LeftyBassist.com

Most of us have a “bucket list” of basses we’ve hoped to own at some point, and I’ve been fortunate to be able cross several off my list. But one that I know is highly unlikely if even possible at all, is the Rickenbacker 4005. I know all will not agree, but I think the 4005 was beautiful and unique, one of my all-time favorite designs for a semi hollow full scale bass. But from all my research over the years (aside from that $15K 1968 Fireglo 4005-6 string at Chicago Music Exchange) I’ve only spotted one lefty 4 string that ever existed: a 1967 Mapleglo supposedly built back in the day for Sir Paul, who never took delivery, and which passed thru Chicago Music Exchange several years ago (when I wasn't paying attention) into the hands of some nice bloke on the other side of the ocean...

...So I decided the only solution was to take matters into my own hands, and try to recreate a 4005 for my personal use to the extent that I could (I’m not a builder so starting completely from ground zero was out of the question). I acquired a 4005 copy from a builder in China. I know some may have issues with that, but I won’t debate it here. And after all, Rickenbacker isn’t going to make any, period. The dealer in China was good to work with, I was able to specify the Fireglo finish I wanted, and received pics of the build as it was in progress. Once received I was very pleased overall with the “bones” of the build, and started making alterations.

First, the modern bridge assembly looked totally inappropriate on the vintage design, so I replaced it with a vintage bridge and cover I had in the parts bin- I was able to modify the vintage bridge to use the existing bridge posts. Second, I added a set of age correct Rickenbacker knobs. Third, the cheap 3 ply two-tier pickguard the factory used is actually for a 330 guitar, too small for a 4005 bass, which caused the control location to be wrong as well. I ordered a correct plexiglass guard from Pickguardian, and routed the control cavity to allow for correct positioning of the controls.

I have the bass strung with TI flats and the original electronics are adequate if somewhat generic, so next I will be tackling the replacement of pickups, pots, etc. with correct Rickenbacker components.

All things considered it's turned out to be a great project... the overall build quality easily equals the stuff I've gotten from Eastwood, etc., the neck and fretwork were great out of the box. After a thorough setup and few tweaks the bass played beautifully, and at approx. 9 lbs the weight and balance is just right. I'm having a lot of fun with it!

That looks really nice, man!

how cool is that! I'm surprised it weighs in around your 9 lbs limit. I would have though the bass would have come in around 7 lbs for some reason.

Thanks, I've pulled this out at a few jams and jaws just dropped, so I thought you guys might like to see it. As for the weight, at a glance you might think it would be a bit lighter, but it is only semi-hollow and at full 34" scale it's a long bass... there's a lot of wood there! By comparison the 1968 4005-6 lefty at Chicago Music Exchange is 8lbs 10oz, so this one is pretty much in the ballpark with an original vintage 4005, though I'm sure back in the day the weight varied somewhat from bass to bass. With that long upper horn design it balances so well that it's easy to control and doesn't feel heavy at all.

All that makes sense. I didn't grok it was 34 inch scale.

Is that the TRC that shipped with the bass?

Yes. At some point I'll probably try to have a "Carminebacker" (or something) TRC made for it.

That is so cool. I saw a band last year called The Get-It whose bassist had Saul Koll Guitars build him a 4005 style from scratch, but it was around $5k. Your idea seems much better. I didn't realize the Chinese company made lefty bodies for those.

They didn't- until I asked if they could/ would do it!

That looks simply stunning. Awesome job, Carmine.

Was the body purchased via one of those AliExpress Asian type companies?

Thanks PJ. PM sent

Could you PM me the link to the dealer you purchased this from?

Thanks. P.S. nice job!

BEAUTIFUL job!!

Hi all, I am that 'nice bloke from the other side of the ocean' (thanks for the compliment ) and I did indeed buy the 4005/4 from CME in October 2005. As already said it is one of only two lefty 4005 basses ever made, the other being the 4005/6FG that CME have now. I have knowledge of most of it's history from new.It is available now if someone wants it but bear in mind that it won't be cheap (It cost me more than my first house did!).

Exactly, but then I bought my first house a long time ago when they cost a lot less than they do now.