After 32 years, I got me another 4001

[RickenTom]

Well I might be new to the forum but not new to bass guitars.
This is my first post and wanted to share a quick story.
Back when I started playing the bass in 77 at the young age of 13, I had several bass guitars. My first bass was a hollow body Harmony bass, then to a Fender bass. THEN in 1978 I bought a Rickenbacker 4001 Burgundyglo with checkerboard binding. She played great and looked awesome. I then got stupid and for some reason sold it (so young I didn't know what I really had at the time). I even handmade a wood stand in the shape of the bass at my woodworking shop. Stained and glossy finish. It went with the Rick. Since then I've played several bands with several basses. A black B.C. Rich Son of a Rich, black Washburn with red binding and a couple other basses. During this time I had joined the Air Force and went to England for 2 years (I love that place). Came back to the states and joined the Air National Guard for another 22 years (26 years total service). Oh, my son plays rythem/lead guitar (for several years now) and just soloing for now while going to college.
Anyway, I had two pictures of my old Rick. One standing against the garage door and the other with me playing it in my Ted Nugent concert shirt. Every time I found these pictures, I regreted ever getting rid of her. For 32 years I regreted it. None of the other basses played like that 4001.
I have less than a month left then I retire from the military. I wanted to treat myself for the 26 years I served. I wanted something so bad I couldn't stand it no more.
Suddenly, I found her. Not the same Rick but the same color,model, everything. I couldn't pass her up. So next week I will be reunited with an old 4001 just like I had 32 years ago.
I'll never let this one go, never!!!
And now.... I get to jam with my son. That's priceless...
Thank you for listening.
Tom

[cjj]

Hey Tom, welcome to the forum! And congrats on your upcoming retirement as well as a big hearty THANKS for your service to our country!

It's amazing how many of us have, in the past, sold a Rick only to regret it for years after the fact. What great luck finding one that's almost the same as your original one! Of course, once you get it, you'll have to post a few pictures, 'cause, as you'll find out, the saying around here is, "It didn't happen without pictures"...

[bassduke49]

Did you get it from Olivia's Vintage? We've been watching that one!

[RickenTom]

Did you get it from Olivia's Vintage? We've been watching that one!

No, but I did see that one on the block. It sold as well.

[RickenTom]

Hey Tom, welcome to the forum! And congrats on your upcoming retirement as well as a big hearty THANKS for your service to our country!

It's amazing how many of us have, in the past, sold a Rick only to regret it for years after the fact. What great luck finding one that's almost the same as your original one! Of course, once you get it, you'll have to post a few pictures, 'cause, as you'll find out, the saying around here is, "It didn't happen without pictures"...

Thank you very much CJ.
Yep, I regretted it for so long.
And I will for sure post pics of her. I like that saying too by the way. If I figure it out, I'll post the 2 older pics of my rick as well.
Tom

[MaplegloMatt]

Welcome Tom,
I also stupidly sold my '78 4001 22 years ago and just recently picked up another Rick. Isn't it great to finally be playing a Rick again? Enjoy.
I too am guilty of not having posted pics of my new baby. (I'm working on getting a few photos uploaded) Looking forward to seeing pics of your Rick.
Matt

[FretlessOnly]

Welcome, Tom; and thanks for your story and your service. I too sold my first bass, a 1980 4001 in jetglo - kept it for 17 years and played it in many different situations. I'd love to find that one someday, even if it does have frets.

Posting photos is very easy. Just have them on your computer, and when you hit the reply button, just below the text window you'll see "upload attachment" in grey-blue letters. Upload them and then "place in-line" to get them in your post. Four photos per post is the max.

[RickenTom]

Thanks Matt and John for your comments.
I'm glad I'm not the only one that had a bad judgment in life. LOL
I'll post pics soon. I need to scan the older pics as they are poloroids (the stuff you can't buy anymore). Gosh we're gettin old...

I tell ya though, there sure are some great lookin guitars on this forum. It's like Rick-Heaven.

This Forum sure has some great info and members too.
Thanks guys,

Tom

[rickenbrother]

Welcome to the forum, Tom and please read my PM.

[RickenTom]

Welcome to the forum, Tom and please read my PM.

Read it Bro and thanks.
Tom

[s4001]

Excellent story. Sometimes the best gifts are the ones you give yourself. Enjoy 'er!

[T.A.R.]

Great story and a hearty welcome and thanks I hope you enjoy your new Rick!

[teeder]

Welcome and congrats, Tom!

Also, thank you for your years of service!

[harley]

Congratulations on the purchase and let me add my thanks for the service as well. If my math is correct, you and I were in for part of the same time (I was active duty USAF from 1983 to 1987) but I never got a chance to go to England. Still regretting that after all these years.

Have fun re-building that Rick Relationship!

Harley

[jps]

Welcome, Tom!

Nice to see you're back in the fold!