The 4000 model, Rickenbacker’s first electric-bass, was introduced in 1955. It was designed by German luthier Roger Rossmeisel. From the very beginning it had several key design features that helped it stand out from other electric basses including: neck-through construction, cresting wave body, bass-bout horn, unique headstock shape, and frets clear of the body.

Only a few models were made in 1955. Several changes were made to the design over the years - maple/walnut necks were introduced in 1960, and fireglo became a finish option. In 1963 a bridge mute was added and more finish options (black and autumnglo). The horseshoe pickup was changed to a metal-covered single coil unit in 1964.