REALLY STRANGE RICKENBACKER

[MG Wolf]

Just reviewed this whole thread:

I think it's safe to say it's NOT a Chinabacker -- it seems to be of too high a quality.

I think it's also safe to say it very well MAY NOT be a Rickenbacker.

Which leads me to the T'ird T'ing:

It could be a "Ghost-Build" or "Homage" to a genuine Rickenbacker, using genuine and/or high-quality parts. Although if that's the case I would expect a "gap-toothed" bridge.

I would STILL like to see under the TRC and under the pickguard.

 

[Guzzi Toad]

As long as the body/neck is original (albeit modded), I have no issue with a Ric TRC. Hell, look what Macca did to HIS Ric!

That's a very good point ... if it can be determined that the body/neck is original.

...worth a few bucks regardless.

I suppose it's worth the price of a heavy modified Rickenbacker or a decent "Fender" Parts Bass. I really don't think it's a crappy overseas knockoff but without playing it how could anyone ever know what its really worth. I guess the op has to make that determination himself.

 

[JohnnyChatter]

What is the trade for? I would take the risk if it was a cheap p bass but would want some serious proof because as time goes on and you try to sell that the next buyer is gonna want proof. At that point your gonna be buying it from a friend of a dude who worked for them.

 

[Koshchei]

I'd get some truss rod cavity shots, and if seemingly legit, reach out to Rickenbacker over the phone to find out if they have any sort of documentation or knowledge about it. It's probably not a prototype 4001, but it does look like a Rickenbacker of some sort, though I have no idea of what.

 

[Guzzi Toad]

I'd get some truss rod cavity shots, and if seemingly legit, reach out to Rickenbacker over the phone to find out if they have any sort of documentation or knowledge about it.... it does look like a Rickenbacker of some sort ...

From post #33 above:

No Bueno.

I got the same DM, months ago. I was VERY intrigued, as a collector/player. Forwarded the pictures to Rickenbacker. They DENIED EVERYTHING/ANYTHING to do with it...

 

[Ric5]

Here is what Sterling told me. I don’t know if this is the same bass, if there’s more than one.

>>>That JPJ tribute was originally a stock 4004L in Jetglo. After seeing a picture of the 4001S prototype that John Paul Jones used, I was inspired to convert the 4004 into something special. So, I made extensive use of a Forstner bit in a drill press and put a 4001v63 bridge on it along with 4005 tone and volume controls. It's such a unique sound. Unmistakably Rickenbacker but also something new, with the toaster against the fretboard as it is.

The bass in the pics is not a 4004L body … not even close … looks more like a 4001v63 except the bridge pickup rout is different … and the bridge is allparts

 

[Koshchei]

From post #33 above:

Well, there we have it. Thanks for the clarification

 

[Gilmourisgod]

I think it's probably true that resale value is dubious at best if its real or not. I tend to keep my basses forever, so I don't care about resale, but you have to figure it would perplex buyers as much as us. I wouldn't blink twice modding any Ric, but I get why other people will be gun-shy. I thought it might be an @Aceonbass custom, because it looks like a blue metallic finish one (that I covet) he built a few years back, same 4005 style pickguard, but if he says no, it stays in the Mystery category.

 

[bearfoot]

The guy offering said he got it from someone’s friend, a retired employee of rickenbacker.

We have heard this exact story before in other cases. I know nothing about Ricks, but based on the story alone I'd say its over 90% likely to be fake.

 

[AlexDMoney]

What is the trade for? I would take the risk if it was a cheap p bass but would want some serious proof because as time goes on and you try to sell that the next buyer is gonna want proof. At that point your gonna be buying it from a friend of a dude who worked for them.

The person was looking to trade for a 2011 American standard p bass

 

[basmansam]

The bass in the pics is not a 4004L body … not even close … looks more like a 4001v63 except the bridge pickup rout is different … and the bridge is allparts

I think it's a modified 4001 V63 - sqr. heel.

 

[MG Wolf]

The person was looking to trade for a 2011 American standard p bass

Even as a Recovering Rick-a-Holic, I think I would make that trade.

 

[Guzzi Toad]

I think it's a modified 4001 V63 - sqr. heel.

I would tend to agree with you.

The person was looking to trade for a 2011 American standard p bass

The lack of a serial number on the output jack plate sucks.
Does it play and sound like a $1000 bass?
(Hell ... does it still come with the hardshell case?)

 

[AlexDMoney]

I would tend to agree with you.



The lack of a serial number on the output jack plate sucks.
Does it play and sound like a $1000 bass?
(Hell ... does it still come with the hardshell case?)

The guy sent me a recording of him (supposedly) playing the bass with his band, and it sounds very clanky

 

[Auspuff]

Hi everyone. First real post here. I was offered a trade for an “experimental 4001”. The guy offering said he got it from someone’s friend, a retired employee of rickenbacker. So, perhaps I could employ a few rick detectives to help. I have never owned a Rick so any insight is greatly appreciated. A link to the album can be found here:



It should be noted: the bass does NOT have a serial number on the input jack. Upon zooming in on the photos, the dual truss rods are visible near the heel.

In regards to this particular bass: "Run, Forrest, run!"

 

[Fluid Power]

I've purchased used 21XX American Standard Basses for $550!
What do you have to lose???
Do you have a chance to see it before you buy?? Might have missed that with all the JPJ stuff?

 

[AlexDMoney]

I've purchased used 21XX American Standard Basses for $550!
What do you have to lose???
Do you have a chance to see it before you buy?? Might have missed that with all the JPJ stuff?

Definitely gonna try it out before going through with the trade. Think it would be worth the trade, if it played well?

 

[Rib 13]

My biggest issue is the number of frets...its common (but not always) for 4001 copies to have one extra fret ...Im not sure about 4004/Laredos and their copies….a quick Google pic search of 4004 or Laredo nets me both: some with extra frets, some without...….the OP and the one listed in Post 8 have the extra fret...….this is how I thought they were......USA Rics have a very slight headstock tilt while copies usually have quite a degree of tilt (once again, not always)...the OPs tilt looks correct

 

[kentiki]

If it sounds and plays well DO IT. You can always get another P bass.

 

[AlexDMoney]

If it sounds and plays well DO IT. You can always get another P bass.

Yeah, I got another p bass, so if it plays and feels good, I may go for it