The Rickenbacker 4001CS is a limited-edition series electric bass guitar based on Chris Squire’s 1964 British model bass. Only 1,000 were made between 1991 and 2000. The 4001CS is another instrument from Rickenbacker’s Limited Edition Series. These instruments, commissioned by and for prominent artists who favored Rickenbacker instruments, incorporate features which are favored by the artist or reminiscent of their most famous Rickenbacker instrument. Squire’s original bass was part of the model lineup exported to England in 1964, in the rush of the Beatles’ rise to prominence. The group’s association with Rickenbackers had English musicians clamoring for the instruments. An agreement was forged with the Rose-Morris music chain in England to sell Rickenbackers, and special model features and designations were given to the instruments. In the case of the 4001 bass, the English model 1999 eschewed the stereooutput, triangular neck inlays, and checkered body binding and neck binding of the American model. The 4001CS incorporates some features associated with Squire, such as the cream finish, which is not original to his bass; Chris' was produced with a Fireglo, Rickenbacker not making basses in this color in the ‘60s. Additionally, the African Vermillion fretboard and headstock wings are a feature unique to the 4001CS. Each 4001CS bass was supplied with a silver Rickenbacker vintage-style case, and a certificate of authenticity detailing the bass’ origin, serial number, and Limited Edition sequence number. The 4001CS is difficult to counterfeit due to its African Vermillion appointments but the presence of the certificate has bearing on the value of the instrument. The special cream finish on early serial number 4001CS basses is somewhat brittle, and the finish often chips at the edges where the tailpiece screws to the body.
History
In 1965, while 17 and working in a music store, Chris Squire bought his famous RM1999 bass that he used in Syn, Yes, and XYZ. The RM1999 was one of four 4001S imported to the UK. In 1990, during an interview on "Star Licks", he announced that Rickenbacker would release a copied version of his bass.
