4001 Nameplate

jzl · Post by **jzl** » Wed May 11, 2005 12:13 pm

Hi, I saw that nameplate of mine 4001 (74) has the logo of Rickenbacker written for the side of back of nameplate and not in high relief as many that I saw, why? Another question, my jacks have no "Rick-o-Sound" written, just the serial, is this normal?

Thank you

bassduke49 · Post by **bassduke49** » Wed May 11, 2005 12:19 pm

Seems like you have an older instrument. The earlier "truss-rod covers" or TRC (not sure when they changed it, but probably in the '70s), were "back painted" Plexiglas or Lucite (clear acrylic sheet).

The words "Normal" and "Ric-O-Sound" were printed in ink (paint) on the metal jackplate and quickly wear away, while the date stamp (top) and serial number (bottom) are stamped into the metal. If it's not too much to ask, what instrument do you have, and what is the date stamp (no need to reveal the serial number)?

Welcome to the Forum!

jzl · Post by **jzl** » Wed May 11, 2005 12:29 pm

Rickenbacker 4001 FG
NA003

jps · Post by **jps** » Wed May 11, 2005 12:39 pm

Welcome Guilherme! Your bass is from January '74. Do you have any photos of it to post?

bassduke49 · Post by **bassduke49** » Wed May 11, 2005 12:41 pm

That would be a January 1974 production. To learn more about serials and colors, see:

www.the-music-connection.com/ricinfo.htm#ser

jzl · Post by **jzl** » Wed May 11, 2005 1:01 pm

Yeah, I will post it soon =]]

jzl · Post by **jzl** » Wed May 11, 2005 3:48 pm

Here is my baby, what do you think guys?

atomic_punk · Post by **atomic_punk** » Wed May 11, 2005 4:53 pm

Thats awesome, love the really warm fireglo!

jzl · Post by **jzl** » Wed May 11, 2005 5:35 pm

Anyone know the material of the "SharkTeeth" in the neck?

bassduke49 · Post by **bassduke49** » Thu May 12, 2005 2:42 am

Ted Staberow told me that the current markers are made from a clear resin mixed with a powdered pearl material, then poured into routed cavities in the fingerboard. Some older models (1973 and previous) had what was called "crushed pearl" inlays, which was a sparkley inlay covered with clear resin. Perloid (synthetic mother of pearl) has also been used at times. I'm still researching when each of these were in use.

mr4000 · Post by **mr4000** » Thu May 12, 2005 5:41 am

General question: does anyone here know the neck width at the 20th fret?

edski · Post by **edski** » Thu May 12, 2005 6:04 am

I'm not home right now, and my 4001 is at the rehearsal studio anyway...IIRC the neck width was just about 2" at the 20th.

For comparison, my 4004 is about 2 1/8" at the 20th, and only slightly wider than the 4001 at the nut. Overall the 4004 neck is thicker, especially near the nut/headstock junction.

Of course, independent confirmation is encouraged!

mr4000 · Post by **mr4000** » Thu May 12, 2005 9:56 am

Thanks for the info, Ed. I really appreciate how forum members unsefishly share information.

jps · Post by **jps** » Thu May 12, 2005 1:05 pm

Here are the dimensions of mine @ 20th fret (fret position):

'67 4005WB - 2 1/4"
'73 4001 - 2 1/4"
'98 4001V63 - 2 5/16"
'03 4004Cii - 2 1/2"
'04 4003FL - 2 5/16"

Hope this helps!

mr4000 · Post by **mr4000** » Fri May 13, 2005 10:56 am

thaks, Jeff!