Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

A good friend of mine is helping a friend of his in disposing of some of his son's gear. He (the son) died a few years ago. He used to be part of a regular gigging band in the Boston area, and among his possessions was this rather fine 4003 - so I told my buddy I'd ask the experts here on his behalf.



The serial number is XX1994 - which bothered me a bit, until I found out that this is most likely a replacement supplied by RIC back in the day. Is it safe to assume that this is a 1994 model based on that?

More photos here, if anyone has a moment to take a look:

http://s222.photobucket.com/user/eatswo ... tars/R4003

TIA,
David

Looks like a post 1974 4001

Hi David

I have to say I have my doubts as to whether or not this instrument is a genuine Rickenbacker. Firstly, the serial number you provided appears to be that of a Rickenbacker amplifier manufactured in 1984, and the jack plate that bears this number seems a little odd - it shouldn't have that ridge half way down its length, but with dual outputs, one should be labelled "standard" and the other "Ric-o-Sound". Also, the pickguard is cut away around the end of the neck, which isn't a feature of the real thing.

As you say though, the jack plate may not be the original, and I guess the pickguard might be a replacement too, but I'm curious as to why it would need to be cut around the neck...

Thanks!

I was concerned about the serial number also, until I read this:

http://www.rickenbacker.com/forum/viewt ... f=1&t=5416

Of course, if there is any possibility that this is not the real thing, I'd definitely want to know that.

wim wrote:Looks like a post 1974 4001

+1. It's quite real. That "ridge" on the jack plate is a reflection.

Ashgray wrote:...with dual outputs, one should be labelled "standard" and the other "Ric-o-Sound"..

The silkscreening can wear away with use.

I also have a replacement plate (direct from Ric) XX 2002. There is no "Standard" or "Ric-O-Sound" writing.

This is the way with all these replacement plates. BTW, 2002 refers to the year the plate was made.

Mid- to late-1970s (possibly early '80s) 4001. Pickguard and jackplate are replacements. Definitely NOT a 4003.

bassduke49 wrote:Mid- to late-1970s (possibly early '80s) 4001. Pickguard and jackplate are replacements. Definitely NOT a 4003.

Thanks, Paul. In the absence of the correct jack plate, is there any other detail which might help date it, or is the range you suggest close enough for a prospective buyer?

My purpose here is to help the current owner be able to describe it accurately for sale, and ensure that he gets a fair price for it.

Check the date codes on the pots.

I'm going to guess an early 1980's 4001. I had an 81 4001 that had the wavy grovers- Ric was using the stock up then. The raised letter TRC also points later 4001. You can measure the space between the neck pickup and the neck- should be 1", not 1/2" (though1/2" would be better ). If you pull the pick guard and look at the volume pots- they should be dated as such: most likely CTS pots (137) with year and week following i.e. 1378026 means the 26th week of 1980- that would be the most accurate way to date this bass (if electronics are original!?) Take lots of pictures of the guitar and electronics if you pull the pick guard- we'll help out.

The wavy Grovers seemed to show up again at the end of the 4001 production (early-mid 80s), but do I see red side dots or is that a trick of the light?

bassduke49 wrote:Mid- to late-1970s (possibly early '80s) 4001. Pickguard and jackplate are replacements. Definitely NOT a 4003.

...also the bridge-PU surround should not be dented, I guess?
Chris, for me it looks like a 1/2" neck-PU spacing, if you substract the cut away of the pick guard at the end of the neck. So that would even point to 1974? But you're right: Only pots date can tell the truth (if not replaced as well).

You need to carefully remove the name plate and photograph the truss rods.
The copy that was that close only had a single rod, there is a copy with a twin rod, but the binding is continuous.
Once we have a pick of the twin rods and the nuts, we should know the era better.
If it is genuine, its is a 4001

red dot position markers and 1/2" neck pickup spacing would definitely put it early 1974 (waveys were still hit or miss then). We all await the next update post