Initially developed as a deluxe, two-pickup upgrade to Rickenbacker’s 4000 bass, the Rickenbacker 4001 bass guitar has become a notable model for its long list of famous players. First released in 1961 with production lasting through the very early ‘80s, the 4001 has earned fans in bass players like Lemmy Kilmister, Kim Gordon, Rick James, Geddy Lee, and many, many more. The extra pickup was added to the 4001 to widen tonal possibilities and up the bass frequency response.