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Average Price: $2,300

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$400

$1001+

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Description

The Rickenbacker 4001 (1973 duplicate) is a timeless masterpiece that’s been striking a chord with bass players for decades. Originally conceived as a deluxe version of the 4000 series, this electric bass guitar is renowned for its distinct sound and vintage charm. Its dual-pickup configuration not only broadens the tonal spectrum but also enhances the bass frequency response, making it a versatile choice for musicians across genres. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the 4001 boasts a unique neck-through-body design that provides sustained resonance and remarkable stability.

Favored by legendary bassists such as Geddy Lee and Lemmy Kilmister, this instrument has etched its place in music history with its bold sound and undeniable presence. Whether you’re laying down a groove in the studio or commanding the stage, the Rickenbacker 4001 offers a blend of classic aesthetics and modern functionality. The 1973 duplicate faithfully captures the essence of the original, ensuring you experience the authentic vibe of an iconic era.

For any bass enthusiast or collector, this guitar is more than just an instrument—it’s a piece of musical legacy waiting to be unleashed.

Key Features:

  • Dual-pickup configuration for expanded tonal range
  • Neck-through-body design for enhanced sustain and stability
  • Vintage 1973 styling with modern performance
  • Favored by iconic musicians across diverse genres

Product specs

Brand Rickenbacker
Model 4001
Finish Autumnglo, Azureglo, Burgundyglo, Fireglo, Jetglo, Mapleglo, Ruby, Silver, Walnut, White
Year 1973 - 1983
Made In United States
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Natural, Red, Silver, Tan, White
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Rickenbacker 4001
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 4-String
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Rickenbacker 4000 Series

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the Rickenbacker 4001 bass?

The Rickenbacker 4001 is known for its distinctive bright and punchy tone, with a strong midrange presence. It delivers a clear and articulate sound, making it suitable for genres like rock and progressive music.

Is the Rickenbacker 4001 bass suitable for beginners?

While the Rickenbacker 4001 offers excellent sound quality and craftsmanship, its unique neck profile and weight may be more comfortable for intermediate to advanced players. Beginners might find it challenging compared to other entry-level basses.

What is the neck profile like on the Rickenbacker 4001?

The Rickenbacker 4001 features a slim neck profile, providing fast playability and comfort for players who prefer a narrow neck. This design is ideal for those who enjoy intricate finger work and faster playing styles.

How does the Rickenbacker 4001 handle different string types?

The Rickenbacker 4001 is best suited for flatwound strings due to its original truss rod design, which can be sensitive to the tension of roundwound strings. Flatwounds help maintain the neck's stability and prevent excessive wear on the frets.

Does the Rickenbacker 4001 bass work well with effects pedals?

Yes, the Rickenbacker 4001 pairs well with effects pedals, maintaining clarity and articulation. Its passive pickups provide a natural sound that can be effectively enhanced with overdrive, chorus, and other modulation effects.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1973 Rickenbacker 4001 Bass Fireglo | Greg Coates at Norman's Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1973 Rickenbacker 4001 Bass Fireglo | Greg Coates at Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1973 Rickenbacker 4001 Bass Fireglo | Greg Coates at Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1973 Rickenbacker 4001 with an amazing amount of bite and grit! Quiet as anything and has that GRRR! by PinkbassmanMusic

1973 Rickenbacker 4001 with an amazing amount of bite and grit! Quiet as anything and has that GRRR!

PinkbassmanMusic

PinkbassmanMusic

Video thumbnail for 1973 Rickenbacker 4001 Fireglo - Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars by Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars

1973 Rickenbacker 4001 Fireglo - Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars

Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars

Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1973 Rickenbacker 4001 Bass - Fireglo by Bambibau

1973 Rickenbacker 4001 Bass - Fireglo

Bambibau

Bambibau

Reviews

PROS

  • Iconic tone reminiscent of Chris Squire and Paul McCartney

  • Unique vintage Toaster Head neck pickup delivers exceptional sound

  • Incredible tonal presence with a huge fat bottom end and super bright highs

  • Lightning-fast neck ideal for high-speed rock and roll

  • Offers a religious-like playing experience, life-changing for some

  • Classic look and sound that outshines newer models

  • Warm, deep sound with a classic chewing clang

  • Exceptional sound quality that rivals any bass guitar

  • Beautiful color and excellent playability

CONS

  • Poorly designed bridge makes intonation adjustments difficult

  • Dual truss rod system can be challenging to manage

  • Shellacked fingerboards may not appeal to all players

  • Not recommended as a workhorse bass; better for specific tonal needs

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Rickenbacker 4001 (1973 duplicate).

Features and functionality

  • Some users opt out of the stereo output, finding basic mono output sufficient and less complex to wire.

    Source
  • Customizing the neck profile to a Fender P-Bass style can enhance ergonomics and avoid excessive material removal.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Routing a bass for Rickenbacker pickup positions and using aftermarket pickups can achieve a closely similar tone.

    Source
  • Nordstrand Fat Stacks in the EMG35 size are recommended for achieving a Rickenbacker-like sound on a standard-scale bass.

    Source
  • Adding a .0047uF capacitor to the bridge pickup acts as a high-pass filter, contributing significantly to the iconic Rickenbacker sound.

    Source
  • Placing pickups at the proportion along the string where Rickenbacker pickups are typically located can replicate up to 80% of their tone.

    Source
  • DIY aluminum horseshoe pickup covers can be a cost-effective alternative to expensive OEM parts if aesthetics are not a priority.

    Source
  • A knockoff Rickenbacker bridge/tailpiece for $50 USD lacks muting pads but closely resembles the original and is good quality.

    Source
  • TV Jones knockoff pickups from Amazon fit well and sound good, offering decent distortion without the Rickenbacker punch.

    Source
  • Users suggest that Harley Benton Rickenbacker copies can be improved with cheap mods, but note pickups are a quality bottleneck.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • A combination of Jazz Bass and Geddy Lee YYZ pedal is suggested for emulating the Rickenbacker sound.

    Source
  • The Rickenbacker's unique tone is likened to driving a tank, suitable for hard rock, while the Mustang offers more versatile song anchoring.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Reverend Triad's middle pickup position closely mimics the Rickenbacker bridge pickup sound.

    Source
  • A Peavey T-40 is noted for replicating the Rickenbacker tone well, but its weight makes it impractical for gigging.

    Source
  • Owners compare the Rickenbacker's big chimey distorted roar to a Fender Mustang's nimble, fun playability, noting the Mustang is better for anchoring songs.

    Source
  • Some owners suggest 1970s Ibanez copies might be better crafted than the originals they replicate, especially compared to '70s Fenders.

    Source

Build quality

  • The traditional double truss rod setup may introduce neck twist, making a single truss rod with carbon fiber rods a better option for stability.

    Source
  • The neck-thru design has a structural flaw where the neck pickup cavity is too deep, compromising stability. Modifying this can enhance rigidity.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
drruff

The Best

Not only does this Bass sound better than any I've heard, except maybe Chris Squire's (RIP). It plays like butter, can't help but play lead on it.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Caleb Scofield uses Rickenbacker 4001 (1973 duplicate)

Caleb Scofield

Singer, Bassist

Cave In

...
Verified via Photo

The image shows Caleb Scofield using a Rickenbacker 4001 bass guitar.

See how Will Heggie uses Rickenbacker 4001 (1973 duplicate)

Will Heggie

Bassist

Cocteau Twins

...
Verified via Photo

unfortunately, but this bass was used on the Garlands album by The Cocteau Twins.

P

Pete Waddleton

Composer

Play Dead

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: Ruby Red Year: 1984

In the performance of "Walk Away" by Play Dead on The Tube TV show, Pete Waddleton is seen using a red Rickenbacker 4001 (1973 duplicate) bass, as documented by Jungle Records.

See how Takeru Satoh uses Rickenbacker 4001 (1973 duplicate)

Takeru Satoh

Singer, Bassist

...
Verified

Takeru Satoh, as portrayed in his role as Naoki Fujitani, the studio has many instruments as displacement like Rickenbacker 4001 (1973 duplicate) bass guitar, as evidenced in a video by 倾梦木屿眠 on Bilibili.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Rickenbacker 4001 (1973 duplicate), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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    drruff
    drruff

    Gear IQ 50