Rickenbacker Bass Models
and Specifications
~ The 2000 and 3000 Series ~
by David Axt
[The following article is a compilation of data from various sources describing the different Rickenbacker bass models. This article also gives as brief history as to when the different features were added or discontinued.]
(Note: Dates in parentheses are from various sources. If you can confirm or deny these dates please contact me.)
~ 2000 Series ~
The basses in this series have the following features, unless otherwise noted, bolt-on neck, double cutaway maple body, non-cresting headstock, unbound Padouk fingerboard, dot inlay, 20 frets.
2020 "Hamburg" (Second Version)
Second version
This instrument is the revised bass version of Hamburg guitar.
Features: Two single-coil pickups, active circuitry, chrome plated hardware, maple fingerboard, and fixed bridge.
1992 - Introduced
1997 - Discontinued
2030 "Hamburg"(First Version)
First version
This instrument is the bass version of Hamburg guitar.
Features: Two single coil pickups, active circuitry, 2 tone and 2 volume controls, selector switch, chrome plated hardware, Padouk fingerboard, 9 dot inlays, rear access control panel, and fixed bridge.
1984 - Introduced
1992 - Discontinued
2030GF "Glen Frey"
Limited Edition Series
Features: Two humbucking pickups, chrome pickguard with signature, chrome controls (2 volume, 2 tone), 3 position mini switch, black hardware, ebony fingerboard, fixed bridge, chrome logo plate. Available only in Jetglo finish.
1995(1992) - Introduced
1995(1997) - Discontinued
2050 "El Dorado"
Features: Two pickups, active circuitry, and gold plated hardware.
1984 - Introduced
1992 - Discontinued
2060 "El Dorado"
Features: Two pickups, active circuitry, gold plated hardware, and double bound body.
1992 - Introduced
1997 - Discontinued
~ 3000 Series ~
The basses in this series have the following features, unless otherwise noted, Bolt-on neck, double cutaway maple body, non-cresting headstock, Padouk fingerboard, 9 dot inlays.
3000
This bass was originally designed as a low-priced, economical, student model.
Features: Short scale (30"), single high-gain hum-canceling pickup, 21 frets, 2 controls knobs (volume and tone), unlaquered fingerboard. Available in natural satin maple and Colorglo finishes
1971 - First version was introduced and abruptly discontinued because the original prototype was unsatisfactory
1975 - Second version an improved model was reintroduced with a different bridge, electronics and pickguard.
1984 - Discontinued
3001
This is a full-scale version of 3000 model
Features: Long scale (33-1/2"),
single high gain hum-canceling pickup, 20 frets, 3 controls (volume, treble boost, bass boost), maple and walnut laminated neck.
1971 - First version was introduced as a prototype (30" scale) and abruptly discontinued. The first version had a bound body, bound neck, crescent shaped finger rest, single tone and volume controls, and a different tailpiece/bridge.
1975 - Second version, an improved model, was reintroduced
1984 - Discontinued
~
Continue with the 4000 Series ~
~ Bibliography ~
The Bass Book
Tony Bacon and Barry Moore
Forty Years of Rickenbacker Basses - Part I
Bassist Magazine June 1998
Forty Years of Rickenbacker Basses - Part II
Bassist Magazine July 1998
Blue Book of Electric Guitars 5th Edition
Steven Cherne Edited by S. P. Fjestad
Gruhn’s Guide to Vintage Guitars 2nd Edition
An Identification Guide for American Fretted Instruments
George Gruhn and Walter Carter
Rickenbacker International Corporation
John Hall, CEO
Rickenbacker Registration Page
Peter McCormack
Rickenbacker Frequently Asked Questions
Gerard Lanois
The Rickenbacker Connection
Mike Parks
Bass Colors and Dating
The Rickenbacker Connection
Article Submitted on September 3, 1999
Revised June 11, 2000
© 1999-2000 David Axt. All rights reserved.
Editing and Html Design by Peter McCormack
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