Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

A friend of mine passed this photo to me - a live Zeppelin capture with John Paul Jones playing what appears to be a Rick bass, but what model? It looks like a 4001S, but with a 4005 pickguard and knobs/harness.

Black 4005 with his sleeve covering most of it?

I seem to recall a thread discussing some borrowed Ricks because Zep's instruments didn't make a gig. This bass was covered.

yeah... I was wondering about that possibility, but the horns look offset like a 4001. Plus, that looks like a 4001 tailpiece.

That would be great to read up on. Got a link?

yes, thats the jetglo 4001s prototype in smith's book with the two toasters arranged like a 4005. it was returned to the factory and is still there. we discussed this before and kenny verified it was still there and the serial #.

discussed here...viewtopic.php?f=11&t=392384

Fascinating. I never knew this bass existed. Even has the pickup config of a 4005. That might be a fun repro project.

pg. 205 in smith's book.

BAD RONBO, KiLLeR DWaRfS wrote:pg. 205 in smith's book.

Also, pages 276/277 in 2000 Guitars The Ultimate Collection book. Bigger than in the Smith book, and, in color, too.

walker wrote:Fascinating. I never knew this bass existed. Even has the pickup config of a 4005. That might be a fun repro project.

I'd love to check out a repro like this!

maybe mr. hall would know if anyone else leased out this bass before or after zep ???

I wonder where that gig is, it looks like my high school auditorium. 'If you kids in back there don't know how to behave, the New Yardbirds will not be coming out at all, now settle down.'

That's so cool, I never knew Jonesy played any Rick, and definitely not that one!

Was it because they had that deal for the Transonics? Was it that tour? Man, that's awesome...

badeggs wrote:That's so cool, I never knew Jonesy played any Rick, and definitely not that one!

Was it because they had that deal for the Transonics? Was it that tour? Man, that's awesome...

This is totally awesome I would love to hear some audio . I alway's thought it would be great to hear JPJ on a Rick, maybe not a Stock 4001 but a 4005 or this pictured monster. I love to play Zep stuff on my 4001 fretless, half rounds- w/ both pu's on- neck pu backed off slightly till it starts to growl. I love JPJ's bass playing chromatic, slinky, Jamerson style locked in w/Bonham. Would have loved to hear that show, but I was still just a sparkle in my daddy's eye
Watch out for those Whitey Whackers

pretty much, your 4004 basses are derived from this prototype...not exactly, but you get the idea.