Rickenbacker (1968) 4001 Bass - Mapleglo, w/OHSC

An exceptional example of one of the most iconic electric bass designs ever produced, this 1968 Rickenbacker 4001 is finished in classic Mapleglo and dates to April 1968 by its HD 894 serial number.

The late 1960s represent a particularly desirable period in the evolution of the 4001 and this bass retains the hallmark features associated with the early specification: checkerboard body binding, full-width crushed-pearl triangle fingerboard inlays, toaster-style neck pickup, and the highly sought-after original-style horseshoe bridge pickup assembly.

Its April 1968 production date is especially notable. Rickenbacker continued using the true horseshoe bridge pickup through most of 1968 before transitioning to the Hi-Gain design late that year. This example retains the distinctive split horseshoe magnet assembly characteristic of these earlier instruments.

The Mapleglo finish leaves the figured maple construction on full display, giving the bass an understated appearance that beautifully highlights Rickenbacker's distinctive neck-through construction and dramatic cresting-wave body design.

This example has survived in remarkably clean condition and is accompanied by the original Rickenbacker hardshell case. With its early specifications, desirable Mapleglo finish, April 1968 production date and exceptional overall presentation, this is a particularly compelling example for the serious vintage Rickenbacker collector.

Key Features

• April 1968 production — serial HD 894

• Desirable early-specification Rickenbacker 4001

• Natural Mapleglo finish

• Neck-through maple construction

• Checkerboard body binding

• Bound fingerboard

• Full-width crushed-pearl triangle inlays

• Early toaster-style neck pickup

• Early horseshoe bridge pickup assembly

• Gap-tooth bridge/tailpiece assembly with integrated mute

• Dual truss-rod neck construction

• Cresting-wave headstock

• Period Kluson-style reverse tuners

• Four-knob control layout with three-way pickup selector

• 20-fret fingerboard

• Original Rickenbacker hardshell case

• Exceptionally clean collector-grade presentation

Vintage Notes:

1968 was an important transitional year for the Rickenbacker 4001. Early examples still carried many of the features that define the most collectible 1960s instruments, including the genuine horseshoe bridge pickup. The horseshoe was phased out in favor of Rickenbacker's first Hi-Gain bridge pickup near the end of 1968.

This bass was completed in April 1968, placing it well within the earlier horseshoe-equipped production period.

Other distinctive early features include the checkerboard body binding, full-width crushed-pearl triangle inlays, toaster neck pickup and early gap-tooth bridge assembly. Many of these appointments were subsequently changed or discontinued as the 4001 evolved through the early 1970s.

The HD 894 serial number provides a useful reference point for dating this example. Another documented Mapleglo 4001, serial HD 843, was owned by Geddy Lee and was also completed in April 1968 and displays the same early-period features.

Specifications

Brand: Rickenbacker
Model: 4001
Year: 1968
Serial Number: HD 894
Production Date: April 1968
Country of Manufacture: USA
Finish: Mapleglo
Orientation: Right-Handed
Body: Maple
Construction: Neck-Through
Neck: Maple
Fingerboard: Period Rickenbacker hardwood fingerboard
Fingerboard Binding: White
Body Binding: Checkerboard
Inlays: Full-Width Crushed-Pearl Triangles
Frets: 20
Scale Length: Approx. 33 1/4"
Truss Rods: Dual
Headstock: Cresting-Wave Design with Walnut Wings
Neck Pickup: Toaster-Style Single Coil
Bridge Pickup: Horseshoe Single Coil
Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone
Pickup Selector: 3-Way Toggle
Bridge: Early Rickenbacker Gap-Tooth Bridge/Tailpiece with Integrated Mute
Tuners: Kluson-Style Reverse Tuners
Pickguard: White
Hardware: Chrome
Case: Period Rickenbacker Hardshell Case

Serial: HD894

Weight: 9lbs 

Condition

This bass presents in exceptionally clean condition for an instrument manufactured in 1968. The Mapleglo finish beautifully showcases the maple construction, while the checkerboard binding, crushed-pearl inlays and distinctive early Rickenbacker hardware remain striking visual details more than half a century after the instrument was built.

Please refer closely to the photographs for a complete representation of cosmetic condition and included accessories.

Final Notes:

Early 4001 basses occupy a special place in Rickenbacker history. While the 4001 would eventually become one of the company's defining instruments, 1968 examples predate many of the specification changes associated with the more commonly encountered 1970s basses.

For collectors, the combination represented here is particularly appealing:

1968 production + April serial date + Mapleglo + horseshoe bridge pickup + toaster neck pickup + checkerboard binding + full-width crushed-pearl inlays + original case.

An outstanding opportunity to acquire an exceptionally clean early Rickenbacker 4001 retaining the features that define the classic 1960s specification.