Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $2,425
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
* 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
The Rickenbacker 4000 is an iconic piece of music history, renowned for its distinct tone and exceptional playability. This electric bass guitar has been a staple in the music industry since its introduction, favored by both professional musicians and discerning hobbyists. Renowned for its neck-through-body construction, the 4000 offers remarkable sustain and resonance, ensuring that every note rings clear and true. Its sleek, ergonomic design not only looks striking but also provides a comfortable playing experience for bassists of all levels.
At the heart of the Rickenbacker 4000 is its single-pickup configuration, which delivers a punchy, articulate sound that cuts through any mix. This bass is perfect for genres ranging from rock to jazz, offering a versatile tonal palette that can adapt to any playing style. The maple body and neck, combined with the rosewood fingerboard, provide a balanced tonal foundation, ensuring the bass sounds just as good unplugged as it does amplified.
Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, the Rickenbacker 4000 stands out with its unmistakable sound and classic aesthetic. It's more than just an instrument; it's a testament to the art of bass guitar craftsmanship.
Key Features:
- Neck-through-body construction for enhanced sustain
- Single-pickup configuration for punchy, articulate sound
- Maple body and neck with rosewood fingerboard
- Versatile tonal palette suitable for various genres
- Classic design with ergonomic body shape for comfortable playing
Product specs
| Brand | Rickenbacker |
| Model | 4000 |
| Finish | Autumnglo, Burgundyglo, Fireglo, Jetglo, Mapleglo |
| Year | 1969 - 1987 |
| 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, Brown, Natural, Red, Tan |
| Finish Features | Matching Headstock |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Model Family | Rickenbacker 4000 |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Number of Strings | 4-String |
| Pickup Configuration | S |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Series | Rickenbacker 4000 Series |
FAQs
-
What kind of tone can I expect from the Rickenbacker 4000 bass?
-
The Rickenbacker 4000 offers a distinctive, punchy tone with strong midrange presence, making it ideal for rock and progressive music. Its single passive pickup delivers a clear and articulate sound that cuts through mixes effectively.
-
Is the Rickenbacker 4000 suitable for beginners?
-
While the Rickenbacker 4000 is renowned for its quality and unique sound, it may not be the best choice for beginners due to its premium build and specific tonal characteristics. It is better suited for intermediate to advanced players who appreciate its classic sound.
-
How does the Rickenbacker 4000 differ from the 4001 model?
-
The Rickenbacker 4000 is a single-pickup version, whereas the 4001 features a dual-pickup configuration, offering more tonal versatility. The 4000's simpler design appeals to players seeking a straightforward, vintage bass sound.
-
What is the neck profile of the Rickenbacker 4000 like?
-
The Rickenbacker 4000 features a slim, fast neck profile made of maple, providing comfortable playability for quick finger movements. This design is favored by bassists who enjoy a sleek, easy-to-navigate fretboard.
-
Can the Rickenbacker 4000 handle different music genres?
-
The Rickenbacker 4000 excels in rock and progressive genres due to its punchy and articulate tone. While it can adapt to other styles, its classic sound is most appreciated in settings where a strong midrange presence is desired.
Videos
Normans Rare Guitars
1976 Rickenbacker 4000 Bass | Guitar of the Day
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Rickenbacker 4000.
Build quality
Features and functionality
-
Active EQ on Jackenbackers (CBXNT DX) offers a vintage-voiced sound despite modern PJ pickups in Ric positions.
Source
Comparisons
-
The 1977 Aria copy, with its bolt-on neck and softer tone, provides a similar vibe to the Rickenbacker 4001 at a fraction of the cost.
Source -
Peavey T-40 is noted for its sound proximity to Rickenbackers, though it visually differs and isn't the most budget-friendly option.
Source -
Fender Blacktop Jazz Bass is highlighted for achieving a surprisingly close Rickenbacker tone in band settings.
Source
User experience
Value and pricing
-
A 1987 Rickenbacker 4000, in good condition, is estimated to be worth around $1500, potentially increasing due to its rarity and vintage status.
Source
Use cases and applications
-
The Rickenbacker 4000 is appreciated for its ruggedness and ability to withstand hard use, making it suitable for aggressive playing styles typical in punk and metal genres.
Source
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
As seen in the second 0:18 of the Brothers Deluxe Remastered 10th Anniversary Edition, one of the photos contained in vinyl shows Dan Auerbach using a rickenbacker 4000 bass guitar in a studio recording.
In this video at 0:07, a Natural finish Rickenbacker 4000 with a gold pickguard can be seen hanging on Lee's studio wall next to a Rickenbacker Double-neck Bass/Guitar. The 4000 model Bass is distinguishable from the 4001 in it's lack of a neck-pickup.
He also uses an original ’61 Rickenbacker 4000 in Fireglo – the single-pickup variant of the more popular 4001 (the 4000 has what was usually called the “horseshoe” pickup in the middle of body, and is lacking a neck pickup). His appreciation of this brand and model is another nod to Petersson’s single-pickup bass inclinations.
Throughout the 70s, when Bernie would go on piano, Tony would fill him in on bass (mainly on He Ain't Heavy and I Can't Tell The Bottom From The Top). The bass that Tony is playing here in Germany, around 1976 (according to Getty Images), still belongs to Bernie, which is a Rickenbacker 4000 with no neck pickup and only a bridge pickup.
Leon Wilkeson is associated with the Rickenbacker 4000 bass, as noted on page 2 of the document titled "Lynyrd Skynyrd - Leon Wilkeson Equipment History" by Sean on Scribd. This bass was featured in promotional photos for the "Pronounced" album.
In this article posted by guitarworld.com, Jeremy mentions owning a Rickenbacker 4000.
"And I’ve got an old Rickenbacker, which I got when I was 19 for £200, and it’s worth about 10 times that now. It's a 4000, and it’s an unusually good-sounding Rick, considering it’s only got one pickup."
Also shown in this Instagram post by Jeremy.
C.F. "Fred" Turner can also be seen using the Rickenbacker 4000 in the music video for the song "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" at the 2:23 mark on Youtube.
After performances with Fender basses, in early 1970, or 1971, Calvert switched to a Rickenbacker 4000 in Jetglo, with only 1 bridge pickup. Calvert would use this bass extensively during performances and recordings in the 70s, some notable songs with this bass would include Long Cool Woman (In A Black Dress). In the 70s, he would interchange between the Rickenbacker and his Precision. It is unknown where this bass went a few months before departure, as he had other basses.
Album Usage
The Rickenbacker 4000 has been featured on the following albums:
Pronounced ‘Leh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd - Live From Jacksonville At The Florida Theatre
Lynyrd Skynyrd (2015)
Brothers
The Black Keys (2010)
A Crazy Steal
The Hollies (1978)
Russian Roulette
The Hollies (1976)
Write On
The Hollies (1976)
Another Night
The Hollies (1975)
Hollies
The Hollies (1974)
Pronounced 'Leh-'Nérd 'Skin-'Nérd (Expanded Edition)
Lynyrd Skynyrd (1973)
Romany (Expanded Edition)
The Hollies (1972)
Distant Light (Expanded Edition)
The Hollies (1971)
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 4000, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
More Rickenbacker Electric Basses
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Electric Basses
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
punkbassstickers891Gear IQ 594
-