Replacement pups in a '72, but what are they?

[jakeox]

Hey Sergio, my '72 came with what was described as a "repro bridge pickup". When pressed, the seller thought it was an authentic Ric part, but you've already IDed the bridge pickup surround as a non-Ric part. (Thanks for that -- I have a supposed replacement on the way, we'll see if it's better!)

So ... what is this bridge pickup? Is it Ric? If so, do you know about what era it is from?

And finally, what do I need to do to get this or another replacement pickup modified to be close to '72 spec, if I can't find a true '72?

I know I'm asking tons of questions. I always appreciate the opportunity to learn.

[johnallg]

I can answer that, Jake. It is a brand new RIC high gain bridge pickup with the new adjustable pole screws. Should measure around 11.4K ohms on a meter.

I wonder if the whole thing, surround and all, is new? It looks it to me. Do you have a 4003 to compare to?

[johnallg]

Here is my 2004 4003 surround - sorry it isn't clearer.

[jakeox]

Thanks, John -- that was what I thought it should be. I have a 4003, but it's not currently handy. I would think the whole assembly was bought together, but Sergio pointed out that both the front and back pairs of screws on mine are equally spaced, whereas the back pair should be further apart (as yours appears to be). I don't know if I explained that right but the pics should tell the story. The pickup sounds pretty good, and if it's a new Ric pickup, then that's good if I need to sell it to finance a '72 pickup.

[johnallg]

I just looked at the Aria faker auction on the Aussie eBay and the holes on that one are even like yours, but the corners are a lot more squared off. I also looked at a lot of lat 60s and early 70s basses and they all have the hole pattern where the bottom tab is wider like mine.

[jps]

This is the surround on my March 73 4001, the mounting holes are almost evenly lined up, with squared off corners.

[leftyguitars]

1971 on the left 1972 on the right.

1971 square corners, 1972 round corners.

[jps]

Peter, you call those square corners? What are mine then?

[ben_brown]

Peter, you call those square corners? What are mine then?

I would say dangerously sharp corners!

[rickcrazy]

Hi Jake. Sorry, but I was unable to "come in" until now. Yes, that's a very recent 4003 high-gain. You should have no difficulty selling it, but I'm afraid a working '72 one will prove somewhat hard to come by.

[jakeox]

Thanks, Sergio. What era of pickups would be "correct" to a '72? As in, same production part?

[rickcrazy]

I'm not sure I understand what you mean by "same production part", but I can tell you that the treble pickup on a 1972 4001 sports slot head screws for polepieces, a roughly 1/2" tall bobbin, a smaller bar magnet, and an aluminum base plate.

[jakeox]

Thanks, Sergio. What I meant was, what years of 4001 production had the style of bridge pickup found in '72? For example, if I got an original '73 bridge pickup or a '71, would that be "correct" on a '72? How far can I go in either direction?

Honestly, I think the new bridge pickup is a large part of the reason I'm liking the bass so far, so I'm leaning towards leaving it in for now.

[rickcrazy]

Oh. Well, the main difference between a 1971 and a 1973 4001 treble high-gain pickup is the magnet: on a '73 it is larger. Other differences include the type of polepieces (round- or flat head screws), and the look of the bobbin (sprayed black or unsprayed). If you can't find a '72 high-gain pickup look for a '73 one, which will have a larger magnet and hence more output. Cheers.