The 1966 Rickenbacker 4005 in Fireglo is one of the rarest and most distinctive vintage bass guitars to emerge from Rickenbacker’s golden era, combining the company’s unmistakable visual identity with a semi-acoustic body and twin toaster-style pickups.

Unlike the solid-body 4001, the 4005 uses a semi-acoustic maple body, giving it a more open and resonant response while retaining the clarity, articulation and unmistakable upper-mid character associated with classic Rickenbacker basses.

The elegant double-cutaway body, sweeping slash soundhole, triangle fingerboard inlays and Fireglo finish give the 4005 a visual presence unlike almost any other bass from the period.

This genuine 1966 example is in Very Good condition, weighs an actual 8.16 lbs, and includes a hardcase.

AT A GLANCE

Detail	Specification
Brand	Rickenbacker
Model	4005
Year	1966
Finish	Fireglo
Type	Vintage Semi-Acoustic Bass Guitar
Scale Length	Approx. 33¼"
Pickups	Twin Rickenbacker Toaster-Style Single Coils
Fingerboard	Rosewood
Weight	8.16 lbs
Condition	Very Good / Vintage Pre-Owned
Case	Hardcase Included

PRE-OWNED / VINTAGE CONDITION REPORT

This is a Pre-Owned 1966 Rickenbacker 4005 in Very Good condition.

As expected from a genuine vintage instrument of this age, there are signs of previous ownership, handling and natural cosmetic ageing.

The overall condition remains very good for a bass dating from 1966.

This individual instrument weighs 8.16 lbs.

A hardcase is included.

KEY FEATURES

• Genuine 1966 Rickenbacker 4005

• Vintage USA-made bass

• Fireglo finish

• Semi-acoustic construction

• Maple body

• Set maple/walnut neck

• Rosewood fingerboard

• Triangle fingerboard inlays

• Approx. 33¼" scale length

• Twin Rickenbacker toaster-style pickups

• Passive electronics

• 3-way pickup selector

• Individual Volume and Tone controls

• Mono / stereo output capability

• 4-saddle bridge

• Rickenbacker-style tailpiece

• Distinctive slash soundhole

• Chrome hardware

• Actual measured weight of 8.16 lbs

• Very Good vintage condition

• Hardcase included

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT

The 4005 is one of those vintage basses that manages to be instantly recognisable yet far less commonly encountered than Rickenbacker’s better-known solid-body models.

Its semi-acoustic construction gives the bass a broader and more resonant voice, while the toaster-style pickups retain the clarity and definition players expect from a classic Rickenbacker.

The Fireglo finish, elegant body shape and distinctive soundhole make it visually exceptional, while the relatively manageable 8.16 lbs weight helps make it practical as well as collectible.

DETAILED FEATURES & BENEFITS

Rare Vintage 4005

The 4005 was introduced during the 1960s as Rickenbacker’s semi-acoustic bass offering.

It was produced in far lower numbers than models such as the 4001 and is now one of the company’s more sought-after vintage basses.

1966 Production

This example dates from 1966, placing it firmly within the classic early production period of the model.

That makes it particularly appealing to collectors seeking an original 1960s Rickenbacker rather than a later recreation.

Semi-Acoustic Body

The 4005 uses a semi-acoustic body rather than the solid construction found on the 4001.

This gives the instrument a more open acoustic response and a slightly softer attack while preserving strong note definition.

Maple Construction

Maple is central to the traditional Rickenbacker sound.

Its naturally clear and articulate response complements the semi-acoustic design particularly well.

Fireglo Finish

The Fireglo finish is one of Rickenbacker’s most iconic colours.

Its red-to-natural burst highlights the body contours and gives the instrument an unmistakable vintage appearance.

Set Neck

The 4005 uses a set-neck construction rather than the neck-through arrangement found on some other Rickenbacker basses.

This contributes to the model’s distinct feel and response.

Maple/Walnut Neck

The neck uses traditional Rickenbacker maple and walnut construction.

This contributes to stability while preserving the bright, immediate response associated with the brand.

Rosewood Fingerboard

The rosewood fingerboard provides a smooth playing surface and traditional visual contrast against the lighter neck construction.

Triangle Inlays

Large pearlescent triangle markers are one of the defining cosmetic details of deluxe Rickenbacker instruments.

33¼" Scale Length

The 4005 uses Rickenbacker’s characteristic approximately 33¼" scale length.

This sits slightly below the conventional 34" long-scale standard and gives the bass its own distinctive feel.

Twin Toaster-Style Pickups

The bass is equipped with two vintage-style Rickenbacker toaster-top single-coil pickups.

These deliver a clear, articulate response with excellent note definition and plenty of harmonic detail.

Neck Pickup

The neck pickup provides the warmer and fuller voice of the two.

It works particularly well for rounder vintage bass tones and clean accompaniment.

Bridge Pickup

The bridge pickup adds extra attack and midrange definition.

It is especially effective for cutting through denser arrangements.

Dual-Pickup Control

The 3-way selector allows neck, both-pickups and bridge operation.

Separate Volume and Tone controls provide additional balancing flexibility.

Mono & Stereo Output

The 4005 platform includes Rickenbacker’s characteristic mono and stereo output capability, allowing conventional single-amp use or more complex dual-signal routing.

Four-Saddle Bridge

The bridge provides individual intonation adjustment across all four strings.

Rickenbacker Tailpiece

The distinctive tailpiece contributes strongly to the model’s unmistakable visual identity.

8.16 lbs Actual Weight

This individual bass weighs 8.16 lbs.

For a vintage semi-acoustic bass of this size, that is a very manageable figure for both standing and seated playing.

WHO IS IT FOR?

The 1966 Rickenbacker 4005 is particularly well suited to serious vintage bass collectors, Rickenbacker enthusiasts and players looking for a rare semi-acoustic bass with unmistakable 1960s character.

It will also appeal strongly to musicians working in classic rock, psychedelic music, indie, pop and recording environments where an articulate but resonant bass sound is desirable.

PLAYING STYLES & APPLICATIONS

The 4005 works particularly well for:

• Classic rock

• Psychedelic rock

• Indie

• Alternative

• Pop

• Vintage-style recording

• Clean bass tones

• Pick playing

• Melodic bass lines

• Studio work

Its semi-acoustic construction gives it a different character from a conventional solid-body bass, particularly on cleaner settings.

HOW IT COMPARES

4005 vs 4001

The 4001 is a solid-body / neck-through design associated with a tighter, more aggressive response.

The 4005 uses semi-acoustic construction, giving it a more open and resonant character.

4005 vs Conventional Hollow Bass

Many hollow and semi-hollow basses emphasise warmth and low-end softness.

The Rickenbacker retains considerably more upper-mid articulation and string definition.

Vintage 4005 vs Modern Reissue

Modern 4005-inspired instruments recreate much of the visual design and construction concept.

A genuine 1966 instrument, however, offers original-period materials, ageing and true 1960s production history.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Specification	Details
Product Type	Vintage Semi-Acoustic Bass Guitar
Brand	Rickenbacker
Model	4005
Year	1966
Country of Manufacture	USA
Finish	Fireglo
Body Type	Semi-Acoustic
Body Material	Maple
Neck Construction	Set Neck
Neck Material	Maple / Walnut
Fingerboard	Rosewood
Scale Length	Approx. 33¼"
Inlays	Pearlescent Triangle
Pickup Configuration	SS
Pickups	Twin Rickenbacker Toaster-Style Single Coils
Electronics	Passive
Controls	Individual Volume & Tone Controls
Switching	3-Way Pickup Selector
Outputs	Mono / Stereo
Bridge	4-Saddle
Tailpiece	Rickenbacker-Style
Hardware	Chrome
Weight	8.16 lbs
Case	Hardcase Included
Condition	Very Good / Vintage Pre-Owned

POWER REQUIREMENTS

None.

The 1966 Rickenbacker 4005 uses passive electronics and requires no battery or external power supply.

FAIR DEAL MUSIC EXPERT VERDICT ★★★★★

Best suited for: Vintage bass collectors, Rickenbacker enthusiasts and players looking for something significantly rarer than a conventional 4001.

Customers usually upgrade from: Modern Rickenbacker basses, premium semi-hollow basses and high-end vintage-inspired instruments.

Most commonly paired with: Clean valve or solid-state bass amplifiers, compression and straightforward vintage-style signal chains.

Our tip: Use the bridge pickup when you want the classic articulate Rickenbacker edge, then blend towards the neck pickup when you want the semi-acoustic construction to sound fuller and rounder.

Showroom feedback: The 4005 is much less commonly encountered than the 4001, and the combination of Fireglo, genuine 1966 manufacture and semi-acoustic construction makes this a particularly compelling vintage Rickenbacker.

WHY BUY PRE-OWNED FROM FAIR DEAL MUSIC?

Buying a genuine 1966 Rickenbacker 4005 is fundamentally different from buying a modern used bass.

This is an individual vintage instrument with nearly six decades of history and a specification that has become increasingly scarce on the vintage market.

This example is in Very Good condition, weighs 8.16 lbs, and includes a hardcase.

Fair Deal Music has decades of experience buying, selling and part-exchanging vintage, rare and high-value bass guitars.

WHY BUY FROM FAIR DEAL MUSIC?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Fair Deal Music combines a large Birmingham showroom with nationwide ecommerce and knowledgeable musician-led advice.

Customers benefit from:

• Family-run independent retailer established in 1987

• Birmingham's largest independent music store

• 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews

• Knowledgeable musician-led advice

• Extensive experience with vintage and high-value instruments

• Experience with Rickenbacker basses

• Large Birmingham showroom

• Secure online ordering

• Fast UK delivery

• Friendly customer support

• Part-exchange and trade-in service

• Request a Video Demo option

TRADE IN. TRADE UP. SAVE MORE.

Your current bass, vintage instrument or collection could help towards the cost of this 1966 Rickenbacker 4005.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges basses, guitars, amplifiers, effects, keyboards and a wide range of musical equipment.

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation.

PART EXCHANGE / TRADE-IN

If you own a vintage bass or other high-value musical instrument you are considering replacing, Fair Deal Music can assess it for part exchange.

Trading in can remove many of the complications involved in selling valuable vintage instruments privately while allowing their value to go directly towards your next purchase.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is this a genuine 1966 Rickenbacker 4005?

Yes. This is a genuine 1966 Rickenbacker 4005.

What finish does it have?

It has the classic Fireglo finish.

Is the 4005 hollow?

It uses semi-acoustic construction, giving it more resonance than a conventional solid-body bass.

What is the body made from?

The body is constructed from maple.

What is the neck made from?

The neck uses traditional maple and walnut construction.

What fingerboard does it have?

It has a rosewood fingerboard.

What is the scale length?

Approximately 33¼ inches.

What pickups does it use?

It uses two vintage-style Rickenbacker toaster-top single-coil pickups.

Are the electronics passive?

Yes.

Does it have stereo output capability?

Yes. The 4005 platform provides mono and stereo output options.

What controls does it have?

It uses separate Volume and Tone controls together with a 3-way pickup selector.

Does it require a battery?

No.

How much does it weigh?

This individual bass weighs 8.16 lbs.

Does it come with a case?

Yes. A hardcase is included.

Is the hardcase original?

The case has not been confirmed as original, so it is simply described as a hardcase.

What condition is it in?

This example is in Very Good condition for a genuine vintage bass.

Is the 4005 rare?

Yes. Original 1960s 4005 basses are far less common than Rickenbacker’s better-known 4001 and 4003 models.

Is it suitable for classic rock?

Yes. Its articulate pickups and strong upper-mid definition work particularly well for classic rock and melodic bass playing.

Is it suitable for recording?

Yes. The semi-acoustic body gives it a distinctive tonal character that can sit very well in studio arrangements.

How does it differ from a 4001?

The 4005 uses semi-acoustic construction and a set neck, while the 4001 is associated with solid construction and a neck-through design.

Can I request a video demo?

Yes. A video demo is strongly recommended for a vintage instrument of this significance, allowing you to hear the individual pickups and inspect the condition in more detail.

Can I arrange an in-person inspection?

Yes. A vintage Rickenbacker of this rarity is especially well suited to an in-person inspection at Fair Deal Music’s Birmingham showroom.

Can I part-exchange another vintage bass against it?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers vintage, collectible and modern musical instruments for part exchange.