selling 4005's again.
I did own a 70's 4001 for a while I and though I did like it I found it wasn't what I wanted it to be. I realised the sound I was after was in the hollow body of a 4005. I'm playing an Epiphone Jack Casady now (sorry!) which is a nice bass and has a good hollwbody sound but if a new 4005 was made I would sell it (and my car, clothes...everything!) in a heartbeat to get my hands on one.

My apologies if this topic has been done to death already, but any news on the matter? Cheers.

Welcome, Bethan. It's nice to see another lady on board.

While anything is possible, I wouldn't hold my breath while I wait for a new 4005. RIC seems to have their hands full with meeting current orders, and while some new models are in the ready stage, I don't think the 4005 is among them. Stick around because they're always being discussed. You'll learn a lot, and if they ever do come up for re-issue you'll be the first to know. But like I said, I wouldn't hold my breath. Sad fact of life.

Hope you stick around anyway.

Welcome to the forum!

I'd sure like to have a 4005 too, but from a few posts the CEO of RIC has made, it doesn't sound like they will be bringing back the 4005 as long as he's running the place. Too bad, they are really fine basses...

Welcome, Bethan!

My first Rickenbacker was a '67 4005WB that I bought in '73; I am glad to say I still have it and I do gig with it occasionally.

Good luck in your quest, a used one will be the only way to satisfy you desires.

I suppose Paul is waiting now for the obligatory photo, right JJ?

You like those things?



Although the 4005 has quite a few dedicated fans on this forum and elsewhere, it didn't sell very well especially toward the end of production (and for many years after it was discontinued in the second hand market as well from what I understand).

JH never liked the bass or it's tone, and has said on this forum that a re-issue isn't going to happen.

Save your pennies and keep an eye out for a good deal on a used one. It does happen. I've seen a few of them!

Oh, and...Welcome!

Bethan, welcome to the forum. Good luck with your search for a 4005.

The best thing to do is save your dollars and get a 60's 4005. I'd love to hear a 4005 with the bridge pickup and full on amp treble playing "The Seeker" by the Who.

rickenbrother wrote:Bethan, welcome to the forum. Good luck with your search for a 4005.

Yes, WELCOME!

Hey, did John Biscuti ever sell his?

He had one for sale at SERF.....SUPER THIN NECK, great playing bass!

ajish4 wrote:Hey, did John Biscuti ever sell his?

He had one for sale at SERF.....SUPER THIN NECK, great playing bass!

Still got it!

JakeK wrote:I'd love to hear a 4005 with the bridge pickup and full on amp treble playing "The Seeker" by the Who.

That would sound really bad.

I was craving for a 4005 a long time until ChrisP let me borrow his for several months. I found it didn't sound as acoustic as I expected it would. I also found the neck pickup sounded quite similar to my other Rickenbacker's (4001's and 4003's). The Bridge pickup solo is hardly usable (in my humble opinion).

I suggest you read this topic http://rickresource.com/forum/viewtopic ... 2&t=385701 and especially listen to the mentioned mp3 which is still online.

I still want a 4005 someday. But not as bad as I used to. I could even live without one as my own Rickenbackers sound just as good (imho).

Welcome, Bethan!

sloop_john_b wrote:

JakeK wrote:I'd love to hear a 4005 with the bridge pickup and full on amp treble playing "The Seeker" by the Who.

That would sound really bad.

Do 4005's not sound good with full-on treble? Too much feedback or what?

JakeK wrote:
Do 4005's not sound good with full-on treble? Too much feedback or what?

No bass sounds good with full-on treble! Especially not the bridge pickup of a 4005.

So I take it Entwistle's live sound (such as the "Quick One" and "Live at Leeds" albums) isn't a favorite sound of yours?

Welcome to the RRF Bethan,
I wish you luck in your quest.
Stick around, if one does come up for sale you'll here about it here first im sure.