Rickenbacker 4001

The Rickenbacker 4001 is an electric bass that was manufactured by Rickenbacker from 1961 to 1986. Designer Roger Rossmeisl created the 4001 as a two-pickup "deluxe" version of Rickenbacker's first production bass, the single-pickup model 4000. The 4001 sported the same unique body shape and "crested wave" headstock of the 4000, continuing Rickenbacker's tradition of idiosyncratic designs. An aesthetically stripped-down export model, the 4001S, was released in 1964. Many notable rock bassists have played a 4001 or 4001S, including Paul McCartney, Chris Squire, Geddy Lee, Lemmy, and Cliff Burton. The 4001 was eventually superseded by the highly similar 4003, which debuted in 1980 and remains in production. Since the 4001's discontinuation, Rickenbacker has released several 4001 reissues, as well as signature models for players like Squire (Yes), Al Cisneros (Sleep and Om), and Mike Mesaros (the Smithereens).