The series of bass guitars produced by the manufacturer started with the Rickenbacker 4000 series in 1957 and then followed by the 4001 model 4 years later in 1961. The Rickenbacker 4001 would become their best and most popular bass guitar. Other models were made, such as the 4002 bass guitar, which had a limited edition run of less than 120 models and then the Rickenbacker 4008, an 8 string bass guitar. 

One of the main differences with Rickenbacker guitars, whether they be normal electric guitars or bass guitars, is the inclusion of a Rick-O-Sound output as well as the normal audio jack. The Rick-O-Sound output is designed to give the guitar a dual audio output at the same time, from different pickups on the guitar body. This means that you could have the high end pickup through one amplifier and the low, deep pickups sent through to another amp. This gave the bass guitar its signature, classic sound that made it such a popular choice.

The distinctive crest wave shaped 4001 model is made from maple and walnut with a rosewood fretboard. It features 2 pickups, 2 volume and 2 tone controls and a standard pickup selector switch. The Rick-O-Sound version was first produced and made available in 1971 and fretless versions of the Rickenbacker 4001 model were available through special order from the factory.

The 4001 came in Sunburst, Cherry, Black, Walnut, Natural wood and white colors.

A 4001S model of the bass guitar was also produced which had no binding dot and fingerboard inlays. A left handed version of this guitar was used by Paul McCartney of The Beatles on several of their tracks during their reign over the pop world.

Other famous players of the Rickenbacker 4001 bass guitar are The Who, Pink Floyd, Deep Purple and Genesis.

The Rickenbacker 4001 guitar is still available to buy today, but models such as the 169 rickenbacker 4001 or the 1977 Rickenbacker 4001 are very collectible items if you are interested in owning vintage guitars. You can expect to pay nearly as much for a brand new 4001 as you can for a vintage model, so bear that in mind if you intend to purchase one.