Reviewer Tim Tynes
Manufacturer Rickenbacker
Model 4001v63 (Vintage Reissue)
Price ~$1200.00

Neck Type Maple
Fingerboard Rosewood, fretted
Body Type Maple
Finish Maple Glo (Natural)
Pickup(s) passive, vintage neck p/u and vintage ('33) Horse Shoe bridge pic
k up
Controls Volume & Tone for both pickups, with pickup selector switch.
This is the classic Rickenbacker 4001 (in Reissue, from 1963). It is very well constructed, and the finish is very nice. The 4001 v63 is in mono only,as the 4003 is the only one now produced with "Rick-O-Sound" stereo. These basses are very unique in their appearance as well as sound, however I feel they get a bad rap about being entirely too trebly. I use mine in a Gospel setting, and while I do like some "punch" and "growl", I can easily get a "traditional" Gospel/Blues sound from it. (granted,with a little more treble than my '75 P-Bass, but that's how I like it) I might add that I run it through a Trace 400 watt rig with 1x15", and 2x10" cabs.

You can get as many different tones as you want, depending on several things: 1. Use of round-wound or flat wound strings 2. Pick-up(s) selected 3. Where you place your fingers/pick when playing the Rick 4. Amplifier settings/EQ, and other effects.

Of course sound is still objective, and (like the other reviewer stated), you either love them or hate them! I have even found that with practice, you CAN slap on this bass too! I was influenced by the sounds of McCartney/Squire/Lee/Entwhistle, etc., and a friend of mine had a 4003 some years ago that I got to play. I really liked it but never got around to getting one for myself until recently!

I LOVE MY RICK!!!!!!

Construction 100%
Playability 97%
Appearance 100%
Sound 100%
Value 100%
(hand-made for $1200.00!!, with h/s case)
Overall 100%
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