|
|
BGRA: Rickenbacker 4001
| Manufacturer |
Rickenbacker |
Model |
4001 |
| Reviewer |
Bill Dussing |
|
|
| Experience |
|
Item owned |
|
| Review Date |
|
Price paid |
$450 (4003: about $1400 List) |
|
|
|
Neck Type | Capillary (Neck Thru) Three Piece Laminated |
|
Fingerboard | Rosewood w/Clear Finish, bound, Mother of pearl |
|
Body Type | Maple wings w/white body binding. |
|
Finish | Mapleglo (Natural Maple). |
|
Pickup(s) | 2 single-coil (passive). |
|
Controls | Volume/tone for each pickup, pickup selector switch, |
|
|
|
The instrument under review is my second Rickenbacker. The first (a
1976 model) was put out to pasture after 15 some odd years of intense
playing. I am extremely familiar with Rickenbackers having played
them for over twenty (20) years.
The Rickenbacker 4001 is a classic in the true sense of the word. It
was introduced nearly 40 years ago and its sound and playability has
entranced a nation of rockers. It is hard to conceive the immense
number of rock and roll hits from the late 60s to the early 80s that
were recorded using a Rick 4001 (or 4003, its replacement model).
Steppen Wolf, Paul McCartney (with and without the Beatles), The Bee
Gees, The Who, Rush, Foreigner, Duran Duran, REM, Yes (you better move
on this could take some time) all used and recorded with Rickenbacker
basses.
The Rickenbacker 4001 is a truly handsome instrument. The shape is
radically different from the standard Fender clones and Japanese
basses on the market today. The thin body with its large upper and
small lower horn is attractive and well balanced. The binding and
pick guard accents the body shape beautifully. The head stock is
reminiscent of a leaf and lends itself well the overall physical
expression of the instrument. The image of the Rick 4001 conjures up
visions of early hard rock, progressive and flower power as well as
new wave and disco. Except for the P-Bass, never has a bass so shaped
the music we listen to.
The construction of this instrument is grade A. Body parts are fitted
together beautifully. The finish is gorgeous. Rickenbacker has always
been known for their fine finishes and the 20 year old finish on this
one is no exception. Under colored stage lights the natural maple
flares glow (hence the name Mapleglo).
The Rickenbacker is comfortable in all playing positions and styles,
although the squared off body edge tends to cut into your arm a little
after several hours of playing. (Life isn't perfect)
The treble pickup cover/handrest is handsome (yes I left it on) and
encourages you to play over the sweet spot (the bass pickup). At this
location the strings have more give and require less effort to
sonically motivate them.
The neck is uniformly thin side to side and a little chunky front to
back, compared to say a Fender Jazz Bass. This gives you a little
more wood to hang onto and makes the neck very fast. Accessibility to
the upper frets is very good, although the heal of the neck starts at
about the 18th fret. [In the text book hand position, your thumb
should be just ahead of the heal of the neck.] The fingerboard is
coated with a clear gloss finish. This keeps dirt and grim (baby
drool, cow spit and soda) off the rosewood. After a hard sweaty
session, just wipe the fingerboard down and she's clean. (Now if you
could only do that with round wound strings.)
The neck is equipped with dual truss rods. This means no more twisted
necks. With the proper nut driver (available from Rickenbacker for
$12) and a good eye these are easy to adjust. I am told they are also
field reparable, should you want to repair them in your field (I
personally prefer my workshop). After over 20 years of owning
Rickenbackers, my only complaint about the neck is, if is not adjusted
properly the rosewood fingerboard can seperate from the neck at the
nut. (This is something to look for on used ones). To repair this is
moderately expensive and with a little care in keeping the neck
properly adjusted, should never happen.
The sound of a Rickenbacker is unmistakable. Each note is even, clear
and uncolored. I can't figure out why people say the sound is
thin. Pplayed through a quality amplifier, I use an Ampeg SVT-350T
2-10 combo, the Rickenbacker produces an extremely rich lower midrange
sound with sparkling overtones (read bright). I actually use less
midrange EQ with the Rick than I do with my '62 Jazz Bass.
Rick-O-Sound was designed for studio use and has little merit used
during a small live venue (you need two amps: one for treble and one
for bass). Rick-O-Sound kit is offered from Rickenbacker for
approximately $69.
This bass was made for flat wounds. If you want the McCartney Sound,
get rid of the Rotosounds and search for a good set of light gage
flats. You will NOT be disappointed.
Serviceability of this bass is excellent. Most parts are still
available from Rickenbacker and are inexpensive. $11 for a wiring
harness (jacks, caps, and pots included - NOT BAD!). And for those of
you that lost your removed pickup cover, its available for $12. Neat
huh?? A Jazz bass pickup cover will run you about $50.
Overall I feel that this one of the premiere instruments of our
time. After over 20 years, no matter what new instrument I try,
purchase, sit on, or whatever, I keep coming back to my trusty
Rickenbacker.
| |
|
| construction |
 | (100%) |
| |
|
| playability |
| (95%) |
| |
|
| appearance |
| (100%) |
| |
|
| sound |
| (95%) |
| |
|
| value |
| (95%) |
| |
|
| overall |
| (97%) |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
