The Rickenbacker 4001 is a bass guitar model manufactured by Rickenbacker International Corporation. It was first introduced in 1961 as an upgrade to the Rickenbacker 4000 bass, and quickly became popular among bass players for its distinctive sound and sleek design.
The Rickenbacker 4001 features a solid body made of maple or walnut, with a neck-through design for improved sustain and resonance. The neck is made of maple and features a rosewood or maple fingerboard with dot inlays. The bass is equipped with two single-coil pickups, each with its own volume and tone controls, as well as a 3-way pickup selector switch.
One of the most notable features of the Rickenbacker 4001 is its distinctive "cresting wave" body shape, which has become a trademark of the Rickenbacker brand. The bass also features a unique bridge design, which allows for individual string height and intonation adjustment.
The Rickenbacker 4001 has been used by many famous bass players over the years, including Paul McCartney of the Beatles, Lemmy Kilmister of Motorhead, Geddy Lee of Rush, and Chris Squire of Yes. Its distinctive sound and unique design have made it a favorite among bass players in a wide range of musical genres, from rock and metal to jazz and funk.