This page about Paul McCartney's Custom Rickenbacker 5 String Bass is a stub. You can help improve it:

Home
... Musical Instruments
Bass Guitars
Electric Basses
Paul McCartney's Custom Rickenbacker 5 String Bass

Paul McCartney's Custom Rickenbacker 5 String Bass

Find out who is using Paul McCartney's Custom Rickenbacker 5 String

0 wishlisted

0 saved

Page last updated Aug 10, 2025

Pricing and availability

Store

Reviews

Price

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

Introducing the Paul McCartney's Custom Rickenbacker 5 String Bass, a masterpiece that blends iconic design with modern innovation, offering a unique blend of vintage charm and contemporary performance. This electric bass is not just any instrument; it’s crafted to meet the demands of both the studio and the stage, inspired by one of the most influential bassists in music history.

The addition of a fifth string expands the sonic range, allowing for deeper, richer tones that are perfect for a wide variety of musical styles. Whether you're playing rock, jazz, or experimental music, this bass provides the versatility needed to push the boundaries of what's possible. The custom pickup configuration ensures that every note you play is full of clarity and punch, producing a sound that cuts through any mix with ease.

The neck is designed for smooth playability, catering to both beginners and seasoned professionals. With its meticulous craftsmanship, this bass offers a comfortable and balanced feel, making it ideal for long playing sessions. Its timeless Rickenbacker body shape not only looks stunning but also contributes to its well-rounded tonal quality.

Key Features:

Custom 5-string configuration for extended range
Inspired by Paul McCartney’s legendary style
Unique pickup configuration for enhanced clarity
Signature Rickenbacker body shape and design
Ideal for various musical genres and playing styles
Smooth, playable neck for comfort and precision
Designed for both studio recording and live performances

Reviews

Add review

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Paul McCartney's Custom Rickenbacker 5 String Bass.

Setup and maintenance

0 0

Nylon Rotosound Tru Bass 88 strings (65-75-100-115 gauge) can cause fitting issues on the nut designed for thinner metal strings.
Source
0 0

Newer models from 2021 onward have a single truss rod and a slimmer neck, improving adjustability and comfort compared to older models with dual truss rods.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

The Rickenbacker bass was custom-built with left-handed "wings" but used a standard right-handed neck, contributing to its unique setup challenges.
Source
0 0

A new bridge design introduced in 2021 is reportedly easier to intonate compared to previous versions, addressing longstanding setup frustrations.
Source

Build quality

0 0

The bass's nut slots were likely filed for a left-handed setup, but only to accommodate thinner metal strings, leading to issues with thicker nylon strings.
Source

User experience

0 0

Owners report that despite being custom-made, Paul McCartney's Rickenbacker bass sometimes struggles to stay in tune, especially after string changes.
Source
0 0

Owners often remove the pickup cover to avoid discomfort and increase playability when picking strings directly over the bridge pickup.
Source

Mods and upgrades

0 0

Installing a Bartolini NTMB preamp with bass boost can mimic a Stingray tone, fitting two 9V batteries under the guard with small alpha pots.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

The 4004L model is noted for better playability compared to other Rickenbacker models, especially due to improved ergonomics.
Source
0 0

The 2022 model with a single truss rod and improved bridge is favored over the 2014 version with a thicker neck and dual truss rods.
Source