1979 Rickenbacker "4001 SPECIAL" Bass 4003 First Run in Autumnglo Walnut - One of the Earliest 4003's Ever! Prototype?

$5,999.99
Vendor: Rickenbacker

1979 Rickenbacker 4001 Special First Run 4003! This is one of the earliest 4003's ever made. It's several months earlier than any other 4003 we could find so it may...

Available

1979 Rickenbacker 4001 Special First Run 4003!

This is one of the earliest 4003's ever made. It's several months earlier than any other 4003 we could find so it may have been a prototype or just a really early 4003. The bass is all original. The pots date to 1978 and solder joints are untouched. It still has some 4001 specs and was actually called "4001-Special" in the control cavity. It also has the one-piece pickguard. The truss rod adjustment is on the bottom as on 4003's but with an unusual headstock channel from the factory. The finish is Autumnglo or technically Walnut with some light fading and is exceptionally clean overall. Just a few light marks on the back as shown and one knob sticker missing. Comes with the original hardshell case with a few spare truss rod nuts. Plays great, sounds great and is ready to go for years. Get a historical Rickenbacker Bass right here!

Features include:

  • Cresting wave shaped headstock
  • Kluson riveted tuners with phillips head screws, black plastic bushings and shims under the tuner plates
  • Raised logo on plastic truss rod cover
  • Dual truss rods with adjustment nuts at the bottom end
  • Smaller triangle pearloid fret markers
  • Neck through body design including skunk stripe
  • 20 frets
  • Four pole neck pickup
  • Four pole bridge pickup with chrome surround and cover
  • White one-piece pickguard
  • Plastic binding
  • Heptagonal shaped knobs with silver top and lettering
  • CTS potentiometers, yellow capacitors, plastic wiring in control cavity
  • Ric-o-sound input jack plate
  • Pots cavity marking
  • 3 way pickup toggle switch
  • Chrome bridge assembly including mutes
  • Black case with blue interior

    Weight: 9 lbs. 2 oz.

    Fast WORLDWIDE Shipping Available! Please contact us for more details.

    For additional photos, please check out our website!

    Thanks from KC Vintage Guitars!

    Scroll To Top