An exceptionally cool early-1972 example of one of Rickenbacker's most iconic basses, this 4001 was built in March 1972 and retains a number of desirable features associated with the earlier 4001 construction. Serial #LC 202 dates the instrument to March 1972, right around an important transitional period in 4001 production. This example retains the earlier-style neck-through construction without the contrasting center "skunk stripe" found on subsequent instruments, along with distinctly visible walnut headstock wings. Finished in classic Mapleglo, the bass features checkerboard body binding, a bound fingerboard with large crushed-pearl triangle inlays, dual truss rods, and the unmistakable cresting-wave Rickenbacker headstock. The electronics retain both original pickups, including the toaster-style neck pickup and original bridge pickup, and both are functioning properly. Together they provide the bright articulation, upper-midrange presence, and distinctive growl that made early 4001s some of the most recognizable basses of the era. This instrument has had previous fingerboard reglue work, and an area of separation near the nut has been professionally fixed. The repair is disclosed for accuracy and should be considered when comparing this bass with untouched collector-grade examples. Please see the photographs for additional detail. The original case is no longer present; a non-original hardshell Rickenbacker case is included. With its early March 1972 serial number, pre-skunk-stripe construction, walnut headstock wings, checkerboard binding and original pickups, this is a particularly interesting example from a transitional period in Rickenbacker 4001 production. Key Features Early 1972 Rickenbacker 4001 Mapleglo finish Early pre-skunk-stripe neck-through construction Walnut headstock wings Checkerboard body binding Bound fingerboard Large crushed-pearl triangle inlays Original toaster-style neck pickup Original bridge pickup Non-original Rickenbacker case included Specifications: Manufacturer: RickenbackerModel: 4001Year: 1972Serial Number: LC 202Production Date: March 1972Country of Manufacture: USAFinish: MaplegloConstruction: Neck-ThroughNeck: Maple, early pre-skunk-stripe constructionHeadstock Wings: WalnutFingerboard: RosewoodFingerboard Binding: WhiteBody Binding: CheckerboardInlays: Crushed-Pearl TriangleFrets: 20Scale Length: 33 1/4"Neck Pickup: Original Toaster-Style PickupBridge Pickup: Original Rickenbacker PickupControls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone, 3-Way Pickup SelectorOutputs: Mono and Rick-O-Sound StereoBridge/Tailpiece: Rickenbacker Bridge/TailpieceCase: Non-Original Hardshell Case Vintage & Condition Notes: Serial #LC 202 places this bass in March 1972, during a transitional period in Rickenbacker 4001 construction. Notably, this instrument does not exhibit the contrasting center neck stripe associated with the later multi-piece neck construction and retains walnut headstock wings, both characteristic of the earlier configuration. Both pickups are original to the instrument and are functioning properly. The fingerboard has evidence of previous reglue work. An area of separation near the nut has subsequently been repaired and stabilized. This work is disclosed as part of the instrument's history and is reflected in its pricing relative to an untouched collector-grade example. The hardshell Rickenbacker case is not original to the instrument. As with any vintage instrument, prospective buyers are encouraged to review all photographs closely for cosmetic condition and evidence of age, wear, and previous work.