New Old '76 4001, looking to restore

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pdusen
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New Old '76 4001, looking to restore

Post by pdusen »

I've just received a a '76 4001 that's in decent condition but has seen some modification in its lifetime. I'm looking to have it restored to original (or at least period-correct) condition. To that end, I have a few questions:

1. At some point the bass was refinished in a sort of transparent black. Is there any way I can determine for certain what its original color was?
2. I'm 98% sure that the Hipshot tuners aren't original, can anyone confirm?
3. The neck pickup doesn't appear to be secured in its slot at all; it just moves around freely, and easily falls out and gets stuck on the strings. What parts do I need to secure it?
4. Who would you recommend I go to for a full restoration? I'd prefer someone I can drive to from Philadelphia, but I can ship the instrument if need be.

Photos attached
2018-03-23 15.31.43.jpg
2018-03-23 15.31.10.jpg
2018-03-23 15.31.05.jpg
2018-03-23 15.30.49.jpg
2018-03-23 15.30.43.jpg
2018-03-23 15.30.36.jpg
Last edited by pdusen on Fri Mar 23, 2018 5:03 pm, edited 1 time in total.
pdusen
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Re: New Old '76 4001, looking to restore

Post by pdusen »

Here are some close-ups of the neck pickup:
2018-03-23 15.38.18.jpg
2018-03-23 15.38.14.jpg
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aceonbass
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Re: New Old '76 4001, looking to restore

Post by aceonbass »

The neck pickup cover is missing. The pickguard is clearly not original, and the original tuners should be Kluson reverse style.
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jdogric12
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Re: New Old '76 4001, looking to restore

Post by jdogric12 »

talk to Pick of the Ricks, he's near you. I recommend Larry Davis (Davis Guitar Works in Florida) for a full restoration and refinish, he specializes in Ricks. You'll probably have to stick to a solid color since that black has likely seeped into the wood. Good luck!

The pickup just needs two screws and springs - easy!
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jps
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Re: New Old '76 4001, looking to restore

Post by jps »

That's a cool finish, I'd just leave it unless there is a technical issue with it.
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Isaac
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Re: New Old '76 4001, looking to restore

Post by Isaac »

Like Jeffrey, I love the trans black finish, though it's certainly not original. I'd keep it, if it were my choice.
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