Model of the Week 24: The "C Series" 4001C64 and C64S
Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2009 11:42 pm
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:
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:
