The Rickenbacker Bass: A Short History

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I need to thank the guys at Anderton's Music for their permission to use the clips of Ric Bass demos.
www.andertons.co.uk/
And I need to thank Ron O'Keefe at the Ron's Vintage website for the many pics of basses from his collection. It's one thing to collect them all but a real act of generosity to share them on his website.
www.ronsvintage.com/
Some of my all time favorite bands have had a Ric bass driving the car. I was an early "prog rock" kid and would sit listening to Genesis and Yes by the hour. Later I followed Rush as they pushed me through the end of high school and into my college years. But I rarely saw people using them in local bands and I never understood why. Now I know that there weren't that many built, and the ones that could be found were expensive compared to the Fender and Gibson guitars I did see.
So this has taken me a while to circle back to making. I enjoyed the reading and enjoyed wading through all the various models and artists. I hope you do too.
A very special thank you to my "super friend" level patrons on Patreon:
Perry M.
Bill S.
Phil M.
Piush D.
Rick B.
Keith
*** Five watt world participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn commissions by linking to Amazon. In simpler language, this means that whenever you buy something from Amazon from a link on here, I receive a small percentage of its price.

[@brucepiland]

One of my best friends passed away a few months ago, and he had two Ric 4003 basses. His family was kind enough to say one of them should go to me. Basses come and go for me, but that one is here to stay.

[@christinelee4780]

I am sorry that you lost him

[@shodapad07]

I'm sorry for your loss. May his soul rest in perfect Peace. Amen.

[@azanocegrog748]

Now you have a new friend to help remember your old friend

[@jamesellis2784]

76 is freedom,

[@cinnamonbiscuit727]

Wdym amen?

[@cmdreffietrinket]

I’m now 58. I went to see Rush on the Moving Pictures tour at Stafford Bingley Hall. Shell shocked, I returned home, a young kid hell-bent on becoming a bass player. I sold my train set and some other toys and bought a second hand 1975 4001 in Jetglo and still have it to this day and it’s still my favourite bass of all time to play and my most treasured possession.

[@tallyankeegal]

You did have a cousin that talk you out of anything he liked! Lol My dad would say... You just got hoodooed!

[@aragusea]

I absolutely loved that intro. Great cautionary tale about memory!

[@randombrowser6692]

Ragooseman

[@t-lite950]

did you season your pick or your string?

[@mightyV444]

Mandela Effect! 😀

[@DMSProduktions]

COOKING up a new song? LOL!

[@trigger796]

An unexpected but welcome surprise seeing you here, but I do see you in bass videos

[@sd3457]

As far as Rick players go, the band that comes to mind most for me is The Jam, but then maybe they didn't ever "crack" the US market. Paul Weller with his 330 and Bruce Foxton mid-jump with his 4001 is surely one of the iconic Punk / New Wave images.

[@bartvn9593]

YES I was going to mention Rick Buckler, you beat me to it :-)

[@creid1980]

Its a sin more Americans don't know The Jam.

[@Happylink75]

Aren't the jam the original British punk band

[@daveroche6522]

Two words: "Funeral Pyre".

[@LeeGee]

@@Happylink75 Nope. Mods.

[@LiamE69]

Mani of the Stone Roses and Primal Scream probably deserves a shout as a Rick bass player. His Jackson Pollock inspired 4005 from the early Roses days is pretty iconic.

[@Kiln99]

That particular 4005 didn't belong to him. It was loaned from a Manchester guitar shop owner who was allegedly extremely non plussed when he found out about the DIY Jackson Pollock paint job when watching the band perform Fools Gold on top of the pops. I'm willing to wager he's happier about the situation these days 😉

[@LiamE69]

@@Kiln99 I didn't know that! Yeah, that guitar is no doubt worth a small fortune now if it has kept its paint job.

[@Ron-lx7sc]

Ric 4005 bass is extremely rare I saw one in Portland guitar shop in 1980 that had the headstock glued back on after it broke off .......

[@livewire2759]

As a Lemmy fan, I've been waiting for this... and got a big smile on my face when you opened with that riff!

[@gabrielcone6733]

Saaaame!

[@amandahuginkiss6868]

Massively the same here. All hail the king!

[@jubei7259]

Yeah, I was like, 'gotta mention Lemmy surely?' & then I heard the intro & was like, 'I'll name that tune in one' lol

[@groverjuicy]

But it was, Lemmy yeah, but chilled. MOTORHEAD FANS DON'T WANT CHILLED. But what if we do? You still reading?

[@livewire2759]

@@groverjuicy It wasn't Lemmy's tone, but it was still Lemmy's riff. What do you mean Motorhead fans don't want "chilled", haven't you heard "Whorehouse Blues" or "Lost Woman Blues"?

[@Intaminator]

Stoked to see All them Witches and Sleep being mentioned. Both bands firmly lodged Rickenbackers into my mind.

[@TCMx3]

they are the two favorite bands of the editor.

[@dylandenney3980]

I was worried Al would be left out. Glad to see Keith is a man of culture

[@moustachio334]

I was lucky to see ATW live in a really small gig when they were still a no name band. Amazing concert

[@davidogden6352]

Same

[@t.i.m.theincrediblemusicia3954]

I love how Snorlax is just chilling in the background throughout the video.

[@jackpine70]

Like many fledgling bass players, at the time, I thought Chris Squire was a god. It was a no brainer. Save every dollar I made and get a Ric. Bought a new 4001 in Azure blue in 1976. Still have it, still play it. It changed my whole world. Now I just have to figure out which of my kids gets it...

[@rome8180]

You could always adopt me and pass it down to me.

[@MrPendell]

I’m also game to help out avoid the sibling animosity.

[@Boldaslove71]

4001 in Azure blue nice

[@autistichead8137]

Squire made me want to pick up an instrument! My musical hero forever.

[@nickbowers6821]

Try to teach them bass, whoever takes to it better gets it

[@judih.8754]

Ok that's not a Ford, it's an AMC or Rambler!!!! Still saving for a Rickenbacker. Great history presentation Keith!

[@jonathanaul]

It's a Rambler American, vintage 1964.

[@bassiclymike]

It's an AMC Maverick! 😆

[@Buckarooskiczek]

Hahaha….”Ford Rambler.” I nearly shit…🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@mynameisspence]

It may be an AMC, but they used everyone else's parts.. so our narrator is not completely wrong..

[@jonathanaul]

@@mynameisspence No. Stop. Building a car which includes a component bearing a Motorcraft brand only makes the car a Ford if it was a Ford to begin with. There is no such thing as a Ford Rambler.

[@danmeek928]

I bought my 4001 and 1973. It has been a very faithful instrument that has played Southern rock to rush and everything in between. It’s my baby still all these years later.

[@paulsimmons5726]

I've been playing Ricks since highschool in the late 70's; Chris Squire was my hero for sure! Great video, thanks!

[@invisiblecurious856]

YES fan :)

[@gewglesux]

Lemmy’s “ Rickenbastard” hahaha. That Fretless 2050 is simply beautiful.

[@oyhe94]

One interesting thing about Lemmy's playing is that he used the pickup cover as a hand rest when playing, even having covers installed on Gibson Thunderbirds and other non-Ric basses he occationally used live.

[@zackbaker7442]

it makes me happy the wizard himself (al cisneros) was mentioned

[@brianmcquillan6664]

Keith, these short histories are one of the very best things on the internet! Thank you so much! If network television, or a cable channel, made a show (on any subject matter) with the passion, and attention to detail you do with these histories, they would have a hit on their hands. It is so refreshing to see something as well done as these, and by someone who cares deeply about getting the facts correct. Again, thank you!

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks Brian

[@brianmcquillan6664]

@@fivewattworld Keith, Be healthy, and be happy. God Bless.

[@amberwoodstudio]

Agreed I look forward to these too.

[@DRChevalier]

Right on Brian! Ok maybe that phrase dates me... oh well

[@brianmcquillan6664]

@@DRChevalier Nah. Never feel dated.

[@dez1989]

Geddy Lee also ran his 4001 Ricky in stereo. He is the reason I started playing bass. I had been learning piano from a young age. That translated into me playing synths and the Moog Taurus pedals. I've been playing Rick's since 1986. I started playing bass since 81. It took me 5 years to purchase my 1974 Ricky 4001. I've since purchased a few 4003's and a Ricky 4080 double neck bass and 12 string. Also I found an old Gibson double neck bass and 6 string. She was a wreck when I got her so I took the guitar portion back to original, but the bass has 4001 Ricky pickups. And I'm still playing my 1974 4001. Round wound Stainless steel DR Hi beams. I do have a few Geddy Lee Fender Jazz basses but I'm still partial to my Ricky's most of the time.

[@nellynava5664]

Woah, Geddy Lee is actually the main reason why i wish to own a bass!!

[@lenwhatever4187]

I stopped using my 74-ish 4001 (which I got in 76), when I was carrying 30 to 40 pound bags on my shoulders every day... I have a lighter Ibanez 5 string fretless which weights 3 pounds less. I like the sounds of round wounds, but they are hard on frets and so I use ground round wounds instead. Still much better than flat wound. I use a small 19 pound Traynor 50 watt as a monitor and feed the DI to FOH. This allows me to cart my whole kit in one go with two hands. I prefer the 10 inch speaker because I can hear what I am playing better than with a 15. Having done sound for some time as well, I don't worry about what I sound like (aside from the right notes) because whoever is doing sound will mess with it anyway, so the sound I hear on stage has little to do with what the audience hears. The most important part is for me to hear myself.

[@jonasbarbery7193]

I agree about the 10s , best thing I ever did for my sound was ditch the 15s and in vest in a markbass dual 10 cab.

[@57precision]

Great video Keith. I think my 4003 was like owning a boat, the two best days of my life were when I bought it and when I sold it.

[@batmanbill1]

It was 1982 in High School and everyone was playing metal or punk guitar in NYC. I couldn't afford the right type of guitar for such a heavy sound. A classmate convinced me to buy his 1974 black Ric bass for $200 and told me that there were just too many guitarist to compete with and he was right. I took off the white pick guard and sprayed it black. I am not tall and the small neck and high gloss made it an easy bass to play. I embraced this bass like no other and cranked out some loud, punching bass line for the punk bands that I would end up in, like Armed Citizens. During my years with, Hagatha, I was gifted a 1987 brown fire glow Ric, which I still play. The body style is quite unique, as is the ability to run it in stereo. (Standard & Ric-O sound) Many people don't realize that there is a foam pad at the bridge that can help you mute the strings as much as you want. That's what those big turning knobs are for at top of the bridge plate. These basses also come with 2 truss rods in the neck. Thank you Rickenbacker and Thanks for the video Keith!

[@Sumbibebe]

Great history. Rick James was also a Rick player and so was Leon Silvers III, he produced some of the best dance music of the early 80’s. We all danced and rock to the Rick sound but few even knew it.

[@bernardf.6337]

I got blessed. I bought a 2020 Rickenbacker 4003 in Ruby Pearl Star on my birthday. Only 25 of them were made. And it was the first year of their new bridge also. Because of Covid-19 and California production rules, they are now back ordered by almost 2 years. Guitar center no longer carries them brand new. After seeing Rick James play one, I knew I had to have one.

[@arlingtonhynes]

Nothing can replace Fireglo in my affections, but that’s a pretty damn sharp looking bass. Enjoy!

[@tarasbulba3190]

Ruby Pearl Star? Sounds nice. I don't think I've seen that.

[@arlingtonhynes]

@@tarasbulba3190 More or less candy apple red.

[@bernardf.6337]

@@tarasbulba3190 it’s red but it has a sheen when you hold it up to the light.

[@bernardf.6337]

@@tarasbulba3190 only 25 of them were made in Ruby Pearl Star. It’s a dark red that has a sheen when you tilt the bass guitar and hold it up to the light.

[@Ian-qs3fz]

I got so excited when I saw the thumbnail

[@ScienceTalkwithJimMassa]

Another great bassist who played a 4001 is Jon Camp of Renaissance. His Rick was white with black pick guard and black trim. Superb player. Great tone.

[@loopooh1632]

Coming from a guitar player, I love Rickenbacker basses more than any guitar

[@FigidiniHillStudios]

Another, um lifelong guitarist here. I’ve been lucky enough to play the hell out of my small quiver of Ric guitars for 30 years and made due with a Dano longhorn for bass. Never needed a Ric bass…then Stars aligned and I bought a 4005XC. I’m an immediate bass convert…it looks like the main guitar I have played since I was 16. Guitar, which I’m supposed to be a player of and now goes weeks on the stand. I finally have to accept that bass just wins. It is simply the superior instrument. I accept that I Dominic, per idiom having now failed as a guitarist am now finally ready to shoulder the mighty responsibility of really the most important instrument in the band.Bass bass, bass bass bass

[@danielwhitlock7890]

and drums@@FigidiniHillStudios

[@toddmorrison7342]

McCartney rocked the Ricky during his Wings Over America tour. I saw him in 1976 at the Cow Palace in San Francisco and was blown away how he could play such freakin' amazing bass riffs while singing at the same time. He, without question, launched the popularity of the Ricky, as he made it look so cool to play.

[@danielsharp3683]

They gave it to him ...is why he played it ..not because it is a good instrument ...it isn't....that's a quote...

[@toddmorrison7342]

@@danielsharp3683 They did give it to him, and he modified the pickups, subsequently getting an absolutely kick-ass tone, inspiring other great bassist's to follow (shouldn't have to mention who). Who is the quote from? Paul preferred the Hofner after Rickenbacker gave him the bass, but none the less, he brought it to life during his tenure with Wings. Pretty hard to dispute that. Cheers!

[@stevehazlewood2960]

@@toddmorrison7342 Todd see my comments above, Paul has not played the Ricky for years...

[@toddmorrison7342]

@@stevehazlewood2960 Hey there, Steve, I couldn't find your comment. Yes, Paul stopped playing his Ricky in the mid-eighties, never using it again for his world tours, then reverting back to the Hofner in the late 90s. I read that he did this for two reasons: First, because he was touring so aggressively, damn-near non-stop, that he preferred the lightness of the Hofner. Secondly, he wanted enhance the nostalgia of his shows. Perhaps it's a combo of both.

[@mr_bassman6685]

@@danielsharp3683that’s just like, your opinion, man. Apparently I got one of the good ones. It rocks 🤘

[@vidma6]

shout out to al cisneros from sleep. great to see him included on this video

[@elisalazar3064]

I need a Rickenbacker Bass!!!! I just saw Primus and Les Claypool was using two different Ricks. A double neck and black 4001. He had his Ricks sounding unbelievable! Great job Keith!

[@randyvharkin771]

I still have my 63 4000 I bought new

[@Paul_Lenard_Ewing]

The woman at Ric that wound the 66' Ric Hi Gain PU's ..the first guitar one was for Pete Townsend was still working at Ric 8 years ago a few days part time in the mornings in her 80's. She was bored staying at home. She still made all the scatter wound PU's by hand. She actually made one for me and had it shipped out as a replacement 'part' and I was only charged $75.00 USD. The triple chrome plating costs that, lol. I have it in the neck position of my Fender Duo Sonic. As Townsend found out thru a Plexi it does more than clean twangy sounds. At one point they hired Grover Jackson to update things. It did not work out. Ric does everything still like the clock stopped in the '60s. They use a silly amount of hand labor. So every year they put the price up. It works. It keeps them in biz and no one is disappointed with their guitar.

[@fivewattworld]

Great story Paul!

[@tommycato6368]

I'm a guitarist singer/songwriter and I'm also a big Yes and Rush fan so I was so happy when I found a Ganson 4001 copy from the 70's in a pawn shop. I've always wanted a Rick but I couldn't motivate 15-2000 dollars for a real one, mine was 250 and it plays and sounds great and it's beautiful to look at.

[@jdguitarmusic]

Another excellent Short History Keith - thanks! I've owned several Rickenbacker basses over the years, and they all had THAT sound. VERY comprehensive overview - there were models you showed that I'd not seen before. Also I always love it when you relate a Short History to your history - a lot of stuff I can relate to (and brings back fond memories). Thanks for that.

[@zachhaywood1564]

McCartney made me become interested in Rick's initially. Then I heard La Villa Strangiato by Rush, and it became a full-blown OBSESSION.

[@Winter_337]

Ged's the reason I'm a bassist. I'm hoping to one day add a 4000 series to my arsenal to get that classic live Rush sound and look

[@DeadKoby]

As a Ric 4003 owner, I can say they have a niche fanbase..........They've got their own sound and feel... and I like it very much.

[@sagegc7414]

Great video, but one very minor quibble: Geddy Lee's Rickenbacker 4001 basses were fitted with the original Leo Quan Badass bridge, and not the Badass II. The Badass II is made to retrofit Fender basses, and Lee's 1972 Fender Jazz is fitted with a Badass II. However, the Badass II didn't exist in the mid-70s when Lee altered his Rickenbackers -- he used the original Badass bridge, which was actually made for the Gibson EB-series of bass guitars. Because of the height of the Badass bridge, it had to be countersunk into the wood in order to be installed properly on a Rickenbacker, so this was a highly customized and non-reversible modification. He describes it in detail in his Big Beautiful Book of Bass. The reason for it is simple, though: the Rickenbacker 4001 bridge was difficult - if not impossible - to intonate, as the saddles had to be removed from the bridge in the process. The strings had to be removed entirely with every minor adjustment, and this made the intonation process a very time- and labor-intensive task. The Badass bridge could be intonated with just a turn of a screwdriver, which is why Geddy Lee made the modification. Rickenbacker eventually updated the stock bridge to address this, but not until the 2020 model year. In recent years, Hipshot has manufactured a replacement bridge that is a non-destructive direct retrofit for all Rickenbacker basses manufactured prior to 2020.

[@fivewattworld]

Hipshot…from near me in upstate NY.

[@sagegc7414]

@@fivewattworld Cool! They make really useful, innovative stuff. Sadly, Rickenbacker sued them over the bridge, claiming trademark infringement over the basic outline of the part. Hipshot won, which is fortunate for those of us who found the stock bridge lacking. I've got a Hipshot replacement installed on my 4003. A couple other interesting tidbits: you mentioned that the 4003 featured a redesigned truss rod system to better handle roundwound strings... a little fun fact: prior to that redesign, using roundwound strings on a 4001 would void the warranty. Everybody did it anyway, though. Also, in the latter half of 1974, the neck pickup was moved 1/2-inch toward the bridge, and it has remained in that position ever since. I *think* this was an early attempt to reinforce the neck, to counter the strain put on the 4001's truss rod by roundwound strings, but I could be mistaken about that. And Chris Squire's cream-colored bass was originally Fireglo. In the 60s he covered it with "sticky paper" -- probably flowered wallpaper or something -- and then had to have it sanded off. And then he did it a second time! Ultimately it was refinished in the cream color it's known for today, but not before the body had been sanded down to a thinner shape than it originally was.

[@jeffjeff4477]

Great info! I have a mystery 4001 copy purchased in 78-79 Checked binding and black , looks like a Geddy L clone I had a Badass bridge installed 1980. I love this bass I really wanted a 4001 but as a beginner bass player couldn't justify the cost. Chicago is inlayed in abolony with an Electric bass on the truss rod cover Still don't know what it is except awesome Yes, McCartney, Rush used Rick's I was a huge Rush fan Anyway s, these Rick's are icons

[@bucknasty69]

The new Rickenbacker bass bridges are great. They’re fully adjustable for string height, string spacing, and intonation. Also, as of 2023, they’re back to a single truss rod. I’ve got a 2023 4003, and it’s fabulous. Considering I’m coming from a beat to shit 1975 P Bass, I feel like I’ve gone from a Peugeot to a Porsche.

[@ssplintergirl]

This episode was everything I ever wanted and more for a Rick bass episode. Excellent work.

[@johndonlon1611]

Phenomenal video !! Don't forget Semie Mosley (Mosrite Guitars) worked for Rickenbacker. He made HIS bones there.

[@JJ-nq3ll]

Love the history of all guitar! And look forward to many more videos to feed the mind and all imagination. 🎸🎸

[@palmmoot]

When I think Rickenbacker, I think Al Cisneros. Thank you for including him

[@britishbulldog9697]

Hi Keith, I still remember the day back in 1987 when I bought my 1980 Mapleglo 4001 thinking and still do that no bass looks and sounds this unique. After 34 years it still brings a smile to my face. Again Keith thanks for the excellent work.

[@MayheM_72]

When I think about the "Rick Bass" the 1st thing that comes to mind is LEMMY! When I think of Cliff Burton, I always picture the black Aria Pro II bass.

[@undeadplague5264]

The Australian group, The Mark Of Cain, are probably my favorite band using Rickenbackers. They're an example of how heavy and abrasive you can be on the very same instruments as the Beatles 🤘

[@DesperadoStudios]

The quintessential bass tone for me is Randy Meisner playing his rick on the 1977 Eagles live show at the Capital Centre. ❤️

[@sprague49]

Ford Rambler?? Keith, your knowledge of vintage cars trails your knowledge of vintage guitars by a mile. Ramblers were manufactured by American Motors Corporation (formerly Nash) from 1958 to 1969.

[@ericbgordon1575]

The cool thing about the Rickenbacker line of basses is that they never went out of style, even if the company's range of guitars sort of came and went in popularity. Paul Simanon wasn't the only punk/new wave artist to play one. If I'm not mistaken, original Gogo's bassist Margot Olivari played a 4001, and that was the inaugural axe for U2's Adam Clayton.

[@christopherweise438]

Eric B Gordon - Youth from Killing Joke plays one.

[@Lylodile]

Simon Gallup from The Cure played one briefly around 1982 on their album pornography. Bruce Foxton from the Jam played one too.

[@grantr5417]

Spacehog and REM

[@shanewalton8888]

Not surprising. Ugly is never in style so it can’t go out of it. Anyway as long as it sounds good, right?

[@ericbgordon1575]

Is the Rickenbacker bass line 'ugly, @@shanewalton8888?

[@garthkolbeck8674]

Rickenbacker used to build a guitar with any options you wanted, but I think in the past 20 years they stopped offering that option to streamline production. I sort of remember that they had the hollow bass available as a double neck with a guitar in the catalog in the early 80's.

[@NGH99999]

Small detail, but perhaps worth mentioning just the same: The original large baseplate / long stem tuners on these early basses were Kluson reverse-winding tuners, similar to those used on pre-CBS Fenders, as well as early Gibson T-Bird basses. Essentially, Rickenbacker just followed Leo's lead, and reached into a parts bin and pulled out a circa-1925 tuner design that was originally created for the double bass. Leo Fender: the 'practical' trendsetter.

[@fivewattworld]

Nice detail

[@learnmusic488]

Thanks man, I’ve been waiting for this one for a while 👍🏻

[@MegaAwesomeman4]

Ricky basses were also used pretty extensively in punk/post punk/new wave. Simon Gallup of The Cure used a jetglo model if I remember correctly

[@ivanchernov3041]

he used a jetglo during the 14 Explicit Moments tour in 1982 for the Pornography record, he also used one during the Pornography portion or the Trilogy concert, I have also seen pictures of him using it in 85-86 but I do not possess any more accurate information about it, unfortunately he didn’t use it much

[@Ian-qs3fz]

don’t forget Peter Hook of Joy Division with his Hondo ii 4001 copy

[@mikel3188]

Great video! A 1978 Rick 4001 was my first bass and I still have it today. Keep up the great work.

[@MadeOnTape]

Chris Squire was one of the biggest early influences for me musically. Love this series and thank you!

[@moonshine_messiah]

These videos have quickly become my absolute favourites. I’ve seen most of the short stories several times and they just keep on giving

[@stickman55100]

AWESOME FIVEWATT installment. I love the 4000 series basses and have long been searching for the right one, so thanks for setting me on the right path armed with correct information.

[@FretsoOne]

I love the fact you mentioned Al Cisneros. Lovely , informative video as always . Keep up the good work !

[@paulcoleman3081]

I don't care if this series goes on so long you end up talking about ukuleles, I'll still be watching!

[@muhammadasad4820]

My day has just become significantly better. Thank you for this series, Keith!

[@joerobinson2538]

Love your total attention to detail and top notch presentations Keith! You have set the bar extremely high for other content creators. 👍🏼👏👏👏

[@cactus-mcjacktus]

thank you for this blessing of a video, but it’s missing the 4002. An ebony board maple-bodied bass, it has 2 pickups that were would bifilar, meaning wound with regular copper wire and special wire that ran low impedance. This means that the bass signal was sent out through a regular 1/4” jack like most guitars ( along with the Ric-o-Sound jack ), but also a built-in XLR jack for direct recording. They sound amazing and unique, and were made from 1977 to 1984 EDIT: definitely should’ve mentioned Paul D’Amour, he was the original bassist of TOOL and played on their first EP and first album too. Ripped on a Chris Squire Signature Ric. Also Mani, the bass player from The Stone Roses who used a 4005 during their early run, and a 3000 later on with Primal Scream

[@johnmclaughlin4292]

I purchased a 4002 from a guitar store in San Francisco in 1980. Still have it.

[@christopherweise438]

Keith does it again!! Been waiting for this one. Thanks Keith.

[@tarasbulba3190]

I'm from upstate and back then many had a supertuner with Jensens. Ford Rambler? I'm pretty sure I 🤢🤮 in the back of your brothers car at least once. I had Cerwin Vega 6x9's and later Altec Lansing Voice of the Highways! Memories. ✌🥴👍Great Rick history here!

[@danepaulstewart8464]

Wow, what a KILLER documentary of this instrument!! 👍👍 I have loved this bass for forty years and it’s amazing to learn all the ins and outs of its history. THANKS!

[@wilhelmtheconquerer6214]

Ironically, the sound of two of the most famous Rickenbacker basses are actually (sort of) the sound of GIBSON basses. Lemmy Kilmister put Gibson Thunderbird pickups in many of his Rick's, and Cliff Burton had a Gibson Mudbucker in the neck position of his (and also a stacked J-pickup in the bridge position and a strat-style single coil in place in the string mutes inside of the bridge assembly)

[@JuiceboxDesmond]

I think Chris Squier's 4001 is more famous than Lemmy's

[@Malum09]

Their pickups are pretty good, i guess

[@wilhelmtheconquerer6214]

@@JuiceboxDesmond well, I did say "two of", not THE most, didn't I?

[@zeusapollo8688]

I had Bart's in mine

[@shanewalton8888]

I would say it is a Gibson sound. The amps are far more important to the tone.

[@Kabayoth]

Keith, please take this in the spirit in which it is given, but you entirely left out the 4004 Cheyenne and Lorado. They are rare, but they are a bucket list bass of mine. Lemmy's bass is a blinged up version of them.

[@fivewattworld]

There is so much I don’t know. Thanks for adding it here.

[@stevec6427]

Lemmy's also had Gibson Thunderbird pickups

[@williamsanderson9279]

Keith - Another excellent Short History. I really loved all the pics of the obscure Ric basses. I owned a 1978 Jetglo 4001 for many years. I was my gigging bass through my short "career"as a bass player. Still love the punchy sound of a Ric bass. Thanks for the bringing back some cool memories!

[@guitarstringman7403]

I wish I still had my 1970 4001. Hindsight is 100%. Nice video my friend.

[@djfenske]

Great video! I'll throw in a plug for Geddy Lee's "Big Beautiful Book of Bass" as another resource to learn about Rics and a ton of other vintage basses.

[@rockerkitch1990]

Ricks are 100% pure Americana. They're the guitar version of hot rods and muscle cars.

[@Mabufu381]

The fun irony is that they started in germany, and the most famous rick players aren’t American. Rush are canadian, yes, motorhead, the beatles Queen, the who and deep purple are all British bands that use them and are huge, and a bunch of smaller uk bands like The Jam, The Smiths and The Stone Roses used rick guitars and basses in mod/newwave. They seemed to have gained more traction outside the US in famous bands inspite of having that “Americana” vibe

[@offtherealm5438]

@@Mabufu381 I concur.....they have a foreign flair to me.

[@epicstacker413]

@@Mabufu381 I'm pretty sure Rickenbacker was always in America. The founder (Adolph Rickenbacher) was originally from Switzerland but he started the company in California in 1931, long after he immigrated to the US.

[@LeeGee]

@@epicstacker413 No-one questioned that....

[@pjdelta4056]

That’s how I’m trying to convince my wife to let me buy one. It’s the closest thing to a muscle car I can afford.

[@bigmikeyz0071]

Another great Short History that I was personally looking forward too👏. I was super excited to click that play button. Great job once again. I'd like to thank Keith and the folks who collaborate to make these fantastic videos.

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks Mike

[@bigmikeyz0071]

👍

[@shawnnorton2674]

As always Keith’s delivery is excellent along with fascinating information. Absolutely great content.

[@zeroman614]

Good stuff. Cliff Burton was only in Metallica for 3 years (making his entire time “early years”) and was not exclusive to his Ric, he played an Aria Pro bass as well.

[@The_Last_Ninja]

The video creator mentions Metallica’s early days, not Cliff Burton’s early days

[@MaestorRasanen]

@@The_Last_Ninja That's the same thing. Ron McGovney was Metallica bassist in the demo phase but Cliff was from Kill 'Em All to Puppets and as zeroman said he played black Aria Pro II (can be seen in Cliff 'Em All live) so not only Ric's.

[@jeremythornton433]

A Rickenbacker is pretty much the only bass that I've really wanted. Out of my price range though. Since I'm not really a bass player. I do have an Ibanez 5 string but I'm mainly a keyboard player/ guitar player. I've just always loved the Ric sound.

[@larrydavis1420]

No mention of the 4002. I have a 1980 4002 in the walnut finish (they also made a maple finish). It is a beautiful bass with checkered binding, two low impedance pickups, and three output jacks: mono, stereo, and a low impedance XLR jack. I bought mine brand new in 1980 and 43 years later it is still my most prized instrument. Still, I enjoyed your video very much. Thank you!

[@RakelaK67]

excellent video!! as always ... thank you for the hard work doing the research and compiling all the info.

[@picksalot1]

Interesting, and informative as always. As a side, I find it ironic and amusing that the interest in buying vintage/stock guitars and basses is contrasted by the players who modified them, sometimes heavily, into the iconic instruments they became. Thanks

[@jonyates8821]

Another great Ric player was Jon Camp of the prog-rock band Renaissance. He played a white 4001. My favorite after Squire.

[@jameswillment1142]

Outstanding video Keith! I enjoy every video you produce immensely. Each video blatantly reflects your love and passion for music, instruments and gear and the accompanying history behind it all. And your presentation is stylishly impeccable too. As a bassist I'd love to see more videos like this, maybe the Stingray next? Would love to see videos on iconic bass amps too like the SVT's and Bassmans too! Keep up the great work!

[@iankratzer2001]

I have a 4003s that I modified to fit my playing style. I love this bass! Thanks Keith! Always love these vids and always learn something new. Keep on doing this!

[@jefferson4245]

A distinct bass sound I didn't know I was missing. I like bass sounds that are not P-Bass. Maybe because I'm a band director and a guitarist, I like a bass tone that can cut through, or settle into a mix.

[@fredstevens799]

play a Ric 4001 (with a pick) thru a clean amp (pref. 15" woofers) with lots o' headroom... you'll be glad you did! Very distinct piano-like sound!

[@Bova13]

Awesome! This is my favorite bass, and hope to some day have one.

[@skateborg]

As a bass player, I'm not a big fan of Rickenbacker bass guitars, but your video has given me a new level of respect for their brand and heritage. Now if I could only find the holy grail - a 1957 Rickenbacker Model 4000 (which is the same age as me) - my life might be complete.

[@buzzawuzza3743]

Another great video that will live forever. Well done as always.

[@trilingual6725]

😀An FAQ on the Rickenbacker website: It is pronounced Rick-en Back-er like "get back here" not "get bock here." Just saying in agreement with this excellent video. . . thanks! I could be wrong, but I think Chris Squire kept the bridge pickup clean and the neck pickup with saturation/overdrive (?)

[@RedArrow73]

Andy Babiuk needs to get this email.

[@void0094]

My favorite Ric players are Mike Mills from R.E.M. and Lou Barlow from Dinosaur jr

[@unclestarwarssatchmo9848]

Mills is truly an underrated bassist

[@The_Badseed]

I've played many basses in my 40 years of playing, but I always find myself going back to my Rick. It's been with me 38 years, wouldn't trade it for the world

[@johncorrao2588]

My brother had 5 Rickenbacker Basses and when I was 10 years old I heard and saw how badass they are. Looking at the wall and seeing a poster of Getty Lee with His Rick and looking down and seeing the same Bass right there will always stay in my memory. I heard years of how great those Basses are.

[@TheRealMarxz]

only thing I thought it lacked was Mani (from The Stone Roses) old 4005 "Jackson Pollock" style custom paint job given their roll (at least in the UK) of helping bring back guitar based rock music at a time when the charts where full of electronica and mass produced Scott Aitken Waterman style drivel pop , The Beatles weren't the only Mersey side band to feature Ricks and Manchester bands like Joy Division/New Order, The Smiths, and The Stone Roses have a strong legacy in keeping the low end prominent in UK pop/rock songs. I remember wanting a 4005 after seeing The Stone Roses but they were silly money back in the early 90's and just got crazier priced over the years, even the 90th anniversary reissues are a bit much for those of limited financial means

[@Kuhchuk1]

Damn, didn't think I'd hear sleep and om mentioned. It's also worth bringing up the bassist from the Italian psychedelic/doom metal band "UFOMAMMUT" Another beautiful Rickenbacker.

[@ricv64]

ayup he's great . I think he has 3 now

[@Michael-kx2bn]

I really loved your Rickenbacker history. I learned a lot about Rickenbacker I bought a 1973 Rick in '78 and have it too this day. It's a great all around bass and has a sound that no other bass has.

[@davegallagher7428]

Wonderful short history Keith, thanks!

[@IanThatMetalBassist]

I love the 4000 series. I could never afford a real one but I've got a 1970s Aria copy of a 4001

[@Wheresthepepsibismol]

I wish I had a real rickenbacker 4001 but I found a Jackson Copy of the 4001 with PJ pickups for $700 also the Harley Benton 4001 Copy is cheaper and more identical to the 4001 but I can't find them over here in Massachusetts.

[@sirena7116]

I'm still curious as to why Rickenbacker doesn't allow the listing of prices for their instruments on dealer's websites.

[@learnmusic488]

Marketing Tactic.. done with most items that start with a ‘premium-ish’ pricetag …lure you in first; avoiding the initial _“Price Shock”_

[@dixiefallas7799]

They do at Rickysounds UK.🇬🇧

[@MrChopsticktech]

@@learnmusic488 I wonder if the 'marketing tactic' works. If the price for something is too high, seeing it first or last isn't going to make a difference.

[@tubularguynine]

I saw Rush in '77 and '78, and I got my 4001 in '79...that's it in my avatar pic 20 years later. Best bass I ever owned. Great overview, man!

[@Voltanaut]

Oh yeah baby, my fav musical instrument

[@aluminati9918]

Awesome video, Keith! Indeed, Rickenbacker: the quintessential American guitar brand. And one of the very few to stay family owned along with Martin.

[@dambrooks7578]

I severely dislike how the Rickenbacker guitar looks like, the bass however, has always been an incredible looking instrument and one I would still like to own...🥰

[@GlenBraeDude]

Great history lesson, Keith, thank you. I'm still the proud owner of my '71 4001 maple glow I ordered lefty which was nearly a year in arriving. Has the upside down "McCartney" headstock too, at first I figured it was a mistake in build. Also was the owner at the same time of a '69 Rambler American, my lil red wagon, with styling very similar to the sedan in your video, made by American Motors Corporation. Though the wagon is long gone the Ric still plays on.

[@jfredknobloch]

Another wonderful effort Keith! It’s always a pleasure to see your work.

[@vocalion9519]

I’ve heard some players moan about how Rickenbackers use equal string spacing (centers of the strings being equally spread) vs. equal gap spacing (equal space between the strings measured from the edges of the strings). Can those who have played both spacing, can you please comment on whether this is as big a deal as some players have made it out to be?

[@ToLiveistoDie]

I have literally no adjustment to go between a ric and a jazz. the spacing thing is so minimal, it's simply an excuse i think.

[@iangrant8290]

My main bass has been a 4001 for 25 years. In addition I use two different Pbasses and a Jbass. I didn't even know this was a thing until just now so I would say it's not an issue at all.

[@Meddled]

Not an issue at all.

[@57precision]

Played one for years, never knew it was a thing either.

[@sagegc7414]

I've never heard of "equal gap spacing" ever being used anywhere... that's a thing? I will say that between the Fender Jazz, the P-Bass, and the Rick, the difference in neck shape is much more noticeable than any difference in string spacing. The Jazz has an incredibly narrow nut width compared to the other two, but my Rick has a much flatter contour along the back of the neck, which seems to compensate for it. And the scale length makes a difference in how it feels, too.

[@waynepflughaupt470]

After I’d been playing bass a few years, the Rickenbackers caught my attention - I thought they looked too cool for words, and on top of that they sounded great. I was a poor boy back in those days, but lusting after them for probably 10 years I was finally able to find a beautiful used 4001 in Burgundy Glo at a price I could afford. Much to my chagrin and disappointment, I eventually decided I just couldn’t live with it. The problem was that it was neck-heavy. Playing while standing, the neck would take a dive when you let go of it. In actual use that meant your left hand wasn’t just playing the neck, it was also holding up the whole thing. After playing for 20 minutes or so, my shoulder would begin to hurt, so I’d reposition the strap. And again 10-15 minutes later. Eventually I’d “run out of shoulder” for a new location. I only had the 4001 a couple of years before trading it for something else - the shortest amount of time I’ve ever had a bass. It remains a disappointment after all these years because I still love the Rickenbacker look and sound.

[@sludgerat666]

What bass do you use now?

[@waynepflughaupt470]

@@sludgerat666 I traded the Ric for a Steinberger XP2. About 8 years later I traded that one for a 4-string Allen Breaux Boogie Man (custom hand-made beauty). Still have that one, it’s my fav. I’ve since added a 5-string Pedulla Thunderbass, a 5-string fretless Pedulla Thuderbuzz, and a few years ago 5-string Tobias Classic. My wife says I can’t have any more basses. :)

[@bldallas]

Another awesome history lesson; thank you, great job Keith! When you step back and think about the all time guitar classics, the Rick 4000 bass is definitely one of them. Like the Telecaster, Stratocaster and Les Paul, I just love the way they look; always have. And then to remind yourself that all of these classic guitar shapes were designed/invented, by different people, nearly 70 years ago! Fascinating. Using the car analogy, can you imagine if the most popular new cars now, were all built to the exact same lines and specs as the ‘50-something Chevys, Fords or Dodges?

[@jerrumite4425]

I have been waiting for this one for a long time.