Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Wow. When I first started reading this thread, all I could think was "RIC really needs a proper routing training program". But that's not really the primary problem. Assuming the corporate culture can't be changed, what RIC seems to need help with most of all is public relations. The cost of doing ...

Is there a list of "approved" c64 strings? I don't have any way to measuring string tension, and I am not aware that strings are marketed as high tension or low tension. It does not seem that string gauge alone is sufficient to make the distinction as to what may be safe or safer for the c64 ...

artisan4 wrote:FG absolutely, Paul mucked up the bass when he painted it and took the finish off.

Perhaps, but he was a Beatle when he did so.

...I see now that the two tailpieces are different. Ric using the same part number really fooled me. ...

Just to mention that RIC don't use the same part numbers for the C64/4003 tailpieces, check out their guitar diagrams for info.

4001C64 = 01169 (3 screws)
4003 and 4001C64S = 01159 (5 screws ...

It has taken me a while to figure this out, but please let me know if I have it right.
Only the 4001c64 FG has the 3 screw tailpiece that seems to be somewhat more susceptible to lift over time.
The 4001c64s MG actually has the 5 screw tailpiece which seems to be somewhat less prone to lift. This ...

Wow. I am looking to buy a near-new 4001c64 or 4001c64s, and the photo of that rout is just horrific. I can't believe a new bass could get out of the factory looking like that. I don't think that would be acceptable QC for even a low cost mass produced instrument.

Alan, 2 of the 5 screws on the 4003 tailpiece are visible.
Thank you John, I see now that the two tailpieces are different. Ric using the same part number really fooled me. The boutique seems to have only the 4003 5 screw version, while RickySounds (ricsrus.com) seems to have both that one plus ...

Hah, you guys are all right!

I found the Beatles-era 4001S in sanded (mapleglo) state.

Bonus points if you can tell me which bass George is playing!

Thank you Jeff. Just so I understand your reply, this means that the 4001c64 tailpiece is secured by less than 5 screws? Is it by 3 or 4 then? And so installing a replacement tailpiece #01159 on a 4001c64, am I correct in assuming that one would have the choice of 1) simply using less than 5 screws ...

Here is a tailpiece profile view of one of the basses I am looking at. Any opinions on this one? Should I be at all concerned about its future?

Hi, please forgive me this newbie question.
The forum has been really informative as I try to work through the process of buying a nice 4001c64 or 4001c64s. I am attempting to evaluate the beginnings of tailpiece lift via photographs on a couple of examples of these basses, and I have just a few ...

I also looked at the Hey Bulldog video with this in mind - and convinced myself the bass was painted. Wasn't that video shot well after the July 1967 All You Need Is Love appearance? I think once it was painted, it never went back to fireglo. I read that is was sanded by 1968. Once source had it out ...

Well, I did just re-watch the key segments in Anthology, and I never did see either the original fireglo or the sanded maple in use. As above the hand painted bass can be seen in several segments from the MMT-Pepper-YS era. Maybe I should just consider that to be fireglo (underneath!). I did not re ...

You Beatles/Rickenbacker fans, which do you consider the more iconic or representative of the Beatles - the Fireglo or Mapleglo McCartney Rickenbacker bass?

I don't believe that either bass features in any well known live Beatles show/video - but I could be wrong. The one appearance that comes to ...