Gaskell Viking (lefty Ric bass) 2009 - 2012

The Gaskell VIKING is a left handed bass guitar whose design is inspired by the Rickenbacker 4000-series, made famous by the likes of Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead.

 

Rickenbacker ceased all production of left handed instruments in 2007.

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One thing that is very different between the VIKING and the Rickenbacker 4004 is the scale length. I decided to give mine a standard 32" scale length, which is what most bass players are used to. It also has a Fender style bridge and "toaster" pickups. The VIKING is perfect for any bass player that is used to the common scale length but wants the general looks of the Rickenbacker.

 

The VIKING started as a factory model, introduced in 2009. The body was made of ash and the fingerboard was rosewood. It was popular with lefty bassists. A very nice instrument. 

 

After I was forced to cease factory production, the VIKING was one of the first Gaskell models to be promoted as a Custom shop build. It was reviewed on an episode of GUITARS WITH JON WAY (See: Media page.)

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Update 2023. To their credit, Rickenbacker has been making some left hand guitars and basses models since about 2014, including a 4000-Series lefty bass. Because of that I will not make this guitar again.