Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $11,423
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$400
$1001+
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High-end
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Description
Unleash the power of vintage sound with the Rickenbacker 4005WB Hollowbody, an electric bass that combines a classic aesthetic with a distinct auditory presence. Originally introduced in 1965, this bass is a rare gem that has grown in prestige among collectors and musicians alike. Its double cutaway hollowbody design offers a rich, resonant tone that is as visually striking as it is sonically compelling. Crafted from a combination of maple and walnut, the 4005WB provides a robust yet lightweight build, ensuring that it sings with clarity while maintaining a comfortable hold.
The dual Toaster-top pickups are a standout feature, delivering a crisp and articulate sound that can effortlessly cut through any mix. Whether you're laying down the groove in a studio session or commanding the stage, this bass offers versatile tonal options to suit any style. The addition of binding on both sides of the body not only enhances its elegance but also adds durability to its exquisite construction.
For those who appreciate the legacy of iconic bassists like Jack Casady and John Entwistle, the Rickenbacker 4005WB offers a connection to the illustrious past while inviting you to create new musical stories of your own.
Key Features:
- Double cutaway hollowbody design
- Maple body with Maple and Walnut neck
- Rosewood fingerboard with triangular inlays
- Dual Toaster-top pickups for a distinctive sound
- Binding on both sides of the body for added durability
- R-style tailpiece for a classic look and feel
Product specs
| Brand | Rickenbacker |
| Model | 4005WB (4005OS) |
| Finish | Fireglo, Jetglo, Mapleglo |
| Year | 1966 - 1984 |
| 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, Natural, Red, Tan |
| Finish Features | Matching Headstock |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Model Family | Rickenbacker 4005 |
| Model Sub-Family | Rickenbacker 4005WB |
| 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 type of music is the Rickenbacker 4005WB Hollowbody best suited for?
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The Rickenbacker 4005WB Hollowbody is renowned for its rich, warm tones, making it ideal for rock, pop, and jazz. Its distinctive sound is well-suited for genres that benefit from its full-bodied resonance and clarity.
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What is the neck profile like on the Rickenbacker 4005WB Hollowbody?
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The Rickenbacker 4005WB features a comfortable neck profile that is relatively slim, allowing for easy playability and smooth transitions across the fretboard. This makes it a favorite among players who appreciate fast, fluid playing styles.
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Are the pickups on the Rickenbacker 4005WB active or passive?
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The Rickenbacker 4005WB is equipped with passive pickups, which provide a classic, vintage tone that is dynamic and responsive to playing nuances, offering a wide range of tonal possibilities without the need for a battery.
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What kind of body material is used in the Rickenbacker 4005WB Hollowbody?
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The body of the Rickenbacker 4005WB is crafted from maple, contributing to its bright, articulate sound and excellent sustain. The hollowbody design further enhances its resonance and acoustic qualities.
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How many frets does the Rickenbacker 4005WB Hollowbody have?
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The Rickenbacker 4005WB Hollowbody features 20 frets, providing a comfortable range for both bass lines and melodic playing. This fret count is standard for many traditional bass guitars, offering familiarity for most players.
Videos
GuitarPoint
1966 Rickenbacker 4005 WB Bass Fireglo / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars
Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings
5340
i tried one of these it was my dream bass i was going to buy it. i hated the thing sounded dull felt horrible and stupidly delicate, the bridge seemed ridiculous, i hated the thing. and it was the same with 3 different 4005's they just seemed poor instruments and im struggling to see how you can seem rate it so highly, but you do you man.
Artist usage
Add artist
In this March, 2019 article of Vintage Guitar Magazine, Lee states he owns a Rickenbacker 4005WB Hollowbody Bass (pictured here next to Lee's '77 4001 model), comparing it to his Rickenbacker 4005 "Lightshow" Bass.
[Vintage Guitar]: "One of rare gems of your collection is a Rickenbacker 4005L Lightshow. How does it compare to a 4001?"
[Geddy Lee]: "It’s a bigger, clunkier 4001. And let’s face it, it’s a showpiece. It sounds like a 4005 – kind of bottomy. You can get top-end out of them, but you got to work at it. And yeah, it has that semi-acoustic vibe even though it’s chock full of all the wiring and the lighting apparatus. They play more like a 4005WB, with the squared-off body, but even thicker."
[V.G.]: "It’s such a curiosity…"
[G.L.]: "It is. And I don’t know how the guy who played mine all those years got one, but I assume he played in a country band; in the book, I have a picture of him playing in a juke joint. The book also has a nice conversation with John Minutaglio, a friend and big collector of Rickenbacker stuff. Wherever my knowledge was lacking, I tried to find someone to add insight and he was a terrific resource on Rickenbacker."
[V.G.]: "How long did you look for it?"
[G.L.]: "I never thought I’d find one, to be honest. As a collector, there’s certain holy-grail instruments. So, when it came available, I jumped. Collections must be fed. That’s the way I think. If you’re not feeding a collection, it stagnates, and if you’re a completist like I am, you want those missing pieces. That was a big one, and I’m thrilled to have it.
Genre Usage
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