Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

http://www.gbase.com/gearlist/guitar_picture.asp?guitar=507492

Is this all original? I guess I'm just beginning to learn about the older rics.I had no idea they made a bridge like that.

That's the original real deal, nice bass.

That is indeed a nice bass!

Just shows that Rickenbacker got the design of the 4000 series right first time.

Over 40 years old and the that classic shape still looks totally cool today.
There's been some changes such as the pickguard and the bridge but the overall shape which is what originally attracted me to Rickenbackers has thankfully remained unchanged.

What did the bridge cover look like on these older models.....anyone got any pics of one?

I do seem to remember a near mint 1960 or early 1961 on that very same site not too long ago - it was a stunner, believe me. I duly downloaded a couple of pics of it, which are now in my other computer. I'll be sure to e-mail them to you shortly, guys.

Notice there's no real "hook" on the upper horn/bout of the body. Must've changed that soon after to better complement the headstock. Yeah the cresting wave "r" of the body on cartoon-like "r" on the headstock looks forever perfect. Don't know if I'd rather listen to or look at my two Ricks sometimes... The bridge cover looks like or is the same as the bridge cover on a Model 425/450 guitar. The early 4000 Models and 425/450 both have essentially the same bridge as well.

Although the basic shape of the current model is recognisable, I don't find this early version very attractive. And I guess they didn't at Rickenbacker too, otherwise they wouldn't have changed it. (hey, don't hate me for this)
That said, I think it's a very interesting bass, this one.
It's a piece of history and sure would like to have it.
Does anyone know who designed the 4000 series?
Was it Rossmeisl?

Yes.

I can't say these do anything for me. The late '60s 4001 are probably my favorites from an asthetic perspective.

That's a weird bridge set-up, a 6-string bridge used for a four-string bass. Rconomical at the time, I guess, rather than having four-string bridges made, too. Execpt for a missing bridge cover, that bass does look just like the one in the 1958 Riceknbacker catalog:

http://www.rickenbacker.com/images/cf58-4.jpg

I personally like the looks of the 4000, and even though I'm a hack bass player, I love my 1977 4000FL BG:

Notice also that Rickenbacker and Fender were both using "large-style" Kluson Tuners at the same time. Since both of these companies are linked in the early years, I wonder if they were using the same supplier...

cases were very similiar too for many years, maybe still are

Yeah, it you go to the G&G cases website, it gives you a bit of history about the guitar case industry. The company that WAS G&G before G&G was the name did in fact make cases for Fender, Rickenbacker, etc. Now G&G makes cases for damn near every guitar co., including Rickenbacker and Fender. I highly recommend a vintage style case over an SKB case. My '97 4003 case is just about shot because the construction and engineering is horrible. I will eventually spend the $$$ on a new Vintage Rickenbacker case to replace the ****** SKB. Sorry about the rant, and thanks for the free case, Rickenbacker

http://www.gbase.com/gearlist/guitar_picture.asp?guitar=537627

Sorry, just been searching for 4000's lately. It's dedgoat's fault

Yeah, Kendall got me lookin for Rednecks, Tuxes, Blackstars and early 4001s.

He MUST get a commission somehow!

I wish it worked that way. But actually I seriously thinking of selling off the entire herd and focusing on my business. The way things have gotten out of hand with the prices has taken the fun out of collecting.