1961 Rickenbacker 4001 Bass

[mgauction]

This is coming up in our February 19th Guitar Auction. Serial number starts with AK - November 1961, which is the first month of production. At least, one of the first ones! For those of you interested, I can send you to our company site once the images are placed in another 3 weeks, or less. The tuners have been changed and there are holes from the previous ones. I've had a 1959 4000 before and this one is more compelling.

[pag]

Thats a gorgeous bass.

I notice that the neck pickup is in a similar place to the current 4003.

Wish I could but I cant!

[pag]

By the way I cant see the nut very well,does it have a zero fret?

[berth]

I can see it fairly well, but I can't see it.

[leftybass]

This is coming up in our February 19th Guitar Auction. Serial number starts with AK - November 1961, which is the first month of production. At least, one of the first ones! For those of you interested, I can send you to our company site once the images are placed in another 3 weeks, or less. The tuners have been changed and there are holes from the previous ones. I've had a 1959 4000 before and this one is more compelling.

I will say it here first: THIS is one of the most significant basses to ever be seen on this Forum.

This is amazing, and as far as Rickenbacker basses go, this is Biblical in proportion.

[bassduke49]

Agreed. Mike, any chance you can get high-resolution portraits done of it before it slips away? This should be in my book. Notice that although it has two pickups, binding, and triangle position markers, it still has the original bridge and pickguard, and only one set of controls. This has to go on page one of the Rickenbacker 4001 chapter.

Please do what you can!

[maplered]

WOW! I always wondered if they actually did make any pre - 63 4001's in the style of the older 4000's. That's incredible.

Are the pickups original?

[jingle_jangle]

The fretboard inserts intrigue me most of all. They are much more consistent, reflective, and brighter than any inserts of that vintage that I've seen. Is it possible they have been replaced? Just asking...<<ducks>>

[jps]

I want but can't afford!

[wints]

What a cool piece. Super rare, and very much a transitional bass, what with the features mentioned here previous. I'd say the nut is not original either. More pix are certainly needed!

Just as long as that's not a post '73 fretboard on there either!

[johnallg]

Wow! Am I imagining or is the white binding wider than the later binding? Fascinating to say the least. Andy, inlays look FW to me when I zoomed in.

Mike, you are the man. Thanks for sharing.

[sloop_john_b]

Astounding.

[mgauction]

Far, far better photos will be forthcoming. Hard to tell but the pickguard is gold, like the older 4000's. As far as the extra tuner holes, Paul Boyer, who I spoke to on the phone, thought it possible that the factory changed them as they were fitting this bass. Who knows? I'll have to have a better look at the nut and will report back. Anyone in the LA area will be able to lot view this in person the week of February 14th until the auction on February 19th. Also pm me if you are interested in getting a catalog.

[rickenbrother]

I will say it here first: THIS is one of the most significant basses to ever be seen on this Forum.

I agree with that!

[ajish4]

SIGH...I REALLY wanted a RIC from my birth year.....looks like I'll never get one now!

I too look forward to some more pics....

Thanks Mike for posting!