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Best Year Rickenbacker bass?

#24
I've owned probably a couple dozen and played probably over a hundred of them. I'm partial to the mid-late 90's basses and the new (post 2009) production. They seem to be a great match of awesome necks and punchy, well-rounded Ric tone.

Early 2000 basses are fine, I just don't like the neck. Too chunky for me.

I don't like 70's 4001 models at all. There's folks that disagree with me on that, but they just seem to have a woody, clunky tone (to paint with a broad brush.)

The 60's models earn their reputation as tone monsters.

These are, of course, generalizations and my 2¢
 
#28
In my experience , I have to agree the newer ones are better. I had a 78 4001 that was my main bass for years. the neck had a ton of dead spots and I was always messing with it. changing pickups etc. then i got the 4001 CS the first year it came out. It was everything I dreamed a rick should be. One of my main basses now is a 4004L. it has incredible volume and punch and the bubinga neck plays great.
 
#30
In 2005, Ric had an issue with the Midnight Blue finish. It was dubbed "Blue Bleed" since the blue color would migrate to the binding. It's a known issue, and Ric refinished the ones under warranty, but, unfortunately, none out of warranty. Just be aware of it if you end up looking at a 2005 Midnight Blue Ric (guitar or bass).
 
#32
I don't know if it is the best year or not, but after trying a bunch of Rics over the last several years, the one I ended up buying was a 2009 model - great sound, and a fast thin neck with no dead spots. I don't like the thick necked models, but I don't know what years they are other than early 2000's.
 
#33
lfmn16 said:
Thanks. I'm not sure why I thought that the old Ricks didn't have truss rods.

That's why I'm here!
Click to expand...

I think there's a rumour that Hofner basses don't have truss rods (I don't know if this is true), the Hofner 500/1 was famously used by Paul McCartney, as well a Rickenbacker 4001...perhaps that's where the confusion stemmed? :D
 
#37
I have had 110 Rickenbackers...There are lots of great ones and a whole lot of dogs too. it is all a matter of preference. I have favorites as well but that is only because of which ones I have had. Try some from different decades and see which one YOU like and then go with it!
 

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