Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

For all the time I have spent on the guitar forums over the past 20 years, I know very little about Rickenbacker basses. Someday I will buy "the book." But, until then, can someone explain to me what the deal is with the dot and triangle inlays. I thought that as a general rule all 4001 basses had dot inlays, and all 4003 basses had triangle inlays (sometimes full width, sometimes not). However, I have seen 4003s basses online with dot inlays, and 4001 basses with triangle inlays.

Perhaps some are mislabeled online. But, can someone explain to rational (or at least the pattern) for which basses received which?

Thanks.

Model 3000, 3001, 4001S, 4003S, 4002, and RM1999 basses had dots.

Thanks!

Like Dane says.

Basically, as far as the 4001 & 4003 go, “s” suffix basses have no binding and dot markers. The normal 4001 and 4003 are “deluxe” models, i.e. they have binding and triangle markers. The 4003 replaced the 4001, for what it’s worth.

The 4000 had dots too. (Exception: the 2015 4000 FB)

And all of the 2000 series basses had dots, too. You really need the book. I put it together as more of a "field guide" pointing out the various detail differences among the 40 or so distinct Rickenbacker bass models.

jdogric12 wrote:... the 2015 4000 FB

What does this presumably rare animal look like?
Does anyone have a pic?
I've not heard of it.

Guzzitd63 wrote:

jdogric12 wrote:... the 2015 4000 FB

What does this presumably rare animal look like?
Does anyone have a pic?
I've not heard of it.

I'm trying to figure that one out, also (or, my brain is just too fried, most likely). Maybe, it's a one-off FaceBook model. Or, perhaps, a custom for Frank Bello.

jps wrote:

Guzzitd63 wrote:

jdogric12 wrote:... the 2015 4000 FB

What does this presumably rare animal look like?
Does anyone have a pic?
I've not heard of it.

I'm trying to figure that one out, also (or, my brain is just too fried, most likely). Maybe, it's a one-off FaceBook model. Or, perhaps, a custom for Frank Bello.

P. 153 of the second edition.

bassduke49 wrote:
P. 153 of the second edition.

Dang Paul. Now I gotta go find my book.
(Its still packed away after my move in late summer.)
And ... thank you!

bassduke49 wrote:
P. 153 of the second edition.

I'll go look, the book is right next to my collection of American Bungalow magazines. Good company.

FB stands for flat black. You can see it announced on RIC's official facebook page some time in 2017, IIRC, though it was made two years earlier. It was a one off, but not publicly for sale. It is kind if a pre-Noir, with a rosewood fretboard with triangle inlays.

Good to see you name again, JDog! Hope all is well!

The 4001FL and 4003FL models also have board dots. It's not clear why, as the board dots are of little practical use since they are in the same locations as on fretted versions. FLs would look great with the shark inlays. Of course, the shark inlays would be of little practical use as well, but they'd look great.