Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I have a rickenbacker 4001 fretless bass white with black trim I think it is a 1978 the number on the input jack is 5281,
if you have any info on this bass (how many were made, value, how rare) it would be greatly appreciated. I am not looking to sell, just want info. Thanks, Rob

You'll need to other (first) two characters or the serial number from the other end of the jack plate. Then you can go to Rickenbacker.com and use the serial number decoder to find the month and year it was built. That's a start...

Thanks James, the full serial number is RI5281, rickenbacker.com says this guitar was made in september 1978.
I haven't been able to find any info about how many white fretless 4001's were made. If anyone can help it sure would be appreciated. Thanks again, Rob

Rob,

The fretless was always a very low production bass, and there's aren't that many compared to fretted 4001 basses from the same period. It's hard to put a figure on an exact number, and RIC doesn't give much away in production totals.

I've seen a few white examples over the years, but no more than a handful.

Cassius978 has a white FL from '76. He seems quite smitten, as well he should be.

As far as I know, the FL production stepped up in the years of the 4003, but 4001 FLs are fairly uncommon. Feel free to check the registry and filter by model number. While not anything close to a comprehensive list (even thought it has over 10,000), the percentage of FLs should give you some idea.

Thanks for your input John. This may be a stupid question, but where do I check the registry?
Thanks again, Rob

dart440 wrote:Thanks for your input John. This may be a stupid question, but where do I check the registry?
Thanks again, Rob

Look to the top right of this page. And Welcome.

FYI I use subsilver or prosilver, can't remember which, and don't see what you're referring to in the corner.

jdogric12aolcom wrote:FYI I use subsilver or prosilver, can't remember which, and don't see what you're referring to in the corner.

Im pro silver not that it matters but its top right below `Terms of use` Rickenbacker register.BTW Jason Xmas is over time for a new avatar.

Please post a pic of her as well!

Peacefrog35 wrote:Please post a pic of her as well!

+1! We love pictures!

BTW, here's the upper right corner of the Firefox browser screen, with the link indicated by an ugly arrow: