4001V63MG

marc67 · Post by **marc67** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 2:38 pm

Just noticed these for sale:

http://www.gbase.com/Stores/Gear/GearDetails.aspx?Item=816275

and another...

http://www.gbase.com/Stores/Gear/GearDetails.aspx?Item=819381

jps · Post by **jps** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 4:11 pm

That second one must be older than is claimed as the horseshoe surround is the early type.

jonpaul · Post by **jonpaul** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 6:04 pm

Yea, I 've already checked on both of those basses. The first one is already sold (they need to delete it from their web site). The second one looks as if it has some strange grain pattern swirls going on on the upper horn. Maybe a refin, not sure though. A bit pricey it is. I hope I can find one reasonably priced and in good shape.

bob_atherton · Post by **bob_atherton** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 10:03 pm

This is a shot of my V63 prototype made in March ’84. I guess as it is the first V63 made it must have the early horseshoe, yet this one looks quite a bit different from the ones for sale in the store. Were there in fact 3 types of horseshoe?

jps · Post by **jps** » Thu Jun 16, 2005 4:17 pm

You have real magnetized shoes, this was before RIC changed the design to the alnico slugs in the bobbin.

jnbass · Post by **jnbass** » Thu Jun 16, 2005 5:29 pm

whoa, crazy rare!

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Thu Jun 16, 2005 5:47 pm

How did you get the first V63?

bob_atherton · Post by **bob_atherton** » Thu Jun 16, 2005 9:46 pm

Bob,

I am indeed a lucky chap. I bought it from the bass player of Sham 69. Not quite sure where he got it but I think it was during a tour.

It is shown in the Smith book as an early example of a V63, when in fact it was made three months before V63’s, was then photographed, I guess for marketing purposes and then lay hidden until quite recently.

It is a phenomenal bass to play, quite unlike any other Ric that I have played, and REALLY gives you that Chris Squire sound.

No matter how rare an instrument is it has to be gigged so here are a couple of pics of her

I would never sell it, though any owners of 4005 FG’s are welcome to contact me….

bob_atherton · Post by **bob_atherton** » Thu Jun 16, 2005 9:49 pm

bob_atherton · Post by **bob_atherton** » Thu Jun 16, 2005 9:51 pm

kbhag · Post by **kbhag** » Fri Jun 17, 2005 2:36 am

3 dots above the 12th!

bob_atherton · Post by **bob_atherton** » Fri Jun 17, 2005 4:15 am

I know, wouldn't it have been great if it was a 21 fretter!

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Fri Jun 17, 2005 4:41 am

That is a really nice bass Bob, priceless.

jps · Post by **jps** » Fri Jun 17, 2005 12:29 pm

"3 dots above the 12th!"

Yes, that is very interesting, in fact the Smith book shows Bob's, and another one that also has the extra dot.