Rickenbacker Bass Development
Adolph Rickenbacher founded the company in 1931, and the 4000 series solidbody bass line began in 1956. The 4001 variant arrived in 1964 as the upgraded model featuring body binding, a second pickup, and a more ornate headstock.
1981 Production Details
By 1981 the 4001 retained its original horseshoe and toaster-top pickup configuration with a maple neck-through design. That year’s instruments typically carried serial numbers starting with 81 and were finished in colors such as Jetglo, Mapleglo, and Fireglo.
Notable Players
Chris Squire used a 4001 extensively on Yes recordings through the late 1970s and early 1980s, while other session players adopted the model for its cutting presence in dense mixes.
