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Home > Junk Male > April 2012 > SOLD: Rare 1972 Rickenbacker 4001 Bass

SOLD: Rare 1972 Rickenbacker 4001 Bass


Yep, you can call me soppy and old-fashioned, but I’m genuinely sorry to see this beautiful bass go. It wasn’t advertised for that long, before being brought by the talented Martin Turner from Wishbone Ash. At the very least, I can take solace from the fact that the bass will be loved and used – as it should be – during forthcoming recordings and gigs.


Martin once owned an identical version, which you can see him playing on YouTube (search for the BBC recorded version of Vas Dis – Wishbone Ash). He’d apparently been looking for a replacement for years (the original had been damaged, and had the headstock snapped off during air-freight, back in the 1970’s. It was then placed in storage, in his managers basement, from where it was sadly stolen).


A brief history of these marvellous basses:


This stunning and original Rickenbacker 4001 Stereo Bass Guitar, is Serial Number: LI 917, which dates it precisely as a September 1972 example – which was known as the period for Rickenbackers, amongst discerning players and collectors.


The reason that the earlier 4001’s are more revered by afficionados, is because this is the last period in Rickenbacker history, that their stringent quality-control and high build standards were still in force. After this, it is considered that due to an aggressive cost-cutting exercise; both build quality and parts diminished greatly. The ‘72s are therefore considered something of a holy grail. After 1973, they also ran out of stock of the fetching crushed-glass inlays.


The bass also has the benefit of having an exceptionally rare factory ‘Deluxe’ trim. This consists of the beautiful and rarely-seen ‘Egg-Plant-Glo’ colour (which is a deep burgundy/aubergine colour). As well as this, it has the sought after chequered-binding around the edge of the body, with bound fingerboard (bound fingerboard only appeared on the Deluxe-trim models), plus diagonal slab-fret markers in crushed glass.


The 4001 has the standard and instantly recognisable ‘cresting wave’ shape to the body and headstock, with x2 pick-ups (‘Toaster’ bar pick up at the neck, with magnetic horseshoe pick-up at the bridge). The fingerboard is finished in a wonderful rich Padauk hardwood. 


The x4 tone/volume controls – with x3-way pick-up selector – help you to dial in a whole variety of sounds; from thin trebles, to clanky mids, all the way up to the booming bottom end. The tonal range available on this bass is possibly why it’s associated with two completely different artists, who have completely opposing playing styles: Paul McCartney and Lemmy from Motörhead.


So, sorry to all those who have acquired; it’s now gone. But don’t worry, over the next few weeks, we’ll be adding some more excellent rare and vintage guitars to our collection here. Be sure to bookmark us, and come back soon. 


In the meantime; lovely to meet you Martin, enjoy the bass!


by John Timoney on April 23, 2012