RICKENBACKER 4005/6

  • Rickenbacker 4005/6 electric bass guitar
    Rickenbacker 4005/6
  • Rickenbacker 4005/6 left-handed electric bass guitar
    Rickenbacker 4005/6 (lefty)

Overview

Brand name: 

Product: 

  • bass guitars

Series name: 

Variant of: 

Dates of manufacture: 

1965 to 1978

The Rickenbacker 4005/6 bass was a six-string version of the 4005 model, introduced in 1965 and made until 1978. The 4005/6 was similar in conception to the Fender VI bass begin tuned EADGBE, but an octave lower than a guitar. The 4005/6, however had a full 33.5 inch scale length (unlike the short scale Fender VI). Both rounded-top and WB (non-rounded bound top) versions of the 4005/6 were made, as well at least one left handed 4005/6. While the six-string bass was offered on price lists from 1967 to '78, very few were made in total.

Source: The Rickenbacker Electric Bass - 50 Years As Rock's Bottom. Paul D. Boyer (2013, Hal Leonard publisher).

Source: Guitarz blog left handed 4005/6

Specifications (25)

Controls

EQ or mix controlsmix control
Pickup selector controls3-way selector switch
Tone controls2 tone controls
Volume controls2 volume controls

Electronics

Pickups configuration2 single coil pickups

General

Finish colorsnatural finish
Made inUSA
Number of strings6 strings
Scale length33.5 inches scale length

Body

Body materialmaple body
Body shape featuresdouble cutaway
Body stylecresting wave style
Hollow bodysemi-hollow body
Pickguard materialwhite pickguard
Soundholewedge-shaped soundhole

Hardware

Bridgetune-o-matic bridge
Hardware colorchrome hardware
Tailpiecetrapeze tailpiece

Fretboard

Fingerboard inlay materialpearl fingerboard inlay material
Fingerboard materialrosewood fingerboard
Fingerboard position markerstriangle fingerboard position markers

Neck

Neck jointneck through body
Neck materialmaple and walnut neck
Number of frets21 fret
Tuner layoutthree-each-side

Prices (1)

DatePriceConditionNameComments
1967$500good

Reviews (1)

RICKENBACKER 4005/6 reviewed by Guitartec

5
Average: 5 (1 vote)
5/26/2023- A beautiful short scale 6-string bass that's difficult to find strings for that actually fit correctly. Here's why.... With a 33.5" scale length and the 2 D&G strings anchored from the trapeze to tuners that sit a few miles away on the headstock, it requires some extra long guitar strings that are wound their full length. Typically, the 4005-6 is tuned E to E, but one octave lower using string gauges going from approximately .024-.034-.044-.056-.072-.084, which string manufacturers simply don't make long enough to fit this instrument. Long scale (30.5") baritone strings usually leave the string core sitting in the nut. Even long scale baritone strings are generally only 30.5" or so, so if you find a set that fits throughout it's full length, keep them in an air-tight ziplock freezer bag and bury them in the back yard. If I find a string set or a manufacturer willing to make such a set, I will post it here. Guitartec Repair, Medway, MA

Gallery (0)

Players (1)

Famous RICKENBACKER 4005/6 players: