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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

What kind of tone can I expect from the Rickenbacker 4001S bass guitar?

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.

Is the Rickenbacker 4001S suitable for beginners?

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.

What are the main differences between the Rickenbacker 4001 and 4001S?

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.

What is the neck profile like on the Rickenbacker 4001S?

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.

Does the Rickenbacker 4001S have active or passive pickups?

The Rickenbacker 4001S is equipped with passive pickups, which offer a classic, warm tone favored by many bass players for its natural sound quality.

Rick from NY

Rick from NY

Paul McCartney & Elvis Costello Rickenbacker 4001S Bass

Video thumbnail for Paul McCartney & Elvis Costello Rickenbacker 4001S Bass by Rick from NY

Paul McCartney & Elvis Costello Rickenbacker 4001S Bass

Rick from NY

Rick from NY

Video thumbnail for 【比較!】リッケンバッカー 4001Sと4003  ///  Rickenbacker 4001S and 4003 by 役に立つベースのこと by タカオ

【比較!】リッケンバッカー 4001Sと4003 /// Rickenbacker 4001S and 4003

役に立つベースのこと by タカオ

役に立つベースのこと by タカオ

Video thumbnail for The Mon - Parainphernalia ep.4 - Rickenbacker 4001S by The Mon

The Mon - Parainphernalia ep.4 - Rickenbacker 4001S

The Mon

The Mon

Video thumbnail for 1979 Rickenbacker 4001s by Capsule Music

1979 Rickenbacker 4001s

Capsule Music

Capsule Music

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

  • Owners recommend replacing the original bridge with a Hipshot bridge to address tail lift issues commonly found in late '70s Rickenbacker 4001S models.

    Source
  • The red-finished fretboard, known as the "Redneck" modification, distinguishes certain refinished Rickenbacker 4001S models.

    Source
  • A common modification includes replacing the original bridge with a "badass" bridge, though original parts are often kept in the case for authenticity.

    Source

Build quality

  • The bridge on some 4001S models may have shiny chrome saddles, indicating possible replacement or alteration, as originals are typically not fully chrome-plated.

    Source
  • The Rickenbacker 4001S is predominantly a neck-through design, with set-neck construction primarily found in very early models.

    Source
  • The presence of black hardware, such as tuners and truss rod covers, often indicates non-original parts on a 4001S model.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Late '70s Rickenbacker 4001S models are valued between $2,000 and $3,000, with some considering it a bargain at the lower end of this range.

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  • A heavily modified or refinished Rickenbacker 4001S can be found for as low as $1,250 USD, significantly less than typical models.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The SG serial number indicates a production date of July 1979, aligning with the typical manufacturing period for this model.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The truss rods on the Rickenbacker 4001S should be adjusted carefully by hand-bending the neck to avoid popping them, which is a common issue.

    Source
  • If a truss rod is damaged, it's relatively inexpensive to replace, with new ones costing around $40 from Rickenbacker.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners note that if the truss rods aren't tightened sufficiently, the bass may rattle, although this won't typically affect amplified sound.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Paul McCartney uses Rickenbacker 4001S

Paul McCartney

Singer, Bassist

The Beatles

...
Verified via YouTube

In 01:10 and 02:04, we can see Sir Paul with his trusty Rick.

See how Roger Waters uses Rickenbacker 4001S

Roger Waters

Singer, Guitarist

Pink Floyd

...
Verified via Watersish

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.

See how Peter Hook uses Rickenbacker 4001S

Peter Hook

Singer, Bassist

Joy Division

...
Verified via YouTube

Peter Hook is playing one of these throughout this performance.

See how Francisco Durán uses Rickenbacker 4001S

Francisco Durán

Singer, Guitarist

Los Bunkers

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video "Los Bunkers - Santiago de Chile," Francisco Durán plays a Rickenbacker 4001S bass guitar.

See how Bob Daisley uses Rickenbacker 4001S

Bob Daisley

Bassist

Black Sabbath

...
Verified via Bobdaisley

Bob Daisley is shown with his Rickenbacker 4001S bass guitar in the "Bob's Guitars" gallery on his official website.

See how Gonzalo López uses Rickenbacker 4001S

Gonzalo López

Bassist

Los Bunkers

...
Verified via Photo

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

See how John Famiglietti uses Rickenbacker 4001S

John Famiglietti

Bassist, Keyboardist

Health

...
Verified via YouTube

In videos from live at Pianos, NYC this guitar can be seen in every filmed track.

See how Chris Hillman uses Rickenbacker 4001S

Chris Hillman

Bassist

The Byrds

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Pete Quaife uses Rickenbacker 4001S

Pete Quaife

Bassist

The Kinks

...
Verified via YouTube

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 (...)"

See how C.F. "Fred" Turner uses Rickenbacker 4001S

C.F. "Fred" Turner

Bassist

Bachman–Turner Overdrive

...
Verified via Gettyimages

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.

See how Lisa Umbarger uses Rickenbacker 4001S

Lisa Umbarger

Bassist

Toadies

...
Verified

In this GuitarGeek rig diagram, made by Adam Cooper, Lisa's rig includes a Rickenbacker 4001S bass guitar.

See how Mitch Weissman uses Rickenbacker 4001S

Mitch Weissman

Singer, Guitarist

Kiss

...
Verified via Rickresource

In a promotional shot from the 1978 Broadway production of Beatlemania, Mitch Weissman is seen playing a Rickenbacker 4001S bass guitar. This image is featured on Rickresource's "Beatlemania and Their Rickenbackers" page.

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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