Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $2,832
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Description
The Rickenbacker 4001S is a classic choice for bassists seeking a distinctive sound and vintage vibe. Originally introduced in the 1960s, this iconic electric bass guitar has graced countless stages and recordings. Known for its punchy tone and unique design, the 4001S delivers a rich, full-bodied sound that sets it apart in any musical setting.
Featuring a neck-through-body construction, this bass offers exceptional sustain and stability. The meticulously crafted maple neck and rosewood fingerboard provide smooth playability, making it a favorite among both seasoned players and aspiring musicians. The 4001S is equipped with single-coil pickups that produce its signature growl, ensuring you stand out in any band. Whether you're playing rock, jazz, or funk, this bass delivers the versatility and character every bassist craves.
The vintage-inspired hardware and controls are intuitively laid out, allowing for easy adjustment and fine-tuning of your sound on the fly. Its classic aesthetic, coupled with modern enhancements, maintains the legendary appeal of this instrument while providing the reliability needed for contemporary performance demands.
Key Features:
- Neck-through-body construction for enhanced sustain
- Maple neck and rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
- Single-coil pickups offering a distinctive tonal profile
- Vintage-inspired hardware with intuitive controls
- Renowned for its rich and punchy sound
Product specs
| Brand | Rickenbacker |
| Model | 4001S |
| Finish | Azureglo, Burgundyglo, Fireglo, Jetglo, Mapleglo, Midnight Blue, Red, Ruby, Silver, Walnut, White |
| Year | 1979 - 1986 |
| 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 |
| Model Sub-Family | Rickenbacker 4001S |
| 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
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What kind of tone can I expect from the Rickenbacker 4001S bass guitar?
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The Rickenbacker 4001S is known for its distinctive, punchy tone with a strong midrange presence, making it ideal for rock and pop music. Its passive pickups deliver a clear, articulate sound that cuts through mixes.
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Is the Rickenbacker 4001S suitable for beginners?
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The Rickenbacker 4001S is a high-quality instrument that may be more suitable for intermediate to advanced players due to its unique feel and sound. Beginners might find its distinctive features and price point more challenging compared to entry-level basses.
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What are the main differences between the Rickenbacker 4001 and 4001S?
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The 4001S is a variation of the 4001 model, featuring no body or neck binding and dot inlays instead of triangular position markers. It retains the same pickups and wiring as the 4001, offering a similar sound with subtle aesthetic differences.
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What is the neck profile like on the Rickenbacker 4001S?
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The Rickenbacker 4001S features a slim neck profile, providing a fast and comfortable playing experience. This is particularly appealing to players who prefer a more streamlined neck for quick movement across the fretboard.
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Does the Rickenbacker 4001S have active or passive pickups?
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The Rickenbacker 4001S is equipped with passive pickups, which offer a classic, warm tone favored by many bass players for its natural sound quality.
Videos
Rick from NY
Paul McCartney & Elvis Costello Rickenbacker 4001S Bass
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Rickenbacker 4001S.
Mods and upgrades
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Owners recommend replacing the original bridge with a Hipshot bridge to address tail lift issues commonly found in late '70s Rickenbacker 4001S models.
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The red-finished fretboard, known as the "Redneck" modification, distinguishes certain refinished Rickenbacker 4001S models.
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A common modification includes replacing the original bridge with a "badass" bridge, though original parts are often kept in the case for authenticity.
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Build quality
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The bridge on some 4001S models may have shiny chrome saddles, indicating possible replacement or alteration, as originals are typically not fully chrome-plated.
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The Rickenbacker 4001S is predominantly a neck-through design, with set-neck construction primarily found in very early models.
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The presence of black hardware, such as tuners and truss rod covers, often indicates non-original parts on a 4001S model.
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Value and pricing
Features and functionality
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The SG serial number indicates a production date of July 1979, aligning with the typical manufacturing period for this model.
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Setup and maintenance
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings
Artist usage
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The Rickenbacker Roger played was officially a Rose-Morris Model 1999, as it was a special-order for the UK importer. Released in the US under the name Rickenbacker 4001S. Its finish is known as Fireglo.
After leaving Rickenbacker Waters went through a several color combinations of P-Basses before settling on the black body and maple neck.
In the video "Los Bunkers - Santiago de Chile," Francisco Durán plays a Rickenbacker 4001S bass guitar.
Bob Daisley is shown with his Rickenbacker 4001S bass guitar in the "Bob's Guitars" gallery on his official website.
Gonzalo used this bass as his main bass with Los Bunkers from 2005 to 2010 approximately, it was used for the recording of the albums "Vida de perros" and "Música libre", in addition to its live use either in Chile or Mexico
In videos from live at Pianos, NYC this guitar can be seen in every filmed track.
At 0:17 in the video titled "The Byrds + Bob Dylan - Turn Turn Turn + Mr Tambourine Man 2/24/90 HIGH QUALITY STEREO" by Cleveland Live Music, Chris Hillman is seen using a Rickenbacker 4001S bass guitar.
The Kinks plays live at the NME Poll-winners concert. Pete Quaife is seen playing his Rickenbacker 4001S in a fireglo finish in a close-up at 1:50. Dave Davis stated that "After he started making a little money, he went out and bought what he called a “proper” bass — a Rickenbacker 4001 (...)"
In the image you can see Fred playing a Rickenbacker 4001s with one pickup. Secondary Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7a5xzB6Puw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNuql-rzDZI.
Album Usage
The Rickenbacker 4001S has been featured on the following albums:
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 4001S, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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