Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi, I registered some considerable time ago but have never posted. I have two Rickenbacker 330 guitars but earlier this year a battered old Rickenbacker bass came up for sale here in Kuwait. To come across any Rickenbacker's in Kuwait is about as rare as hens teeth, but a vintage fretless 4001 or 4003 in Fireglo is something that I didn't anticipate and have my suspicions. The guy believes that the bass is a 1972 and the serial number does appear to tie up. There are some parts missing, such as the truss rod cover and to me I believe that it has been de-fretted as the inlays are sharktooth and the replacement fret markings are visible on the fretboard. The photos are poor quality and the guitar looks like it needs a bloody good clean and new strings for starters. It is difficult to see the binding structure but they do have the gap at the tailpiece. The tuners are hard to see as because of the angle and I haven't yet obtained the photo from behind.
Also, the dual truss rod looks a little high, but I am definitely no expert and would value the opinion of those with better knowledge.

I have limited photographs and will ask for more, but it is clear that it really needs some refurb work.Is there enough evidence on the photos to confirm it's authenticity or are better quality photos needed?

Hello Peter.

The bass looks real to me. Looks like all of the visible original parts have been replaced (with the exception of the jack plate and screws...maybe the control knobs too) and, as you say, the frets have been removed. The nut looks replaced too - is that Wrigleys gum?

The truss rods need work to get the aluminium plate back snug into place - there may be a hidden problem to sort out with them.

On the plus side, it will have a great neck profile, it has some nice flame on a lovely worn vintage Fireglo, sparkly inlays and an LK serial number for the Lemmy fans.

I'd like to hear more about your 330s, are they seventies?

godber wrote:Hello Peter.

The bass looks real to me. Looks like all of the visible original parts have been replaced (with the exception of the jack plate and screws...maybe the control knobs too) and, as you say, the frets have been removed. The nut looks replaced too - is that Wrigleys gum?

The truss rods need work to get the aluminium plate back snug into place - there may be a hidden problem to sort out with them.

On the plus side, it will have a great neck profile, it has some nice flame on a lovely worn vintage Fireglo, sparkly inlays and an LK serial number for the Lemmy fans.

I'd like to hear more about your 330s, are they seventies?

Thanks, Godber......The 330's are both latter models, about 14 years apart...If I remember rightly a 1998 and a 2012...I'd have to check. Here is a photo.....I'm also a big Weller fan. I was at The Jam televised gig in 1980 where Paul is wearing the yellow and black polka dot shirt.....seen them / The Style Council and Paul as a solo artist many times including about 4 weeks ago in Newcastle.

I concur with Mark, she's real. I own an "LK" era 4001 and she is stunning. The neck is phenomenal and she is a killer!! She is my main gigging bass. The late 72's still have all the cool early features with the benefit of a stronger neck.

Looks like the tailpiece and bridge have been swapped out for a new style, the pups are no longer original, and the tuners are replaced. Who knows what is under the pickguard. The rods are all screwed up. Like Mark said, they need to be pushed back into the neck where they belong. Frets were pulled to make her a fretless. Take a good look at her structure to see if she has "good bones" and go from there. Depending on what you are looking for and how she sounds and what her condition is "structurally" in her current shape, she should be priced reasonably.

Sepp

Looks good to me, and hopefully you can get the truss rods back in place. How does it play, and what is the neck relief like?

Very nice score, assuming you didn't pay a million for it!

Pete,

OK, I missed the part where you are not able to put your hands on this instrument. Ask for fotos of the action at the 12th fret as well as the sides of the neck at the 1-3 fret on both sides. I see some finish chipping at the neck body joint at the rear bass side. Ask for a close up to see if it's a crack.

You are correct, this is not a factory fretless. Someone pulled the frets to make fretless. Ask for a foto of the electronics under the pick guard to see what is going on there.

What is the asking price, if I may ask?? If you are looking for a player 4001 that is one thing but if you are looking for a bass to return to stock, this may not be the one. As it sits its got CB binding and "crushed glass' inlays but it's missing the pups and the sand cast tailpiece and bridge. I dislike the aftermarket tuners, but that's just me. An early plexi TRC will set you back some cash as well.

Recently I purchased a very early 73 with the early desirable features and paid 2500 US for her. She was all original except for the tuners and her Burgundyglo finish is in excellent condition and she is very structurally sound.

Sepp