With the introduction of the two-pickup 4001 model in 1961, the Rickenbacker bass became a phenomenon. The Beatles's use of Rickenbacker instruments was pivotal: teen groups everywhere wanted to have the same instruments the Beatles used so they could achieve the "right" sound. With its ultra-modern design that made the classic Fender precision bass look downright old-fashioned, the Rick quickly became a darling of progressive bands that loved its look as much as its different sound.

The Rickenbacker Electric Bass: 50 Years as Rock's Bottom is the first book to trace the history of the iconic guitar, from its protoypes through its explosion of popularity in such bands as the Beatles, Yes, Deep Purple, and Motörhead, to name but a few. Lavishly illustrated with archival shots, this is a must-have book not only for anyone who plays the Rick but also for anyone who plays the bass guitar. This second edition features 16 bonus pages with up-to-date information on Rickenbacker's latest electric bass models, more photo coverage of artists playing Ricks, and some eye-popping custom-built iterations of the classic Rickenbacker electric bass.