In Search of 1975-1976 Rickenbacker 4001

You could look at Guitar Center’s website, Chicago music exchange, or ebay. Good luck!

 

Are these typically thinner necks? My '76 was rather clubby; one of the things I liked about it. And I've played '73s that were more on the thin side. Not arguing, just curious as my limited experience is this.

/rick

 

There's a bunch on Reverb.

Used Rickenbacker in 4-String Basses

 

I had a ‘73 bought new and the neck was slim. I was a kid and didn’t like the size of either a P bass or a J bass. The Rick was just right, not too wide, not to narrow and definite not to clubby.

 

From my, somewhat limited experience with modern rics vs vintage, yes, generally speaking, vintage rics do in fact have thinner necks. Most (but not all) vintage rics I've put my hands on tend to have thinner necks while almost all modern rics (post mid-90's) have thicker necks. I've had my hands on somewhere around 50 or so rics. Of course, YMMV...

 

No guarantee you’ll find a thinner neck just by year. My 78’ 4001 was scary thin, but a buddy with another 78’ had one way chunkier. Rics vary wildly year to year, even month to month. If that’s your primary criteria, better play it in person. Be advised that the really skinny ones tended to have more neck issues too, though that was random also. I had to tweak mine at least a couple times a year, some people had real issues with them, and, not knowing how to do it right, trashed the rods or adjusting nuts. Ask to see photos under the TRC. If it looks beat on at the adjusting nuts, pass on it.

 

I've got a 76 mapleglo in showroom shape I was considering let go for a guitar purchase I'd like to make. All original. Beauty guitar an uncle had stashed for years in the attic

 

I have an 80 4001 and a 76 4000 , very similar thin necks .