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%
Cust. Service	95%
Overall	97%
This one's a keeper boys!