Up for sale is a battle-tested, incredible-sounding 1978 Rickenbacker 4001 in a naturally aged white finish. This is a true player's instrument with a rich stage history and top-tier functional upgrades, making it an absolute powerhouse for both recording engineers and touring musicians.

History & Pedigree:

This bass has been played extensively on stages and in studios across Europe. It was a main workhorse for prominent Austrian bands Thirsty Eyes, Fijuka, and 78plus. It is fully broken in, vibey, and ready for its next chapter.

Premium Upgrades & Tone:

• JBE R4000 Pickups: Professionally upgraded with Joe Barden Engineering (JBE) R4000 pickups. These are widely regarded as the ultimate tonal upgrade for a 4001. They deliver the classic, aggressive Rickenbacker punch and clarity but are completely hum-free—a lifesaver for small clubs with dirty power or high-gain studio tracking.
• Hipshot Bridge: Swapped for a Hipshot replacement bridge/tailpiece, which dramatically improves sustain, individual string intonation, and allows for comfortable palm muting.
• Note: The original Rickenbacker tailpiece is included in the sale if you ever wish to return it to stock configuration, only the bridgcover is missing, replacements can be found easily and cheap.

Condition & Playability:

• Neck: The neck is perfectly straight, the dual truss rods work exactly as they should, and it plays effortlessly across the entire board.
• Cosmetics: This bass has an authentic, honest "player's grade" vintage aesthetic. It looks quite worn with plenty of natural finish aging and lacquer wear from years of dedicated road use. None of the wear is structural—this bass is rock solid and looks great.
• Electronics: Fully functional, quiet, and reliable.

Shipping & Logistics:

• Location: Vienna, Austria (European Union).
• Case: Hard case is not included, but the bass will be packed professionally and securely in a heavy-duty guitar box.
• Delivery: Local pickup in Vienna is highly welcome. Alternatively, fully insured worldwide shipping is available.

If you are looking for a museum piece to keep in a closet, this isn't it. But if you want one of the best-sounding, most reliable, and gig-ready 4001 basses on the market, this is the one.