Rickenbacker;Chris Squire;Paul Karslake Painted! VERY RARE BASS! Only 2 exist!!!

Brand: Rickenbacker
;String Configuration: 4 String
;Model: Bass
;Dexterity: Right-Handed
;Style: 4003
;Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
;Body Type: Solid

Rickenbacker;Chris Squire;Paul Karslake Painted! VERY RARE BASS! Only 2 exist!!!

THIS IS A NO RESERVE AUCTION! 

Extremely rare and amazing bass, unique and sought-after Pre '73 configuration:

Built for Chris Squire in 2007 (as confirmed by SN look up on Rickenbacker site), Horseshoe Treble Pick up, Toaster neck Pick up positioned closer to fret board / neck (as per his model & specs) than Rick offers on a 4003

- in essence key features of the pre-1973 4001's in a 2007 factory made 4003!

Its in great used condition, some light evidence of use. Please ask if you want more details/close up pictures etc.

As per the Dealer in the UK I bought it from (Alan Jones of Als Guitars in Essex): 

In 2007 Chris Squire from the band YES commissioned 6 Rickenbacker 4003 Specials to be constructed. They were later shipped from the US to Uuited Kingdom's famous painter to the stars Paul Karslake for a special Airbrush finish on the front which was carried out in 2010. Chris collected only three of the six. This is only the second ever produced of the yellow version (Chris took the other yellow one). 

A true gem with Rickenbacker's maker's initials in the neck pocket and Paul's own words and signature dated directly below. 

In the control pocket reads the model name & number as well as the serial number (see picture)

• I contacted Paul Karslake and he confirmed this in writing including a certificate of authenticity (see picture). I will provide the email / certificate which he verified, and again - his signature noting "painted for Chris Squire" is shown right inside the bass with matching serial number!

Configuration Details: The 4003 Special has a specially prepared fingerboard , a factory installed "Toaster " neck pickup and a 4001 type "Horseshoe Magnet" bridge pickup. This was a "one off" run of 6, a configuration that Rickenbacker did for Chris never offered before on any 4003 bass with this pickup configuration, ( N.B. The only previous examples of these vintage reissue pickups being factory installed are on 40001V63,4001V64 and on 4001 Chris Squire models), and logo on headstock and a satin natural finish throughout except for the gloss front colour of Paul's painting which is a beautiful, unique & subtle shade of yellow burst. This is a chance to own one of only six built, only 2 of which are yellow (Chris has three including the other yellow one), in the World  - this instrument was made for one of the greats.

Given Rickenbacker did not make/offer a 2007 with these features, and the photo's, documentation & relation Chris had with Paul, the story is well validated. 

Paul's unique style of painting has earned him accolades over the years and his fascination with pop and cultural icons including many paintings of Ronnie Wood, Keith Richards and the Stones are fabulous. He has painted - airbrushed many of Keith and Ronnie's guitars which they have used on stage ( please see Paul's website  'paulkarslake.com' for details and pictures of his work).

Chris Squire's unique style of playing and sound means his work on the bass for YES and his own projects have put him amongst a unique small group of players of the Rickenbacker bass including Paul McCartney.

I will ship fully insured internationally at buyer's choice &cost, please email to request an actual quote as EBAY's shipping estimator DOES NOT INCLUDE INSURANCE!!!!!). All Duties and Taxes are the responsibility of the receiver/buyer. It will be shipped in the Original Box noting "Backonlicker" in felt pen and include the soft shell case from Europe originally shipped to me in.

Please request a quote if you are interested! Sounds and plays fantastic! This bass emulates the amazing sounds heard on Chris's recordings very well! crunchy, powerful, crisp, clear, full, deep tones - I have played it along side tunes like Round-about, heart of the sunrise, south side of the sky, and its amazing how close it sounds! - note - i use the following gear  - bergantino AE cabs and Hartke LH1000, USA MADE SVT, Markbass amps and i can get close tone matches from all of them. 

Email for videos or just search: jjmf48 on youtube to find a few made with little / no eq'ing to hear the bass.

Now from From the RICKENBACKER SITE: 

The Classic Rickenbacker bass - famous for its ringing sustain, treble punch and solid underlying bass. A subtle strip of binding graces the elegantly curved body and the Rosewood fingerboard. Deluxe triangular inlays and stereo capability are standard features.

Specifications
Body Type Solid
No. Frets 20
Scale Length 84.5 cm (33 1/4'')
Neck Width at Nut 42.9 mm (1 11/16'')
Neck Width at 12th Fret 54.0 mm (2 1/8'')
Crown Radius 25.4 cm (10'')
Body Wood Maple
Neck Wood Maple
Fingerboard Wood Rosewood
Weight 4.1 kg (9.0 lbs.)
Overall Length 113.8 cm (44 13/16'')
Overall Width 34.3 cm (13 1/2'')
Overall Depth 31.8 mm (1 1/4'')
Neck Binding Yes
Fret Marker Style Triangle
Tailpiece RIC
Bridge RIC
Neck Type Through body
No. of Pickups 2
Type of Pickups Single Coil
Output Type Mono and Stereo
Machine Heads Schaller Deluxe

Rickenbacker;Chris Squire;Paul Karslake Painted! VERY RARE BASS! Only 2 exist!!!

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