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).
Specifications (25)
Controls
EQ or mix controls | mix control |
Pickup selector controls | 3-way selector switch |
Tone controls | 2 tone controls |
Volume controls | 2 volume controls |
Electronics
Pickups configuration | 2 single coil pickups |
General
Finish colors | natural finish |
Made in | USA |
Number of strings | 6 strings |
Scale length | 33.5 inches scale length |
Body
Body material | maple body |
Body shape features | double cutaway |
Body style | cresting wave style |
Hollow body | semi-hollow body |
Pickguard material | white pickguard |
Soundhole | wedge-shaped soundhole |
Hardware
Bridge | tune-o-matic bridge |
Hardware color | chrome hardware |
Tailpiece | trapeze tailpiece |
Fretboard
Fingerboard inlay material | pearl fingerboard inlay material |
Fingerboard material | rosewood fingerboard |
Fingerboard position markers | triangle fingerboard position markers |
Neck
Neck joint | neck through body |
Neck material | maple and walnut neck |
Number of frets | 21 fret |
Tuner layout | three-each-side |
Prices (1)
Date | Price | Condition | Name | Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|
1967 | $500 | good |
Reviews (1)
RICKENBACKER 4005/6 reviewed by Guitartec
Guitartec
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