Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I play my 4003 all the time in my R&R group and it fits in perfectly. I love the feel and playability of it so much, I was wondering if a 4001 might be fun as an additional Ric in my bass stable? I love the neck on my 4003 and assume the 4001 would be similar?

I'm not looking for another 4003. (I tried a 4004c and it didn't feel comfortable). I just like variety in sound and cosmetics. I've just been collecting and playing older basses recently and enjoy "vintage" basses. I've never played a 4001 (can't find one locally), so any advice you all could offer would be super!

I'd say yes go for it ....

Depending on the year the neck will be a little different profile, some of the older 4001's had really slim necks.

You could also look at either the v63, or v64 re-issues. I recently got a v63 and it's wonderfull, neck is similar to my 4003, but a little thinner, still very easy to play, and slightly better at the higher end of the neck. It's mono, and tones out of it are fantastic, again similar to the 4003, but more than enough to make it unique.

I'm leaning towards a v63 or c64 as my next bass. I have a 4003 and just bought a Cheyenne and love them so much that I passed up a chance to repurchase my 50th Anniversary P Bass. I can't get excited about Fender after using Ric's and a v63 or c64 looks like it would add a nice variety to the collection.

What's the difference between a v63 and a c64? Are they currently available models? I don't see them on the Ric site.

I found the descriptions of the two on the associated Ric bass site. I think my local shop has a v63 in stock. I'll check it out.

Which one has the narrowest neck? That's my thing!!!

The C64 is still in production, it replaced the v63. The most apparent difference between them is the upside-down headstock on the c64. Someone here recently said that the horseshoe are different too. Otherwise, they are apprarently the same.

Are they currently available models?..
... v63 - No. c64 - Yes.

What's the difference between a v63 and a c64?

... the 4001S-v63 is a modern reissue of the classic circa-1963 4001S design, with an adapated, updated truss rod system whereby it can handle roundwound strings. All other features are the same as the original, mono output, toaster, horseshoe pickup (albeit a reissue), dot neck, no binding, etc... 4001S-v63 basses also have Walnut headwings.



The 4001S-c64 is also a reissue. This however recreates the lefty 4001S bass McCartney used in the Beatles. It shares the same principle 4001S features, except the mounting plate for the horseshoe pickup on the c64 is somewhat shorter than a v63's.



McCartney's original 4001S was a lefty with a righty headstock, thus - righty reissue 4001S-c64's have a lefty headstock. Some love it, others hate it. 4001S-c64's also have the updated truss system for modern strings.


(Ah, most people I know actually say the same thing you're saying, except the other way around! "I have a 4001, shall I get a 4003?" "

Great info and descriptions guys, thanks! My local shop has a v63 MG and I'm gonna go take a look at it in a couple minutes.

I suppose going from a 4003 to a 4001 is because I discovered Rics only in the last couple years after my local guitar sales guy talked me into trying a new 4003 and I fell for it. Either way, ya gotta love these basses!

After numerous p and j basses, I just think another Ric (that sounds different than my 4003) would be great fun.

Quoting Mark on the c64 headstock "Some love it, others hate it..."

I would say it's more like some tolerate it, most hate it! If you want to be a true poser, learn to play left handed.

Docbass, I'm anxiously awaiting your evaluation of the v63.

C64 headstock-hated it.
horseshoes V63

C64

I'm too old to really tell the difference-unless played side by side.

And I'm too lazy to take 'em out!

Go for the v63.....you'll LOVE it!!

I'd second Mr Pappas's motion. v63 .. in Fireglo ... !!!

Well, I got to the shop and realized they had a c64 in MG (reversed head stock). I played and it has an awesome sound. Not as edgey as my 4003, lots of bottom end depth, I think. Was it the toaster? I sure liked the tone of both pups mixed at 100% volume.

I liked the look a lot too. The quality of build is very good. No visible flaws of any kind. The neck felt wider than my 4003, but that was probably just my imagination. It was still comfortable, but felt wide to me. Frankly, it's not as attractive as my 4003 FG IMHO.

Do I like it enough to plop down $1800? Don't know just yet. That's a big chucnk of change for one bass. I suspect I could get a similar (although not identical) sound from a good used 4001 at a considerable savings.

Well, this is certainly food for thought!

I haven't tried a V63 or C64, however the neck on my '73 4001 is slimmer than my 4004Cii and is my favorite bass to play.

Why not go for this one:

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=4713&item=3759183456&rd=1