The different models of Rickenbacker bass guitars

Rickenbacker is a legendary brand in the world of bass guitar manufacturing. With a history dating back to the early 1930s, the company has been producing iconic instruments that have been used by some of the most famous bass players of all time. Rickenbacker bass guitars have a distinctive sound and style that is instantly recognizable, and they continue to be highly sought after by musicians and collectors around the world. In this article, we will take a closer look at the different models of Rickenbacker bass guitars and what makes each one unique.

Rickenbacker 4001

The Rickenbacker 4001 is perhaps the most well-known of all Rickenbacker basses. It was introduced in 1961 and was used by many famous bass players of the 1960s and 1970s, including Paul McCartney, Chris Squire, and Lemmy Kilmister. The 4001 has a distinctive shape with a curved body and a set neck, and it is known for its bright, punchy sound. The 4001 has two single-coil pickups and a unique stereo output, which allows the player to split the sound between two amplifiers or channels. The 4001 was discontinued in 1986 but has since been reissued in several different variations, including the 4001CS (a limited edition model), the 4001V63 (a vintage reissue), and the 4001C64 (a replica of McCartney's original bass).

Rickenbacker 4003

The Rickenbacker 4003 is the successor to the 4001 and was introduced in 1980. It has many of the same features as the 4001, including the curved body and set neck, but it also has several improvements and updates. The 4003 has a slightly longer scale length than the 4001, which gives it a more powerful and sustained sound. It also has updated electronics, including a low-pass filter that allows the player to dial in the perfect amount of bass and treble. The 4003 has been used by many famous bass players, including Geddy Lee, Roger Waters, and Chris Squire. Like the 4001, the 4003 has been reissued in several different variations, including the 4003S and the 4003W.

Rickenbacker 4004L Laredo

The Rickenbacker 4004L Laredo is a unique model that was introduced in 2002. It is based on the 4004C Cheyenne, which was a limited edition model from the 1980s. The 4004L Laredo has a distinctive shark fin inlay on the neck, as well as a unique pickguard and headstock design. It has two humbucking pickups that give it a thicker and more aggressive sound than the single-coil pickups on the 4001 and 4003. The 4004L Laredo has been used by many famous bass players, including Mike Dirnt of Green Day and Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy.

Rickenbacker 4005

The Rickenbacker 4005 is a rare and sought-after model that was produced for only a few years in the 1960s. It has a unique cresting wave body shape and a semi-hollow construction that gives it a warm and resonant sound. The 4005 has two single-coil pickups and a unique toaster bridge pickup that is mounted on a metal baseplate. The 4005 was used by John Entwistle of The Who and was also featured on the cover of The Beatles' album Revolver. The 4005 is now a highly collectible instrument and is considered one of the most valuable Rickenbacker bass guitars.

Rickenbacker 4008

The Rickenbacker 4008 is a rare and unusual model that was produced for only a few years in the 1970s. It has a distinctive eight-string design with four pairs of strings that are tuned in octaves. The 4008 has two humbucking pickups and a unique stereo varitone circuit that allows the player to split the sound between two amplifiers or channels. The 4008 was used by bassist Chris Squire of Yes and is now a highly collectible instrument.

In conclusion, Rickenbacker bass guitars are some of the most iconic and revered instruments in the world of bass playing. From the classic sound of the 4001 and 4003 to the unique designs of the 4005 and 4008, each Rickenbacker bass has its own distinct personality and sound. Whether you're a professional musician or a collector, a Rickenbacker bass guitar is a true piece of musical history that will continue to inspire and captivate for generations to come.