Cool 4005

mc2NY · April 25, 2014, 12:29:49 PM

One of the first, if not the first 4005...July 1965 SN. Restored a decade ago by Mark Arnquist, who was part of the Rickenbacker team back in the 70s that worked on McCartney's Ric Bass.
http://www.thecanteen.com/arnquist.html

This one was actually marked "4001-I" inside the control cavity, not "4005." It also has factory original 4-knob controls, not the typical later 5-knob 4005 setup.

The collector who had it restored called in a favor and got John Hall to do a factory refin in Blue Boy back when it was still a Japan Market only color. The factory replaced the original cracked pickguard with a new one and stuck on its "Made In the USA" sticker to give it their approval.

ilan · April 26, 2014, 02:10:49 AM

Very cool. Never heard of this one before. It looks great in Blueboy but gold-backed lucite pickguard and TRC could have been perfect for it.

mc2NY · April 26, 2014, 03:18:33 AM

Funny you said that....I was considering swapping out to a gold guard with a standard 5-knob control layout and put the white guard with original harness in storage.

I think gold would really set it off, especially since the original truss cover is so yellowed out that it almost looks gold.

Jeff Scott · May 02, 2014, 08:19:47 PM

Here is a photo of it, along with a few siblings, from when i first saw this bass in 2005.

Photo © Jeffrey P. Scott 2005 All rights reserved.

mc2NY · May 08, 2014, 11:17:44 AM

Yeah, I've seen that pic but your's is a better copy of it. Thx

That was shortly after the owner had the restoration done.

IMO, it sure jumps out of the pack!

Jeff Scott · May 08, 2014, 10:02:29 PM

Quote from: mc2NY on May 08, 2014, 11:17:44 AM
IMO, it sure jumps out of the pack!

So does the Jetglo one.

hieronymous · May 08, 2014, 10:09:34 PM

Have any of you either seen or played a 4005/8? (at least I believe that's the model name)

Actually, I suddenly got motivated and grabbed my copy of Paul Boyer's book, and there are two beautiful 4005/8's on page 43 - and the 4005/6 isn't bad either! I bet that one could get twangy with the pickup up there!

Jeff Scott · May 09, 2014, 03:54:24 PM

I've played two or three over the years.

chromium · May 09, 2014, 05:12:59 PM

Quote from: hieronymous on May 08, 2014, 10:09:34 PM
Have any of you either seen or played a 4005/8? (at least I believe that's the model name)

Actually, I suddenly got motivated and grabbed my copy of Paul Boyer's book, and there are two beautiful 4005/8's on page 43 - and the 4005/6 isn't bad either! I bet that one could get twangy with the pickup up there!

If you are looking for a 4005/6 and happen to be ambidextrous, then you are in luck!

http://www.chicagomusicexchange.com/collections/rickenbacker/products/rickenbacker-4005-6-lefty-fireglo-1968

Wonder if this custom build 4005/8 ever sold?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rickenbacker-4005-8WB-8-string-bass-/371036917332?ViewItem=&item=371036917332&nma=true&si=PM4UD68dAjGc%252FnWZJ4dK6J3EIsg%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

Paul Boyer · May 10, 2014, 12:00:41 PM

Probably the ONLY 4005/8 lefty ever made. Can't imagine there would be call for another when these were made in the late 1960s. Gotta be the same one shown in the book taken at True Tone Music.

mc2NY · May 12, 2014, 10:06:43 AM

You guys beat me posting that 4005-6 lefty. I had the same thought of....HAS to be the only one, no?

I've never played a 4005-8, although they look beautiful. The prices on them are pretty up there. Even if I owned one, it would be too pricey to gig with.

That copy one on EBAY appears to be nice...but over $10,000 for a reproduction one seems insane.

I also think I would be afraid of 8-string tension on the early dual hairpin Ric truss rods. It just seems an invite to neck problems. The root on top is also a deal breaker for me. Would have to have the octave on top.

4005 · August 15, 2014, 01:02:57 AM

Some people find the rather large but my '65 is very comfortable to play, I only wish they added third pickup set right in the sweet spot or moved the bridge pickup a bit closer to the middle, I've seen a couple from '65 that had the bridge pickup about a half inch or so forward from the bridge, seems like a better idea then right next the bridge,

Jeff Scott · December 12, 2015, 12:16:56 AM

Quote from: 4005 on August 15, 2014, 01:02:57 AM
...I only wish they added third pickup set right in the sweet spot or moved the bridge pickup a bit closer to the middle, I've seen a couple from '65 that had the bridge pickup about a half inch or so forward from the bridge, seems like a better idea then right next the bridge,

Hmm, I like the bridge position toaster on a 4005. This bass was recently made to satisfy that need/desire in the sound I have been wanting for some time now.