Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

My 4001 turns 40 today(KD xxx,these are great sounding guitars, an end of an era,I recently played a newer fender P and jazz and they don't sound that great.I like the sound of the older models,even the reissues(like the 62 j bass) sounds poor,I think it's the quality of materials used back then were better,like the purity of the metal in the wire and pick ups,the wood,craftmanship,the list could go on.Fender and Gibson mass produce their guitars in China,Mexico and other foreign lands which also may have something to do with the quality.Rickenbacker in USA made and has always maintained their quality,I love Rics always have,always will.I wonder if RIC is planning anymore 4001 vintage lines using c/b binding ect.

Very cool, Graham! It's a proud honor to be the keeper of such a fine instrument.

KD XXX ??? hey, that's a KiLLeR DWaRfS model ! hand it over !


remember too...all wood back then was original first growth, twisted and compressed over time. most everything today is cultivated from re-planted trees and have not had the time to cure with 100's of years of weather and stress. if you do get old lumber, it'll be damn pricey !

That's awesome Graham!

Fantastic Graham - congratulations! my 4001 turns 37 later this year - a "keeper" as well! Hey maybe post it in viewtopic.php?f=3&t=353387 -

Excellent bass. My dream Ric would be a 4001 in MG, have the skunk strip, checkered binding, and a 1/2" toaster spacing. I can add the RIHS and the vintage full length pickguard as necessary. And you can't beat how old finishes mellow to a nice honey color over time.

I agree about old growth wood. The growth rings are so tight, it can be hard to count them. That has to play into the sound quality. My neighbor has an architectural salvage business. The market for reclaimed wood is tough. The labor required to adequately prepare it for modern manufacturing can often be a deal breaker for all but very high end clients.

Huh, mine just turned 40 last month! Congrats all around!

1969-1972 were great years for 4001s...

Congrats, Graham!

Mine turned 40 in Jan.