I first spotted this bass in this month’s issue of Vintage Guitar. Apparently the bass was built for Howie by an unnamed luthier, with electronics by Rick Turner. Originally it was listed as a prototype but it’s been clarified that this instrument was not built by Rickenbacker. Too bad. I as well as many other people think that this would be a great bass model for Rickenbacker to introduce.

Several of Howie’s instruments are being auctioned off by his estate. You can see the full list here.

**Edit: For those unfamiliar with Epstein, he was the long-time bassist for Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. He passed away at the age of 47 in 2003.

Have a gander at this awesome faux Rickenbacker 350 Hollowbody Bass:

Also part of this auction is a 1993 Guild Starfire II: