The man responsible for this was Roger Rossmeisl, a German émigré and certified “gitarrenbaumeister” (master guitar maker) hired by Rickenbacker’s F.C. Hall in 1954. Rossmeisl specialized in high-level woodworking and craftsmanship and pushed for the technically challenging neck-through design, which became a standard feature of the company’s products. Rossmeisl stayed with Rickenbacker for just eight years, but his designs have remained an enduring staple of the company catalog.
The 4000 also marked the first appearance of the distinctive and classic “cresting wave” body and headstock shape. Its 331/4" scale became the standard for Rickenbacker basses. The early 4000s, like this month’s subject, had thick bodies; Rickenbacker then thinned and contoured the design when it introduced the much-more-famous 4001 in 1961. Both the 4000 and the 4001 had the horseshoe-style pickup until the high-gain pickup was introduced in 1969.
This particular bass, serial number B9163, has an interesting history. It’s owned by Bobby Bradley, a renowned Nashville engineer, producer, and bass enthusiast, who bought it in 1977. Though the 4000 was originally offered in Mapleglo and Fireglo, this one was a funky orange until Bobby refinished it in cream and replaced the original gold pickguard (which was cracked) with a black one. The previous owner had drilled dozens of small holes in the back of the bass in an attempt to lighten it. Bobby filled in the holes with dowels, but the work left an odd pockmark pattern on the back. Of course, that doesn’t hurt its playability or sound.
In its essential character, this bass’s sound is quite different from the 4001’s, due to the positioning of the single pickup. It lacks the extreme lows and highs of the 4001, but it has a punchy midrange bark that holds its own in a track. The neck-through design, which was much more demanding to construct, gives this bass a sustain and clarity that’s almost impossible to find in any bass of that era. The neck is slim and fast, and its low action—always a Ric trademark—makes playing busy, slippery runs seem effortless.
The popularity and versatility of the 4001, driven by the Beatles’ Paul McCartney and Yes’s Chris Squire, made the 4000 something of a dinosaur by the late ’60s. In the mid ’70s it was modified to a set-neck design, and it disappeared from the Rickenbacker line by the mid ’80s. Regardless, the cool look, masterful construction, and Roger Rossmeisl’s design skills are obvious in this instrument. The Rickenbacker 4000 is a fascinating glimpse of bass guitar history from a time when there were few or no rules or common practices in bass building. Thanks to the vision of Rossmeisl and Rickenbacker, this glimpse of the future still speaks loud and clear from nearly 50 years ago.