Real or fake Rickenbacker 4001?

[iiipopes]

Having owned a '76 4001 in the '80's, it looks real to me.

 

[hotrodjohn]

Real

 

[Ric5]

Now?

that is a real 1977 4001

 

[notJaco]

I fell for that in my youth. It was a Crestwood copy of the Beatle electric semi-hollow 12string that was marketed by a sleezy shop owner as a Ric "second".... The headstock was not even shaped the same. Chumped!

 

[Dluxe]

July 1977.

 

[Gizmot]

I have a '79 4001 in the same mapleglo finish - and this one looks legit to me.

 

[Axtman]

Real. What makes you think that it is fake?

 

[sunbeast]

The lack of lettering on the jackplate is a concern, especially since the serial number looks so immaculate (i.e. not also subjected to the wear that may have erased the “standard” and “rick-o-sound” labels).

Not unheard of, but a concern.

Everything else looks pretty on the nose for late 70s.

It’s not really uncommon at all. The writing on the jackplate is painted on while the serial number is physically debossed in the metal

 

[sawzalot]

That looks legit to me, based on my limited experience with owning a couple Ricky's about 20 years ago. I always look at the fingerboard binding, Ricks always had a little bump where they sort of continued the fret into the binding. I think I see that in your pics. Hardware and all looks like I remember it. Nice find.

 

[mark roberts]

Look real to me, too. The nut looks like a bad replacement.

 

[msb]

Real , read up on the old style truss rods before you adjust them .

 

[Skillet]

If it was any more real it'd be Real real.

 

[Claudio Pallone]

I also couldn't believe that such an old instrument could hold so well honestly

 

[75kva]

Not that it can't be faked but Rickenbacker never finished the body binding behind the bridge .

 

[EatS1stBassist]

Now?

Looks real!

 

[SirMjac28]

it's either legit or one fantastic fake

 

[Paul Boyer]

Not that you need another vote, but this is genuine.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

Woohoo a real 4001! (I'm no expert, wait for others to confirm.)

Nice bass. As a teen, I got to borrow one for a couple weeks...wish I opted to buy it.

I’m no expert either, but ‘I had a 73 4001. Looks pretty legit to me.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

That's legit. Even the best Lawsuit basses have a few "tells", not seeing any here. What are they asking for it? Don't go nuts on price, it's a fairly common model, nothing really unique or collectable, just a nice old bass. If they want more than a new 4003, I'd pass on it. The new basses are just overall better made, better electronics.

 

[Cliff Colton]

It says Rickenbacker right there on the headstock.