Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I have a 1981 4003 Ric that I believe to be a walnut (WAL) finish but I cannot verify this. The finish is satin, not glossy. I was under the impression only 4001's were WAL in 81.

Any help would be appreciated. The s/n is UI (as in you eye) 3396. I'll send you pics on request but I'm not smart enough to resize them to attach them here.

Anyone know how many of these were produced?

Thanks in advance...

Welcome Tom. Rickenbacker produced that color in both matte and glossy finishes.

Matte = Autumnglo, and was apparently geared towards the Canadian market.

Glossy = Walnut.

The register here shows 45 entires for 4001 ATG's and 22 entries for 4001 WAL's. However, due to confusion as to which finish is which, I would take these figures with a grain of salt. Some of those Autumnglos are most likely Walnut.

These are lovely basses in either finish. To me, the AutumnGlos have more variability than do the Walnuts, but many are indistinguishable from a photo - you need to see the gloss or satin finish to tell. Not sure on production #'s, but these do tend to be desireable when they come up for sale.

And are you a controller at Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta? If so, you've no doubt guided me in more than a few times. I've spent several weeks of my life over the past 3-4 years in that airport. Thanks, by the way.

Welcome, Tom! If you want, e-mail me your pictures and I will resize them and post them in this thread. (My e-mail address is in my profile.)

According to the Finish Time Line at Mike Parks' website (http://www.the-music-connection.com/ricinfo.htm#fin), Walnut was offered from 1973 10 1985, it it plausible that your 4003 is Walnut.

There are some examples of Walnut in the catalog archive (History/Literature Archive) at Rickenbacker's website. Here is a color key from the 1981 catalog that shows Walnut:

http://www.rickenbacker.com/catalog_pos ... 75x-14.jpg

Gary, he mentioned that his bass was satin or matte finished, which would make it Autumnglo and not Walnut.

Here is a picture of the bass. I would be anxious to hear eveyones thoughts about what it is.

Tom

Another pic. Please forgive my computer ignorance, I'll try to learn.

Tom

Last pic I promise.

Appreciate you guys (and gals).

Welcome to the family, Tom. This is the place to learn! We love alot of Rickenbacker pictures
It looks glossy to me in the pictures, but it could have been matte and gotten glossier over time from use.

sloop_john_b wrote:The register here shows 45 entires for 4001 ATG's and 22 entries for 4001 WAL's. However, due to confusion as to which finish is which, I would take these figures with a grain of salt. Some of those Autumnglos are most likely Walnut.

How do you come up with those numbers?
What I mean is, is there a way to find out let's say how many 4002's n let's say jetglo or how many 4001 's in burgandy there are on the site. Or just how many 4080's there are registered here?
Just wondering. I'm sure you didn't just go and sift through all the pages on the register for that figure.

I think this was matte and is getting shiny form use. Look under the pickguard to see if it is shiny or matte - it would have been protected all the years.

Tom - at the top right of the webpage, click on Rickenbacker Register then from there do an advanced search.

Sure is in good shape.. wow...very pretty.

johnallg wrote: Tom - at the top right of the webpage, click on Rickenbacker Register then from there do an advanced search.

Thanks John!!

Now I can have some FUN!!

Sure makes it easier!

ATL Controller wrote:Here is a picture of the bass. I would be anxious to hear eveyones thoughts about what it is.

Tom

ric010.jpg

My thought is that it's an awesome looking bass.

Welcome Tom