The Fireglo finish is one of Rickenbacker’s most iconic and enduring color options. Known for its striking gradient effect that transitions from a rich, deep red at the edges to a lighter, almost golden hue in the center, Fireglo has been a favorite among musicians and collectors since its introduction in the late 1950s.
While the core concept of the Fireglo finish has remained consistent, there have been subtle variations over the years. Early Fireglo finishes tended to have a more pronounced gradient, while later versions sometimes feature a softer transition. Collectors often seek out specific eras of Fireglo finishes, each with its unique character and charm.
An interesting example: '58 serial number, but features of a '56. Most likely made in 1956 and then 'finished up' in 1958. Somewhat supported by it also having a 'weird serial number'.
And that Fireglo finish? hmm, never seen another...! And it has a black case. They didn't have black cases in '58. :P
December '60.
Not sure why some of these have the black tip and the 5th knob, but it's not uncommon.
Neck finish played off, and chips in all the right places. Love this.
June '61.
Single pickup, with the bridge cover and the 'tin' truss-rod cover.
September '64.
The short-scale Ryder. A student model with 18 frets.
October '65.
6 string bass? Yeah, sure.
The 4005 in the 6-string variety. Very cool. Nice flame on the body. Weird to play.
Extra thumb rest added, some bumps and bruises but in great shape!
January '66.
The little short scale with the F-hole.
460 with Van Ghent tuners
April '67.
12-string with the converter that allows you to make it a 6 string/9 string, etc.
Don't believe people that say it doesn't work well - very cool for recording/studio use!
May '67.
This is the export version of the 4005, mostly exported to Italy.
This bass was the one used by Bobby Posner of the Rokes, hence the signature on the pickguard.
Knbos missing the tops, Winfield harp tail, that TRC is a fake. :P
June '72.
'72 was (generally) the last year of the 'good stuff' -> checked binding and crushed inlays. This is an example in relatively poor condition - very yellowed/tobacco stains throughout, the outer binding is missing in places, and replaced hardware.
And yet its beautiful and it rocks!
October, '87.
Pete Townshend limited edition of the model 1998. No real differences vs. the 1998 reissue RIC was making at the time, excpet with an R-tail and the signature guard.
One of the 'less interesting' signature editions due to these small differences from the 'not limited' instrument.
March, '88.
This is a nice looking WB (With Binding) with a great burst.
The mix of the vitnage and modern features have grown on me, and they're certainly getting harder to find!
July, '89.
SPC due to an 'extra wide' neck, and the RM controls. This was made for Dan Seals.
A wild lefty RIC indeed. Look at the TRC vs the size of the neck - lots wider than a 660...
November, '94.
Reissue of the 1993, made in 1994 for Norm's.
Flamed, gold plastic, gold hardware. :)
September, '96.
This special is a 'normal' 360v64 six-string with the substitution of an F hole. Which makes it a lot better. :)
November, '00.
The Carl Wilson limited edition. Which is an odd one because he, for the most part, played a different model. And most of these came flamed, and his certainly wasn't. And when you think Beach Boys don't you think Jazzmasters or something....
Regadless, it's a cool guitar. It saw the return of the X-bracing. This particular one has a bit of flame on the front, and a bit more on the back. And a slightly 'clown-glo' burst there... It's not to bad...
April, '22.
The 90th Anniversary limited edition 4005xc - wich is really nothing like a 4005. This one does have a great burst. Note the inlays that are certainly an improvement over the 'modern full-width' inlay style, but fall short of the vintage inlays - they're way too dark, and the 'sparkle' isn't really close...
Nontheless, folks have wanted a RIC bass that looks like a guitar for a while, and here we go!
R-tail added by me, because it should have came with one IMO.
More info from the Web: