Model of the Week 24: The "C Series" 4001C64 and C64S

[bassduke49]

First appearing on the January 1 2001 price list, the new "C Series" brings the Rickenbacker vintage efforts down squarely on the Beatles. Without stating so in "Limited" or "Signature" editions, the C Series replicates the look of the Rickenbacker guitars and basses used by the Beatles in the early 60s through the '70s (in the case of Paul's bass). Just looking at the bass now, the C64 series replicates the 4001S (RM1999 equivalent) given to Paul McCartney at different points in its history. Right-handed instruments feature a "backwards" headstock, intended as a mirror image of the leftie. As you may recall, both rightie and leftie Rick basses (until sometime in the late '70s - early '80s ??) used the same neck/headstock/fretboard, so that on the leftie, the headstock looked "upside down" and the C64 Series produces that.

The C64 also features the modern Toaster and reissue Horseshoe pickups, much the same as the V63 series. Available in Fireglo and Mapleglo only (according to price list), examples in Jetglo are well documented, and we're likely to see photos here.

The 64S simulates Paul's bass after it was stripped of its "Sgt. Pepper/Magical Mystery Tour" psychedelic paint job, after Paul's over-eager sanding of the body horns, and after parts replacement at the RIC factory. A semimatt finish makes the instrument feel really silky in hand. It also comes stock with the Toaster and Horseshoe, but the Horseshoe surround is the more modern squared-off type. It also has a zero fret added to the top of the fretboard, one of the requested mods on Paul's bass. Supposedly available in "Mapleglo" only (Maplematt?), examples in Fireglo and Jetglo have been seen.

I don't know what the earliest production models date to, but the C64 supposedly replaced the V63 on the line. However, some V63s with dates as late as 2002 have turned up, so there was likely some overlap. An announcement by RIC states that no more orders would be taken after Jan. 18, 2009 for the C64 and C64S, stating: "This change is due to the factory already working at 100% capacity, combined with a plan to offer some additional products which might be considered to overlap with these models." We don't know what this will bring, but for now, let's celebrate the 4001C64 and C64S basses in lyrics, melody, and photos. Here's my C64S bought from Steve "Bear" Berndt:

[kiramdear]

I've been waiting for this thread. I love these models.

[libratune]

Here's one of those elusive JG examples . . .

as well as a visual of the zero-fret v. no zero-fret comparison:

[libratune]

Supposedly available in "Mapleglo" only (Maplematt?), examples in Fireglo and Jetglo have been seen.

The Register offers "Natural" and "Natural Maple" as possible alternatives to "Mapleglo" for the natural finish "S" model. Most are registered under "Mapleglo."

[berth]

Mine:



(plenty pics if you click on the picture)

[rickaddict]

Here are some shots of my 2003 4001C64S, bought from forumite Scott Provencher in 2004.

http://www.rickresource.com/register/vi ... ine%3Dtrue

I love it, backwards headstock and all! The neck isn't the smallest (in girth) in my Rickenstable, but it is quite thin front to back. It is probably the most perfectly flat Rick fretboard I've ever played though. And a great sounding bass as well.

[apollo11]

Here is mine, a 2005 model, ordered from the local guitar store. It took 9 months for it to arrive, in December of '05.
Fantastic bass, I must say, in every aspect. Strung with TI flats, for a true 60's vibe.

[peewee]

2006 4001C64

My former 2006 C64. Although the shading of the FG wasn't exactly what I was looking for, it had the tone in spades - especially after I'd strung it with flats. I had instant seller's remorse once it left my possession.

[1965]

[jc-sz]

Hi, I got a question, I always thought the zero-fret thing meant getting rid of the nut, now I see it doesn't, so what difference does it make? Sorry if is too obvious, but I just don't see the point...

Thanks!

jc

[bassduke49]

No, you would still need the nut to keep the strings from sliding to the edges of the fretboard (and off!). The idea of the zero fret is to make the sound of the open string the same as a fretted note, but I sure can't tell the difference - and don't really care. Still, some instruments come with them (for example, the Höfner basses, which may be why McCartney preferred the zero fret).

[basmansam]

Here are two that I previously owned. C64 had a thinner neck thant the C64S. I liked them, great basses. I still have an "S" on order.

[shamustwin]

Dang, I want a C64S real bad!

Question: Is it just the C64 which came in the odd color, or are there a few C64S models in other than the matte finish?

[deaconblues]

I haven't seen a gloss c64S, but I've seen them in Jetglo and Fireglo. Similarly, there were regular c64s in Mapleglo and Jetglo.

Sam, I love that c64S! Makes me wish I played bass!

EDIT: It appears that only the MGs were matte finish.

[bassduke49]

Dan, you saw Fireglo and Jetglo MATT? The ones I've seen appeared glossy, even though they were the S type.