Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

My gal is looking at getting a rickenbacker bass and wondered why the 4001s were more. Probably an easy question, but the 4001 does seem like a simpler bass model because it has no binding, dot inlays, and not push-pull nob. Why the price difference?

You're talking specifically about the "4001s" or "RM1999" (British export version; same instrument). They're more expensive because they were used by several of the important Rick bass guys - namely Paul McCartney and Chris Squire, and others to a lesser degree - on very famous recordings. They're also more scarce then the deluxe versions. No version of this bass is currently in production.

sloop_john_b wrote:You're talking specifically about the "4001s" or "RM1999" (British export version; same instrument). They're more expensive because they were used by several of the important Rick bass guys - namely Paul McCartney and Chris Squire, and others to a lesser degree - on very famous recordings. They're also more scarce then the deluxe versions. No version of this bass is currently in production.

I'm just talking about the normal 4001c64 american models made today.

The 4001c64 is a reissue of the 4001s/RM1999. They're more expensive (presumably) because of the R&D that went into the "C Series", specifically CNC programming, tooling for new parts and hardware, etc.

For all guitar manufacturers, reissues are typically more expensive then standard models. Your options are pony up five figures for an original '64 or find a reissue for a fifth of the price.

They were discontinued several years ago.

sloop_john_b wrote:They were discontinued several years ago.

yes, the only thing you might find now is either used or NOS (new old stock).
For about $15 you can add a push/pull to one if that is a selling feature.
It does make the 4001 a bit more versatile and if you add in a better cap improves the sound slightly imo.

It's the upside-down headstock. also,that model has the horseshoe,toaster,etc...
Seriously,the dot neck models were never made in the same quantities as the deluxe models,or at least never were as popular, (go figure) and so tend to run a bit higher as a result of relative availability/scarce-ness. Mid-to-late 70's era 4001 basses with the deluxe features can be had for about the same price as a new 4003...

Just as a point of interest, one of the bigger costs was replicating the tuning keys. We had to pay for all new tooling for these which had to be amortized over a fairly small number of units (as compared to mass produced, consumer-grade keywinds).

The spring plate on the modern keys goes a long way toward solving problems after the keys are broken in.

aceonbass wrote:I like those tuners John. I think you guys should put them on regular production 4003's too.

Me too!

This may be a dumb question, but as these tuners were made for the 4001C64, does that mean that the sets available from the Boutique
are left overs, and that once they're sold out, they're gone?

chefothefuture wrote:

aceonbass wrote:I like those tuners John. I think you guys should put them on regular production 4003's too.

Me too!

This may be a dumb question, but as these tuners were made for the 4001C64, does that mean that the sets available from the Boutique are left overs, and that once they're sold out, they're gone?

Yes, that's probably true, as there would be little requirement to have these keys unless some other model that needed them were offered.

The minumum order quantity would be a 20 year supply on a replacement parts basis. At current rates, there's probably at least a 5 years supply on hand anyway.

johnhall wrote: At current rates, there's probably at least a 5 years supply on hand anyway.

That is until people catch on to this thread! LOL!