• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

R.I.P. 4004 Series basses

I've found this statement to be true with All Rickenbacker basses for me personally.

I would totally agree with that opinion.

And I would also say that for most Gibson, and Fender models as well.

But the 4004 even more so.

If they simply put in 500k ohm pots and wired it VVT then it would be a big improvement.

The look and feel of the 4004 is really cool and sleek. But the reality of playing a stock model is disappointing.
 
  • Like
Reactions: willsellout
80624649-F8B6-4C39-BCCF-4938855F577E.jpeg
My 2012 AVRI '57 Precision is my favorite, and bone stock. Records great, too. I did eventually lower the truss rod to get even better action, but I recorded it with the factory setup.
I have one of those,too,and it's really the first Fender bass i've loved from the get-go.
 
I don't know that I've ever met *any* bass that didn't need any mods.
My 4003S didn't need any. Just a basic setup for BEAD, raising the bridge pickup and lowering the neck pickup, and it was good to go for recording and playing live.

That said, I probably will eventually put a toaster pickup in the neck position, like my 4001.
 
To revive an old-ish thread, here's my wild-arse guess, with no insider information whatsoever:

Within the next two years, RIC will resurrect and update the 4004 series, using the new triangular-shaped pickups from the 4003 five-string models, but sized for 4-string. They might even dabble in 5-string 4004 while they're at it.

And as long as I'm speculating, they're overdue for a limited run of 4001V63, with toaster and magnetized horseshoe, like they have for Guitar Center every several years.

In so doing, they'll create mass hysteria of both joy and despair, giving the buying public new and old options, in limited supply, whilst driving down the price and demand on the vintage / resale market, especially the Asian-based hoarders.

You heard it here first.
 
To revive an old-ish thread, here's my wild-arse guess, with no insider information whatsoever:

Within the next two years, RIC will resurrect and update the 4004 series, using the new triangular-shaped pickups from the 4003 five-string models, but sized for 4-string. They might even dabble in 5-string 4004 while they're at it.

And as long as I'm speculating, they're overdue for a limited run of 4001V63, with toaster and magnetized horseshoe, like they have for Guitar Center every several years.

In so doing, they'll create mass hysteria of both joy and despair, giving the buying public new and old options, in limited supply, whilst driving down the price and demand on the vintage / resale market, especially the Asian-based hoarders.

You heard it here first.

While you're speculating, could you speculate on a fretless 4004. Emeraldglo, please. :D
 
Probably won't have the effect you're hoping for.

When the modern L. & J. G. Stickley company (Audi family- not the car company) began making reissues of the old furniture in 1989 (their 89 series) it made no dent in the vintage Stickley market.

That was meant as tongue in cheek, spitballing, as were most of my following comments.

My original post was more reasonable, realistic, and may come to pass. I'd be interested in them coming to fruition. I'd love a V63, or a 4003S with toaster and horseshoe without selling kidney...and I've liked the tone of the new pickups on the 5ers, though they look a bit odd, and one string more than I want or need.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: woodyng2
I'd like to see the 4004 reissued with some thought put into the electronics, coil taps, switching like a lot of members have done.

I'd also like to see the 4003 series issued with figured tops and transparent finishes like the 4004 CII.

Annnd,,, we're wayy overdue for a true V68.
 
  • Like
Reactions: woodyng2

Latest posts