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Description

The Rickenbacker 90th Anniversary 4005XC is a tribute to nine decades of sonic innovation, packed into a stunningly crafted electric bass. This limited edition instrument marries the best of Rickenbacker's iconic 330 semi-hollow electric guitar and the 4003 stereo bass, resulting in a bass that not only looks striking but delivers a colossal vintage tone. Its Toaster Top pickups are designed to channel the harmonic textures of legendary bassists like Chris Squire and Geddy Lee, while the short-scale set neck ensures a comfortable playing experience with enhanced sustain.

Crafted from high-grade maple, the semi-hollow body and neck-through design are responsible for the bass's famous bite and growl, further enriched by a Caribbean rosewood fingerboard that adds warmth and depth to its sound. The stereo Rick-O-Sound output offers a spectrum of sonic possibilities, allowing players to split their signal across different setups for immersive stereo effects.

Visually, the 4005XC is a showstopper, with elegant checkerboard binding and crushed pearl triangle inlays that evoke a vintage charm. Its robust construction features a Bakelite nut, a 4-saddle bridge, trapeze tailpiece, and Schaller tuning machines, ensuring reliability and precision. Whether you're a Rickenbacker enthusiast or a bassist seeking a unique addition to your collection, the 90th Anniversary 4005XC is a timeless choice.

Key Features:

  • Limited edition semi-hollowbody electric bass
  • Combines features from the 330 guitar and 4003 bass
  • Maple body and neck-through design for sustain and bite
  • Toaster Top single-coil pickups for classic sound
  • Stereo Rick-O-Sound output for versatile signal routing
  • Short-scale maple/walnut set neck with Caribbean rosewood fingerboard
  • Checkerboard binding and crushed pearl triangle inlays
  • 4-saddle bridge, trapeze tailpiece, and Schaller tuning machines

Product specs

Brand Rickenbacker
Model 90th Anniversary 4005XC
Year 2021
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, Red
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Rickenbacker 4005
Model Sub-Family Rickenbacker 4005XC
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 4-String
Nut Width 1.6875"
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Rickenbacker 4000 Series
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Rickenbacker 90th Anniversary 4005XC for rock music?

The Rickenbacker 90th Anniversary 4005XC offers a distinctive bright and punchy tone, ideal for rock music. Its maple body and passive pickups deliver a classic Rickenbacker sound with a rich low end and clear highs.

Is the Rickenbacker 90th Anniversary 4005XC suitable for beginner bass players?

While the Rickenbacker 90th Anniversary 4005XC is a high-quality instrument, it's primarily designed for experienced players who appreciate its unique tonal characteristics and historical significance.

How does the double cutaway body shape of the Rickenbacker 4005XC affect playability?

The double cutaway design of the Rickenbacker 4005XC allows for easier access to the higher frets, making it more comfortable for playing solos and complex fingerings.

What is the neck profile like on the Rickenbacker 90th Anniversary 4005XC?

The neck of the Rickenbacker 90th Anniversary 4005XC is crafted from maple and features a slim, comfortable profile, allowing for smooth playability and quick transitions across the fretboard.

Does the Rickenbacker 90th Anniversary 4005XC come with active pickups?

No, the Rickenbacker 90th Anniversary 4005XC is equipped with passive pickups, which provide a classic, warm tone without the need for a battery-powered preamp.

Reviews

PROS

  • Stunning fireglo finish with checkered binding adds visual appeal

  • Two toaster pickups offer a variety of usable tones

  • Matches other Rickenbacker models like the 1993 Plus

  • Standard base plate/saddle bridge simplifies adjustments

  • Excellent workmanship, evident in detailed craftsmanship

  • Suitable for live performances, not just a collector's item

CONS

  • Large, cumbersome neck profile creates uncomfortable playing position

  • Unnatural playing position requires arm extension

  • Requires long scale strings due to string length

  • Bridge assembly falls off if all strings are loosened or removed

  • Neck dive issue due to neck placement and design

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Rickenbacker 90th Anniversary 4005XC.

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners note that the 4005XC requires removing silk from full-length strings to fit the tailpiece properly.

    Source
  • D’Addario Chromes in lighter gauges (40-95 or 35-90) are recommended for improved playability, especially for bends.

    Source

User experience

  • The bass is sometimes humorously referred to as a "Pac-Man bass" due to its body shape.

    Source
  • It's suggested that models with lighter gauge flats offer a punchy sound and enhanced slap potential, akin to Mark King’s style.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Rickenbacker Unveils 90th Anniversary 4005XC Bass Guitar – No Treble

notreble.com

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