For Sale: 1982 Rickenbacker 4001 – Aged White / Cream w/ Hard-Shell Case

Up for sale is a 1982 Rickenbacker 4001 in its original White finish, now beautifully aged to a warm yellow/cream patina, complete with a non-original hard-shell case.

This is a great-looking vintage 4001 with exactly the kind of natural aging players and collectors love to see. The original White finish has mellowed dramatically over the decades, giving the bass a rich cream-colored appearance that looks every bit as cool as it sounds.

The bass is all original with the exception of the bridge mute adjustment screws. The foam pad for the bridge mute is missing, and the original bridge pickup cover is also missing and is not included. Otherwise, the bass retains its original components and classic Rickenbacker character.

The included non-original hard-shell case shows some wear from use but remains fully functional and protects the bass well.

Condition

Good Condition

This bass has been played and shows plenty of honest vintage character throughout, including:

• Scratches
• Dings
• Finish checking throughout
• General cosmetic wear consistent with age and use
• Naturally aged White finish that has yellowed to a beautiful cream color

Please review all photos carefully for the most accurate representation of condition.

The aging and finish checking give the bass a fantastic vintage appearance and are entirely consistent with a well-played instrument from 1982.

The bass has been professionally inspected and set up and is playing well.

Current action is approximately 6/64" at the 12th fret on the low E string.

Originality

The bass remains highly original, with the following items to note:

• Bridge mute adjustment screws have been replaced
• Bridge mute foam pad is missing
• Bridge pickup cover is missing and not included

Everything else on the bass appears to be original.

Specifications

• Model: Rickenbacker 4001
• Year: 1982
• Serial Number: VE 1412
• Finish: White, Naturally Aged to Cream / Yellow
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Scale Length: 33.25"
• Pickups: Original Rickenbacker Pickups
• Electronics: Original
• Bridge: Original Rickenbacker Bridge
• Bridge Pickup Cover: Missing / Not Included
• Mute: Original Assembly, Missing Foam Pad
• Mute Adjustment Screws: Replaced
• Weight: 9 lbs 14 oz
• Case: Non-Original Hard-Shell Case

Tone & Feel

The Rickenbacker 4001 has one of the most recognizable bass voices ever recorded.

It delivers the signature combination of tight low end, aggressive upper mids, clear attack, and excellent note definition that made the 4001 a favorite among rock, progressive, punk, and alternative players.

The original pickups retain the unmistakable Rickenbacker character, with plenty of growl and articulation when played aggressively while still offering warm, detailed tones when backed off.

The rosewood fingerboard contributes to the smooth feel and familiar response of the instrument, while the classic Rickenbacker construction gives the bass its distinctive sustain and resonance.

At 9 lbs 14 oz, the bass has a substantial, solid feel and balances nicely in playing position.

Setup & Playability

This bass has been professionally set up and is ready to play.

The action is currently set to approximately 6/64" at the 12th fret on the low E string.

It plays comfortably and cleanly and has the firm, responsive feel players expect from a vintage 4001.

Naturally Aged White Finish

One of the coolest features of this bass is the way the original White finish has aged.

Over more than four decades, the finish has naturally shifted from bright White to a warm yellow/cream tone, giving the bass the unmistakable look of a genuine vintage instrument.

The finish checking throughout only adds to the character, creating the kind of appearance that modern relic finishes try to replicate but never quite capture.

Nothing about the aging looks artificial—it is simply the result of time, use, and decades of natural finish evolution.

Hard-Shell Case Included

The bass comes with a non-original hard-shell case.

The case shows cosmetic wear from use but remains fully functional and provides good protection for storage, travel, and shipping.

Transparency & Photos

As with all Guitar Chimp listings, detailed photos are provided of the exact instrument—no stock photos.

At the end of the photo set, you’ll find close-up images taken under direct lighting to clearly show the scratches, dings, finish checking, naturally aged finish, missing bridge pickup cover, case wear, and any other cosmetic imperfections.

We don’t just describe the condition—we show it in detail so there are no surprises.

Many customers tell us their instruments arrive in better condition than expected.

Why Buy From Guitar Chimp?

With over 18 years of experience, Guitar Chimp is trusted by players and collectors worldwide for high-quality, player-ready instruments.

Every bass is thoroughly inspected and professionally set up by our in-house luthier.

We have safely shipped thousands of guitars and basses around the world. Every instrument is professionally packed, fully insured, and shipped with signature confirmation.

Buy with confidence knowing your instrument will arrive safely and exactly as described.

📞 Call/Text: (801) 317-9013

💬 Message anytime—we’re always happy to help!

This 1982 Rickenbacker 4001 in White is a killer vintage example with beautiful natural aging, original pickups and electronics, classic rosewood fingerboard, and the unmistakable Rickenbacker tone that made the 4001 legendary. The original White finish has aged to a gorgeous yellow/cream color, and the scratches, dings, and finish checking give it tons of authentic vintage character.

Professionally set up and ready for its next owner.

🎸 Jerald – Guitar Chimp

Providing The Finest Guitars, Basses & Amps Since 2006