Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I picked up a 4000 at a local Guitar Center not too long ago. It looks to me (through comparisons to my 1979 4001) that it is a late 70's model. My problem is that the SN on the jackplate has some corrosion and the number isn't totally legible. Is there any hope of properly dating that instrument? I'll post pics as soon as I'm able to take them.

pflash4001 wrote:I picked up a 4000 at a local Guitar Center not too long ago. It looks to me (through comparisons to my 1979 4001) that it is a late 70's model. My problem is that the SN on the jackplate has some corrosion and the number isn't totally legible. Is there any hope of properly dating that instrument? I'll post pics as soon as I'm able to take them.

For the period in question the two characters on the "top" of the jackplate are sufficient to date the instrument (providing the jackplate is original). The first character will denote the year ("P" being '76, "Q" being '77 etc) and the second will denote the month ("A" being January, "B" February etc).

Thanks. Unfortunately, the worst corrosion is on the letter side of the jackplate. I finally got to take some pix and will put them up if I can figure out how to do it. I'd appreciate any info you all could provide on this bass. You guys, as always, are a treasure trove of information.

Here are a couple more.

After looking at the jackplate carefully in different light my wife and I concluded that the SN is either UB1459 or UD1459. It's really hard to tell from the pix, but you can see it a little better with a flashlight shining at an angle. If I can get Ric to confirm this SN do you all think there's any possibility of sending this one in and having them engrave a new one to replace it? Thanks for your help and comments!!!

I have a bass that is like this and from the front is difficult to read, but the stamps do mark through sometimes, try looking at the back, you'll probably be able to tell if it's B or D. My money is on D according to the register.

Thanks. I'll check that out!

UD1458 in the register is a very nice mojo 4000 too.

So you think its UD1459?

That's a "D" for sure.

How about an ND? But was the 4000 already produced in 1974???

At first glance I thought those tuner ferrules looked very 74' ish but with the phillips head screws on the tuners
and the raised letter TRC its probably later then 74. Checking the pot dates may norrow it down.

Given the wire route not being the Forstener bit style, I would venture that it could not be a 74.
Early 80s is where I would place it, so a U letter could would be right.

The info you guys have is just amazing! Thanks again for the help! I've been really excited about this bass and I want to get it up and running again. Hopefully it won't be too long!

pflash4001 wrote:So you think its UD1459?

I can definitely see UD x459!! So I would say 98% yes!