1981 Rickenbacker 4001SB Vintage Bass Walnut w/ Toaster Top & Case, 4001S Montezuma Brown

Up for sale, a 1981 Rickenbacker 4001SB in excellent, 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case and owner’s manual. An exceedingly rare custom color example, the 4001SB was Rickenbacker's first reissue bass loosely inspired by Sir Paul's 4001 with a Toaster Top pickup, contoured body, unbound neck with dot inlay and a "Walnut" gloss finish (a similar burst was later reissued as Montezuma Brown).

With absolutely tiny production totals from late 1981-1984, tonewoods include maple body and neck construction and a rosewood fingerboard. This Ric delivers a clear, resonant natural acoustic quality with excellent punch and note attack. The Hi-Gain pickup in the bridge position has plenty of growl and midrange presence, while the Toaster Top delivers both clarity and breadth. This 4001SB weighs 9lbs 7oz, professionally set up here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 45-100 flatwound strings, easy-playing action, and accurate intonation.

Neck Specs:

- Wood: Maple
- Shape: Chunky C, measuring .960” 1st fret, .970” 12th fret
- Fretboard: Rosewood, 7 1/4“ radius, dot inlay
- Frets: Slender, no wear
- Scale Length: 33 1/4”
- Nut: 1.650”
- Tuners: Clover button

Body Specs:

- Wood: Maple
- Pickups: Hi-Gain (B), Toaster Top (N)
- Controls: Volume x2, Tone x2, three-way pickup selector
- Harness: CTS pots date to 1981
- Hardware: Four-saddle bridge
- Plastics: One-ply pickguard
- Serialization: UL-prefix on jack plate dates to December, 1981

The gloss Walnut finish presents very cleanly with minor nicks and finish scratches on the body, largely near the output jack and rear strap button. The gloss on the neck profile is smooth and clean, with one small chip behind the 8th fret.

The original black tolex hardshell case and owner’s manual are included.