1973 4001 w/ Bartolini's

[ebruning]

Hi guys,

New to the forum. I have been interested in Rickenbackers for a while (only seen a few in stores over the years), and recently had the chance to check out a 1973 Ric 4001. It felt and played great, and before I take the plunge I wanted to check and see if there are any recommendations or things to look for/ watch out for on one from this year. It has had the original pick ups replaced with Bartoloni's. Also, the color is kind of a dark muddy bronze or caramel like color w/with white binding and pick guard. Can't seem to find a pick that matches. Does this sound like anything that might be original, or possibly a refinish?

I'm more into it for the playing, so I'm not as worried about cosmetics, just curious to Know whats original, replaced, or might need looking at.

Thanks,

Erich

[jps]

Welcome, Erich!

There is much love for '73 4001s around here. I used to have two at one time but the July 4001 is now with a friend of mine (I still have the March 4001). Some folks like the Bartolinis so I would not let that stop you; you could always get new or vintage Rick pickups to put back in the bass. Can you post any photos, and can you give us more details on anything that you seem to find that may need looking into?

...Also, the color is kind of a dark muddy bronze or caramel like color w/with white binding and pick guard. Can't seem to find a pick that matches.

Thanks,

Erich

I am surprised, with the huge variety of picks made and sold that you can't find one to match? Perhaps, a gold Dunlop pick would come close.

[teeder]

Welcome, Erich!

Pictures will help.

[ebruning]

Welcome, Erich!

I am surprised, with the huge variety of picks made and sold that you can't find one to match? Perhaps, a gold Dunlop pick would come close.

You'd be surprised

I'll try to get pictures of it. I did find a picture of a 4001 in Autumglo. I think that's the color, but will wait till I get a chance to look at it again.

My big question is more are there any common known issues like problems with the bridges or necks of this era.

[jps]

Early '73s had the old type cast aluminum bridges, sometime in late spring the newer version started to show up on the 4001; those are fine too, but look for excessive lifting of the back end of it. That usually is not a problem unless it is high enough to cause the break angle of the strings to be too shallow. They can be bent back into place, if needed (search for relevant threads). Neck are quite strong, given it's construction method. Sometimes you may find a separated fingerboard and/or crack in the neck from improperly adjusted truss rods, this too, can be repaired quite successfully, so do not necessarily let that sway you from buying an otherwise great bass. There is lots of information here on how to correctly adjust the old style truss rods (personally, I like them better than the new type).