1978 Rickenbacker 4001 Bass — Fireglo (Serial RL7346) w/OHSC

This is one of the cleanest late-1970s Rickenbacker 4001 basses we've had come through the shop. The Fireglo finish is deep and vibrant, the chrome is bright, the binding is clean all the way around, and the frets show no grooving. For a bass approaching 50 years old, this one looks like it spent most of its life in the case.

The 4001 needs no introduction, but it deserves one anyway. That punchy, piano-like low end paired with a singing treble response is the sound that defined Chris Squire's work with Yes and shaped Paul McCartney's tone through some of the most recorded bass lines in history. Played through a good amp, a Rickenbacker 4001 delivers a voice that nothing else on the market can touch. This is the bass that built that reputation.

The original Rickenbacker hardshell case is included. It's cosmetically worn but fully functional. Inside you'll find the original warranty card, Rickenbacker polishing cloth, a set of Superwound 606 bass strings, and a hardware bag. The kind of extras that almost never survive this long.

In the interest of full transparency, there is an area of finish loss on the edge of the headstock. It's cosmetic, it's localized, and it's the only notable wear on an otherwise near-mint instrument. We photograph and disclose everything so you can buy with confidence.

If you've been searching for a vintage-correct, USA-made 4001 in Fireglo with real collector appeal and honest player credibility, this is the one. They don't come along in this condition very often.