Gear Discussion Forums > Rickenbacker Basses
59 4000
ramone57:
that's stunning, but what's with the rails on either side of the bridge? homespun cure for tail lift?
ilan:
They are for sliding the bridge cover to engage/disengage the mute.
ramone57:
ok cool, I've never seen them before. is the other '59 missing them?
Bass VI:
Every time I see one of these, I think I've got to do a project along these lines.
Ilan, are the specs (measurements) for these available anywhere? The body looks a little different than a 4XXX series. Any sites with lots of pics? I'm pretty Gibson oriented (despite the obvious Fender screen-name), but this particular model is really striking to me.
Oh, and Hello to everyone here at the Ric forum! :toast:
S. ( Scott )
ilan:
I have never seen exact specs of the first generation 4000. According to the Smith book, the first ('57) basses had mahogany necks (with the dual truss rods system) and maple body wings, then the factory switched to walnut necks, and in 1960 to maple. The necks were wider at first and were narrowed in 1959. In 1961 the body is thinner, lighter, and more contoured - like modern ones, with the elongated upper horn.
The sliding bridge cover with the mute underneath it was introduced in late '57. Fireglo was available since 1960.
A friend of mine who played an early 4000 said that the body was thick and heavy and string action was high. I have read that among the 1st generation 4000's that survived, neck issues are not uncommon.
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