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Rickenbacker 4001S Left-Handed

Rickenbacker 4001S Left-Handed

$6,627.55 Price Tier: High-end

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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5.0 (1)

$6,627.55 4 available Used

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Average Price: $6,628

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Electric Basses category, Rickenbacker 4001S Left-Handed is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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The Rickenbacker 4001S Left-Handed bass guitar is a timeless piece of craftsmanship that has powered the sound of legendary rock bands for decades. As a left-handed variant of the iconic 4001 model, it offers southpaw players the chance to experience the same classic tones and unmatched playability that have made this instrument a staple in music history. The 4001S is recognized for its neck-thru construction, which enhances sustain and resonance, providing a rich, full-bodied sound that can cut through any mix.

This bass features a sleek "Cresting Wave" solidbody crafted from premium maple, paired with a rosewood fingerboard that ensures both durability and smooth playability. The combination of a robust Rickenbacker bridge pickup and a nuanced neck pickup offers a versatile tonal palette, from deep, punchy lows to bright, articulate highs. The inclusion of the innovative "Rick-O-Sound" stereo output gives players the flexibility to experiment with unique soundscapes and stereo imaging, a feature that sets the 4001S apart from its peers.

Whether you're laying down the groove in a classic rock ensemble or exploring new musical territories, the Rickenbacker 4001S Left-Handed bass is designed to inspire and elevate your playing experience. Its iconic design and sound make it not just an instrument, but a piece of musical history.

Key Features:

Left-handed "Cresting Wave" solidbody design
Maple body with maple neck and rosewood fingerboard
Neck-thru construction for enhanced sustain
Dual pickup configuration: Rickenbacker bridge and neck pickups
"Rick-O-Sound" stereo output for unique soundscaping
Bound neck with triangular inlays

Product specs

Brand	Rickenbacker
Model	4001 Left-Handed
Finish	Autumnglo, Azureglo, Burgundyglo, Fireglo, Jetglo, Mapleglo, Ruby, Silver, Walnut, White
Year	1961 - 1983
Made In	United States
Categories	4-String Basses, Left-Handed 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	Left Handed
Series	Rickenbacker 4000 Series

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the Rickenbacker 4001S Left-Handed bass?: The Rickenbacker 4001S Left-Handed bass is known for its bright, punchy tone with a strong midrange presence, thanks to its maple body and passive pickups. This makes it ideal for rock and pop music.
Is the Rickenbacker 4001S Left-Handed suitable for beginners?: While it's a high-quality instrument with a distinctive sound, the Rickenbacker 4001S Left-Handed is typically favored by experienced players due to its unique feel and higher price point.
What is the neck profile like on the Rickenbacker 4001S Left-Handed?: The Rickenbacker 4001S Left-Handed features a slim neck profile that offers fast playability, making it comfortable for players who prefer a thinner neck.
How does the Rickenbacker 4001S Left-Handed differ from the standard 4001 model?: The 4001S lacks body and neck binding and uses dot inlays instead of triangular position markers, offering a more streamlined aesthetic and slightly different feel compared to the standard 4001.
What finishes are available for the Rickenbacker 4001S Left-Handed?: The Rickenbacker 4001S Left-Handed is available in several finishes, including Autumnglo, Azureglo, Burgundyglo, Fireglo, Jetglo, Mapleglo, Ruby, Silver, Walnut, and White.

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Rickenbacker 4001S Left-Handed.

Setup and maintenance

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The original bridge may lift, prompting owners to replace it with a Hipshot unit for stability.
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Old 4001 models feature softer frets, which wear quickly with roundwound strings, necessitating careful string selection to avoid damage.
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Features and functionality

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Left-handed 4001S models feature right-handed truss rod covers and necks, maintaining a unique design with right-handed hardware used upside down.
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The 4001S lacks body binding, resulting in a more comfortable playing experience, especially for those who find binding uncomfortable during extended play.
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Build quality

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Some 4001S models might be leftover set-neck bodies sold years after discontinuation, adding to their rarity, especially in left-handed versions.
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Recent Rickenbacker models reportedly have quality control issues, such as bridges being misaligned due to transitional design changes, requiring setup adjustments from luthiers.
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Use cases and applications

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Even with set-neck construction, the bass is appreciated for its playability and sound quality, comparable to more traditional neck-through designs.
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The Ric-o-Sound feature is favored by some for studio work, allowing distinct processing for each pickup, despite being less practical for live bi-amping setups.
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User experience

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Owners with multiple Rickenbackers note that the set-neck versions are less desirable but still hold significant appeal for their unique features.
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Owners often report that the neck on the 4001 is slimmer than the 4003, offering a different playing feel that may suit certain styles or preferences better.
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Mods and upgrades

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Some owners rewire their 4001S for stereo output, similar to Chris Squire's modification, allowing each pickup to run through separate amps for enhanced tonal control.
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Comparisons

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The 4003S is considered more comfortable by some due to the absence of body binding, making it a preferred choice over the 4003 for players sensitive to binding.
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