Building My Own Rickenbacker Bass: The Complete Build

The whole lot in one go (abridged).

[sandropertini]

All the people talking shit about this project don't know the first thing about anything. To begin with, this is the first DIY 4001 copy I've seen being made with the proper neck-through setup. The PJ configuration is a bit eccentric, but those EMGs are very solid pickups; on the count of the bass being ugly, the whole point of making custom instruments, or really any custom thing, is that you're building something to your own taste and your own taste only. The only things I find were something of missed opportunities are the fact that you didn't include double trussrods and that you didn't wire it up to mimic ric-o-sound. But hey, to each their own!

[OlafFichtner]

Wow! Most builds I've seen here were by people with a really large machine park, including full-blown CNCs etc. You were using almost exclusively handtools, some even manual. That brings it a little more into the range of mere mortals. Thanks for sharing!

[izzysantiago]

Even though I never like the style and feel of the Rics, you constructed a bass to your own very desire which some may criticize but I'm pretty sure they can't glue 2 popsicles sticks together to make a thicker one. Good Job!

[gregoftheyoyo]

No way! My first attempt at a bass build was a rick style bass with those Geezer Butler pickups! Great work man!

[GrahamDallas]

It's been a great series, can't wait to hear it.

[CMRWoodworks]

Cool build! I‘ve always liked the look of the Rickenbacker bass.

[sephx]

Well done my guy,
You can charge any amount you see fit for this amazing work.
Bravo.

[NiallLeechphoto]

Great job on the build! I'm halfway through my first ever guitar build and started with the same plans. Very detailed and accurate which is helping a lot. I went by the letter and ended up ordering the twin truss rods which need to be routed and then covered.. don't know why I didn't go with a standard single rod like you.. would've saved a lot of hassle and cash! Anyway. Well done on a great build!

[rossrichards]

You did a beautiful job. Even more so using scrap materials. Amazing! Would've liked to have heard what it sounds like.

[omg_wtf]

Well done bro, you should be well proud of that work.

[Conveop]

I really want to build one and this is a very good video to start research

[jeanmidu]

wouha elle est juste magnifique en plus avec les micros EMG qui vont bien, quel beau travail

[michaelvaldes]

Great Build! I was trying to build a Rickenbacker myself and have had a hard time finding a good plan. Could you help me in finding where you got your plans or point me in the direction of a good resource? Thanks!

[lomaloma]

oh jesus, the bass looks like dr. Frankenstein and Steavie Wonder built an instrument together

[marcelopose]

Excelente trabajo!! Yo tambien soy Luthier aficionado, es mi hobby preferido. Hace 6 años hice para mi hijo mayor un bajo modelo Gibson Thunderbird. Utilicé un marco de cedro de 2 pulgadas de espesor de una puerta antigua. Quedó perfecto y con muy buen sustain debido a la antigüedad de la madera y su densidad.

[Adventuresfromtheshedofdreams]

Great reuse of timber. You must be chuffed with it 😀

[FulcrumsEdge]

Active EMG pickups do not need shielding tape or conductive paint to reduce noise from RF interference, one part of the overall premise of active pickups is to send a balanced/self powered, IE "noiseless" signal to your amplifier.

[unamericano]

Absolutely gorgeous. Is there a sound test? I have those same black flats on my fretless and I'd love to hear them on this beauty.

[Isaiah-ftnx]

Wow! Fantastic! I read that you were having electrical hiccups, but how does the bass feel overall? How's the bass holding up 6 months later?

[Mephistotheles]

Nice work considering what you had to work with. However there seems to be gaps between the body, top and also the neck joint. It could become a problem in the long run. Still very impressive craftsmanship nonetheless.