Rickenbacker VINTAGE Model 4001 '78 Fireglo

In the 1920s, "Electro String Instrument Corporation" capitalized on the guitar culture of the time, primarily producing steel guitars equipped with horseshoe pickups. Later, the company changed its name to "Rickenbacker Inc.," which continues to this day, and has continued to produce instruments supported by artists all over the world.

Rickenbacker introduced solid-body bass guitars around 1957. The "Model 4000" with a single pickup was released, and the 4000 series (including the familiar 4001 and 4003) has remained a popular series that continues to be produced today.

This latest arrival is a 1978 Model 4001 with serial number. While some parts have been replaced, it is in excellent player's condition.

【body】
The total weight is approximately 4.3kg. The body is constructed from maple/walnut through-neck material with maple wings. This guitar has a beautifully faded Fireglo (red gradient) finish. There are signs of use such as weather checking at the edge of the cell binding, belt buckle marks, and small dents, as well as some tarnishing on the metal parts, but considering its age, it is in good condition. One of the screws holding the output jack plate is broken. Other modifications include the addition of spacers around the rear pickup, and replacement of the strap pins and pickguard.

【neck】
The neck is a three-piece maple/walnut through-neck construction. The fingerboard is rosewood. There is some weather checking at the material boundaries, minor dents, and tarnishing on the metal parts, but it remains in good condition, similar to the body. The tuners function properly, although there is some slight variation in the tightness of the windings. The nut shows some slight wear, but the fret wear is not very noticeable, and playability is good. The nut width is 43.7mm. It features a sturdy neck shape.

[Electrical System]
The controls consist of a 3-way pickup selector, bass (front) pickup tone, bass pickup volume, treble (rear) pickup tone, and treble pickup volume, making it a 2-volume, 2-tone configuration. The pickups have been replaced with Joe Barden "R4000 Style" pickups. One output jack has been replaced, but the other control components, including the capacitors, remain in their original condition.

Compared to the original high-gain pickups, these pickups feature a clearer, cleaner, and more controllable tone with reduced output. They have a tight, focused low end and a moderate roundness, while the attack retains the hard, edgy edge characteristic of Rickenbacker. In particular, the front position maintains a thick low-midrange without the sound image becoming too bloated, while the rear position showcases outstanding high-frequency clarity and articulation. The result is a well-defined and easy-to-use tone.

Accessories: Black Tolex hard case

Weight: 4.3kg
Body Material: Maple wing
Neck Material/Scale Length: Maple-Walnut 3 piece Neck through/844mm (33-1/4inch)
Fingerboard/Fret Marker/Radius: Rosewood/Pearloid triangular/~184.15mm (7.25inch)
Nut Width/Fret Size: 43.7mm/2.4mm, 20 Fret
Neck Thickness (1F/7F/12F): 23.2mm/23.0mm/23.2mm
Pickup (Neck/Bridge): (replaced) Joe Barden R4000 Style set

Heartman Vintage Guitars is a specialty store for vintage guitars and basses operated by Ikebe Musical Instruments.