Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Does anyone know if there are any fake 4001 CS's out there. And if so, how do you tell the difference.
Thanks,
Speigel

Get some photos of any instrument you are interested in - most genuine sellers will be only too happy to provide plenty of photos of a bass they wish to sell, be wary of those who won't. Post photos here, and I'm sure the combined minds of this forum will let you know whether or not an instrument is genuine! Meantime - google "4001cs" and acquaint yourself with the features of this particular variant of the 4001 range - there are certain features that you should expect to see (including these days, an inflated price!)

Main features include:

Re-issue Horseshoe bridge pickup (though some really early examples had genuine horsies);
Toaster neck pickup in the 1/2" position;
Chris Squire's signature on the pickguard;
A gap in the tailpiece;
Vermillion headstock wings;
Certificate of Authenticity

Ash

Ashgray wrote:
Main features include:
Re-issue Horseshoe bridge pickup (though some really early examples had genuine horsies)

Ash

Not true... CS basses were released in 1991 and were fitted with a RIHS pickup.

xsubs wrote:

Ashgray wrote:
Main features include:
Re-issue Horseshoe bridge pickup (though some really early examples had genuine horsies)

Ash

Not true... CS basses were released in 1991 and were fitted with a RIHS pickup.

Apologies - you're right. I was thinking of the 4001v63 model, some early examples of which were fitted with an original horsie.

Ash

Yes, sadly they are out there. Once you know what the real thing looks like, they are pretty obvious. Fakers can be seen at aliexpress.com

Speigel

Joey Vasco wrote a fascinating and very useful article about how to spot fake Ricks - here's the link: http://www.joeysbassnotes.com/Fakericks.htm

Ash