# Rickenbacker 4001

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Electric bass guitar, produced 1961-1981

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Rickenbacker 4001 A 1977 Rickenbacker 4001 Manufacturer Rickenbacker Period 1961–1981,[1] 1980-present (4003) Construction Body type Solid Neck joint Bound (or unbound maple 4001S model) Scale 33.25 in (845 mm) (long scale) 30.5 in (770 mm) (short scale)[2] Woods Body Bound maple (and unbound maple 4001S Model), Walnut (4003W model) Neck Maple, Walnut Fretboard Bubinga, Rosewood, Maple Hardware Pickup(s) 2 single coil toaster/horseshoe pickups (early models),[2] 2 single coil Hi-Gain pickups (later models) Colors available Fireglo (Cherry Sunburst) Autumnglo (Tobacco Sunburst) Burgundyglo (Red) Jetglo (Black) Mapleglo (Natural) Azureglo (Blue) Source: [2]

The **Rickenbacker 4001** is an [electric bass](/source/Bass_guitar) that was manufactured by [Rickenbacker](/source/Rickenbacker) as a two-[pickup](/source/Pickup_(music_technology)) "deluxe" version of their first production bass, the single-pickup model 4000. This design, created by [Roger Rossmeisl](/source/Roger_Rossmeisl), was manufactured between 1961 and 1981, when it was replaced by an updated version dubbed the **Rickenbacker 4003**.[3] Variant models of the 4001 include the 4001S, 4001LH, 1999 (European model), 4001V63 (reissue), [4001CS](/source/Rickenbacker_4001CS) (a limited edition series based on [Chris Squire](/source/Chris_Squire)'s 1965 British model RM1999) and the 4001C64 and 4001C64S: the C Series is a recreation of Paul McCartney's left-handed 4001S with a reversed [headstock](/source/Headstock). There are also [Al Cisneros](/source/Al_Cisneros) (4003 AC) and [Lemmy Kilmister](/source/Lemmy) (4004 LK) signature versions of the instrument.

## Construction

The 4001 model features a [neck-through](/source/Neck-through) construction, a full-wood body, [fretboard](/source/Fretboard) with metal strings (originally flat-wound, though many players replaced them with round-wounds), twin truss rods, triangle inlays, two single coil pickups, two volume and two tone dials, selector switch,[2] and wiring for Rick-O-Sound (standard after 1971).[1] Models that feature Rick-O-Sound have the capability to "split" the instrument's dual pickup signals between two separate amplifiers.

Unlike most two-pickup electric basses, the 4001's pickups are of two different designs. The 4001 has a small neck pickup, colloquially referred to as a "toaster pickup" due to the distinctive metal covers found on 1960s models. The bridge pickup is larger in size and mounted on a metal plate. Earlier models are referred to as "horseshoe pickups", as the bridge pickup is enclosed between two metal-covered [horseshoe magnets](/source/Horseshoe_magnet). Later 4001 models as well as the modern 4003 redesign replaced the toaster and horseshoe pickups with so-called Hi-Gain pickups. The Hi-Gain bridge pickup is of a more conventional design than the horseshoe pickup. The bridge pickup also features a removable metal bridge cover designed to emulate the look of the original horseshoe magnets.

Rickenbacker also produced six-string and 12 string guitars and a short-scale bass, the 3000 model.[2] The 4001's bridge is of a fairly unusual design, both in aesthetics and in function, featuring removable saddles as well as a built-in adjustible foam mute.

A 2020 CieloGlo 4003S, showing the lack of body/neck binding and dot fret inlays

The 4001S, 4003S and 1999 models have been produced as cheaper, streamlined versions which feature unbound, contoured bodies, unbound fretboards with simpler dot inlays as well as a conventional mono output jack instead of the dual Rick-O-Sound system.[2]

The Rickenbacker 4003, which replaced the 4001, differs in the truss rod design and introduces a fret wire that better withstands the wear from round-wound strings (fast fret wear was a common complaint for many years, and Rickenbacker strived to address the issue). The pickups are also higher in output, and the bridge pickup, a so-called "horseshoe" pickup, was entirely remodelled, featuring a more conventional design, although the "horseshoe", albeit removable is still part of the construction, for aesthetic purposes. More recent 4003 models also feature a push-pull switch on one of the tone knobs, which diminishes the output of the bridge pickup to more closely resemble the original 4001 tone. Other features remained similar to its forebear.

Rickenbacker has also produced five-string 4003 basses. Earlier examples were generally faithful to the original model in terms of parts and electronics, whereas newer models feature a more conventional bridge, smaller Schaller machine heads and distinctive triangular pickups. Both versions retain the Rickenbacker's signature 33" scale length, an unusual design for a five-string instrument.

Between the years 1993 and 2018 Rickenbacker also manufactured a streamlined model, named the 4004, that used the 4001's trademark shape but featured smaller pickups, a simplified control layout, a more conventional bridge system and eschewed the use of aesthetic details such as binding or a [pickguard](/source/Pickguard). In the early 2020s, the 4003 model was given a slight overhaul with a more conventional single truss rod-system as well as a redesigned bridge with individually adjustable saddles.

## Notable players

- [Lou Barlow](/source/Lou_Barlow)[4] of [Dinosaur Jr.](/source/Dinosaur_Jr.)

- [John Bentley](/source/John_Bentley_(guitarist))[5] of [Squeeze](/source/Squeeze_(band))

- [Cliff Burton](/source/Cliff_Burton)[6] of [Metallica](/source/Metallica)

- [Geezer Butler](/source/Geezer_Butler)[7] of [Black Sabbath](/source/Black_Sabbath)

- Jon Camp of [Renaissance](/source/Renaissance_(band))[8][9]

- [Peter Cetera](/source/Peter_Cetera) of [Chicago](/source/Chicago_(band))[10]

- [Al Cisneros](/source/Al_Cisneros)[11] of [Sleep](/source/Sleep_(band)) and [OM](/source/Om_(band))

- [John Deacon](/source/John_Deacon)[12] of [Queen](/source/Queen_(band))

- [Julie Doiron](/source/Julie_Doiron) of [Eric's Trip](/source/Eric's_Trip)[13]

- [John Entwistle](/source/John_Entwistle)[14] of [the Who](/source/The_Who)

- [Bruce Foxton](/source/Bruce_Foxton)[15] of [the Jam](/source/The_Jam)

- [Roger Glover](/source/Roger_Glover)[16] of [Deep Purple](/source/Deep_Purple) and [Rainbow](/source/Rainbow_(rock_band))

- [Bob Hardy](/source/Bob_Hardy_(bassist))[15] of [Franz Ferdinand](/source/Franz_Ferdinand_(band))

- [Glenn Hughes](/source/Glenn_Hughes_(British_musician))[17] of [Deep Purple](/source/Deep_Purple), [Trapeze](/source/Trapeze_(band)), and [Black Country Communion](/source/Black_Country_Communion)

- [Rick James](/source/Rick_James)[18]

- [Inge Johansson](/source/Inge_Johansson)[19] of [Against Me!](/source/Against_Me!)

- [Jesse F. Keeler](/source/Jesse_F._Keeler)[15] of [Death From Above 1979](/source/Death_From_Above_1979) and [MSTRKRFT](/source/MSTRKRFT)

- [Lemmy Kilmister](/source/Lemmy_Kilmister)[20][15] of [Motörhead](/source/Mot%C3%B6rhead)

- [Geddy Lee](/source/Geddy_Lee)[15][21] of [Rush](/source/Rush_(band))

- [Phil Lynott](/source/Phil_Lynott)[22] of [Thin Lizzy](/source/Thin_Lizzy)

- [Paul McCartney](/source/Paul_McCartney)[15][23] of [the Beatles](/source/The_Beatles) and [Wings](/source/Paul_McCartney_and_Wings)

- [Randy Meisner](/source/Randy_Meisner) of [Eagles](/source/Eagles_(band))[24] and [Poco](/source/Poco_(band))

- [Pete Quaife](/source/Pete_Quaife)[25] of [the Kinks](/source/The_Kinks)

- [Scott Reeder](/source/Scott_Reeder_(bassist))[26] of [Kyuss](/source/Kyuss)

- [Don Schiff](/source/Don_Schiff)[15]

- [Paul Simonon](/source/Paul_Simonon)[27] of [the Clash](/source/The_Clash)

- [Jim Smith](/source/Jim_Smith_(bassist)) of [Cardiacs](/source/Cardiacs)[28]

- [Chris Squire](/source/Chris_Squire) of [Yes](/source/Yes_(band))[29]

- [Pete Trewavas](/source/Pete_Trewavas)[15] of [Marillion](/source/Marillion)

- [Andy Warren](/source/Andy_Warren_(British_musician))[15]

- [Chris Wolstenholme](/source/Chris_Wolstenholme)[30] of [Muse](/source/Muse_(band))

- [Audun Laading](/source/Audun_Laading)[31] of [Her's](/source/Her's)

- [Mike Mills](/source/Mike_Mills)[32] of [R.E.M.](/source/R.E.M.)

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-rickbeat_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-rickbeat_1-1) ["Rickenbacker 4001"](https://www.rickbeat.com/modelslibrary/4001/4001.htm). Rickbeat.com. Retrieved 13 June 2014.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-vintage_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-vintage_2-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-vintage_2-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-vintage_2-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-vintage_2-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-vintage_2-5) ["Vintage Guitar – Rickenbacker 4001 Bass Guitar"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100225084657/http://www.vintageguitars.org.uk/ric4001.php). Vintageguitars.org.uk. Archived from [the original](http://www.vintageguitars.org.uk/ric4001.php) on 25 February 2010. Retrieved 13 June 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** T. Bacon & B. Moorhouse. The Bass Book. Backbeat Books. 1995. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-87930-368-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-87930-368-9)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["Lou Barlow of Dinosaur Jr. on Playing Bass with a Really Loud Guitarist"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymI7t9gb8nk). *[YouTube](/source/YouTube)*. Retrieved 18 April 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** John is shown playing the Ric in the video for [""Another Nail in My Heart" (official)"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bTWF7eirJw&feature=share). *[YouTube](/source/YouTube)*. Retrieved 5 October 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Gear Rundown: Cliff Burton"](https://mixdownmag.com.au/features/columns/gear-rundown-cliff-burton/). 11 August 2017. Retrieved 21 November 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Ed Roman. ["Rickenbacker Guitars - Rickenbacker Guitar Artists - Ed Roman Guitars"](https://www.edroman.com/guitars/rickenbacker/artists.htm). Edroman.com. Retrieved 13 June 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Snider, Charles (2007). *The Strawberry Bricks Guide to Progressive Rock* (1 ed.). Chicago: Strawberry Bricks. p. 207. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9780615175669](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780615175669).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Jon Camp Interview 2012"](https://web.archive.org/web/20200929192722/http://renaissance-fanfare.net/forum/topics/jon-camp-interview-2012). Renaissance Fanfare. 22 February 2012. Archived from [the original](http://renaissance-fanfare.net/forum/topics/jon-camp-interview-2012) on 29 September 2020. Retrieved 11 December 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["Peter Cetera"](http://www.dennybegle.com/peter_cetera.htm). *www.dennybegle.com*. Retrieved 6 October 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Bass Guitar Magazine October 2006"](https://www.electricamp.com/bass-guitar-magazine-10-2006.html). Electricamp.com. Retrieved 13 June 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Instruments: Early Shows I \[27.06.1970 – 24.03.1972\]"](https://www.queenconcerts.com/instruments/1971-early.html). Queen Concerts. Retrieved 13 June 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Eric's Trip"](https://www.flickr.com/photos/belikewater/2552282952/). 29 May 2008.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Pete's Gear: Pete Townshend Guitar Equipment History | Pete Townshend's Guitar Gear | Whotabs"](https://www.thewho.net/whotabs/equipment/bass/equip-entwistlegear-60-66.html). Thewho.net. Retrieved 13 June 2014.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-ashton_15-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-ashton_15-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-ashton_15-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-ashton_15-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-ashton_15-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-ashton_15-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-ashton_15-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-ashton_15-7) [***i***](#cite_ref-ashton_15-8) Ashton, Adrian (2006). [*The bass handbook*](https://books.google.com/books?id=I97xJYZC2lIC&pg=PA38). Hal Leonard. p. 38. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-87930-872-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-87930-872-8).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["Dawk Sound Limited – Rainbow / Ritchie Blackmore"](https://web.archive.org/web/20040420174645/http://www.dawksound.com/rainbow.html). Dawksound.com. Archived from [the original](http://www.dawksound.com/rainbow.html) on 20 April 2004. Retrieved 13 June 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["Glenn Hughes"](https://equipboard.com/pros/glenn-hughes/rickenbacker-4001). Equipboard. Retrieved 17 March 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["Rick James poster"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140605170206/http://images.uulyrics.com/cover/r/rick-james/album-street-songs.jpg). Images.uulyrics.com. Archived from [the original](http://images.uulyrics.com/cover/r/rick-james/album-street-songs.jpg) on 5 June 2014. Retrieved 14 June 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** ["Inge Johansson"](https://equipboard.com/pros/inge-johansson). Equipboard. Retrieved 17 March 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** Willie G. Moseley. ["Lemmy Kilmister"](https://www.vintageguitar.com/2931/lemmy-kilmister/). Vintage Guitar Magazine. Retrieved 17 March 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** "Rush delivers precisely what fans want". *[San Antonio Express-News](/source/San_Antonio_Express-News)*. 4 December 1996.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** ["Artists Playing Rickenbacker Basses"](http://www.rickresource.com/rrp/bassartists.html). Rickresource.com. Retrieved 13 June 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** Bacon, Tony; Barry Moorhouse (2008). [*The Bass Book: A Complete Illustrated History of Bass Guitars*](https://books.google.com/books?id=-JO5pBQo89wC&pg=PT19). Hal Leonard. p. 19. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-87930-924-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-87930-924-4). Retrieved 6 August 2010.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** Randy can be seen playing the 4001 in the video of a 1977 performance of "Hotel California" ["Hotel California live in Washington 1977"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAIFnHoieuA). *[YouTube](/source/YouTube)*. Retrieved 29 August 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** [\[1\]](http://www.rickenbacker.com/forum_view_thread.asp?thread_id=2595&forum=General_Forum&thread_name=1st%20lefty%20Rickenbacker) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110726194239/http://www.rickenbacker.com/forum_view_thread.asp?thread_id=2595&forum=General_Forum&thread_name=1st%20lefty%20Rickenbacker) 26 July 2011 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** ["Scott Reeder: Desert To Sea"](http://www.bassplayer.com/artists/1171/scott-reeder-deser-to-sea/47843). bassplayer.com. Retrieved 4 November 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** ["Paul Simonon | Equipboard"](https://equipboard.com/pros/paul-simonon). *equipboard.com*. Retrieved 14 November 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Equipboard_28-0)** ["Jim Smith"](https://equipboard.com/pros/jim-smith). *Equipboard*. Retrieved 31 August 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-29)** Ashton, Adrian (2006). [*The bass handbook*](https://books.google.com/books?id=RpOcVLXime4C&pg=PA241). Hal Leonard. p. 241. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-87930-872-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-87930-872-8).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-30)** *[Bass Player](/source/Bass_Player_(magazine))* magazine. November 2009. p. 34.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-31)** ["Her's - What Once Was | Paste Studios, NYC (2018)"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-B-BBwfAWU&list=RDO-B-BBwfAWU&start_radio=1). *[YouTube](/source/YouTube)*. Retrieved 17 April 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-32)** Rick Beato (14 June 2024). [*Mike Mills: The Story Of R.E.M.*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRfhX-XAIiY) Retrieved 30 April 2026 – via YouTube.

## External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Rickenbacker 4001](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Rickenbacker_4001).

- [Rickenbacker International Corporation](http://www.rickenbacker.com/)

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Rickenbacker 4001](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rickenbacker_4001) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rickenbacker_4001?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.