Pro Re-fin vs New Ric... decisions

throw_this_away · Post by **throw_this_away** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 9:53 am

Hey,

So I have a decision to make. Should I get a brand new 4003 monty brown with a fat neck... and pay customs (I'm in canada, it is with mike parks) OR should I get my well worn 72' 4001 a pro re-fin (I could get it monty brown), fret job (best time to do it, though the neck has no buzzes), and re-chrome (bubbling and peeling at bridge and trebble surround, and new tuners (one is not stock... thinking of going modern style)?

The refin/etc would come out slightly cheaper... but investment wise it would not be a good idea. But, the 72 is not in collector state, so it would be for me. It could use a refin (it is no case queen... but not road kill either), and I only want the monty 4003 for the finish... I don't need three rics... (I have a great tiny neck 96' fireglo already)

Someone hurry up and buy the monty 4003 of Mike Parks and make my decision easer...hahahah.

Both is not an option... I am a student.

lowendbob · Post by **lowendbob** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 9:59 am

Since the 72 is not in collector state, I would get the refinish. The 72 would look really cool with the checkerboard binding. I think I would even go with the walnut finish rather than monty brown. Both are similar, but walnut looks nicer IMHO.

throw_this_away · Post by **throw_this_away** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 10:00 am

oh I would do walnut or autumn glo for sure

alanz · Post by **alanz** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 10:59 am

Well, I think 4003s sound better than 4001s (I have one of each). I also think that non-collector pieces are fair game for refins so to me it would boil down to how happy you are with the '72. If you like it and want to continue playing it then refin it. If you want something new with a deeper sound then get the 4003.

I had my '85 4003 craptastic red BT project bass refinned by Paul W here and it turned out great.

http://www.pbase.com/alanz01/rick_family

aceonbass · Post by **aceonbass** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 12:10 pm

Hey Alan, is that the pickguard I made for you? The bass looks great wuth the black hipshot on it.

throw_this_away · Post by **throw_this_away** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 12:41 pm

The thing is, I dream of how smoking my 72' would look with white binding and sparkling white full width MOP inlays... and walnut burst with checkerboard binding... shiny new chrome.

Anyone know how the old "patent pending" grover tuners compare in weight to the modern ones? 1 of the tuners (D) is a swap in non-stock, and unless I can find a G or D, I will swap in a set of new ones.

Although financially it is not as smart... it would make for a killer bass, far nicer than a new monty.

I also like the slightly different tone of the 72'... still not sure if Ilike the sound of it over my 4003, but I like the fact that they are slightly different.

morrow · Post by **morrow** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 12:59 pm

John , I would keep the 4001 as it is. Clean up the chrome and put in a proper tuner if you want. Your 4003 is a keeper as well. That new monty would have a chunkier neck than what you are used to playing.
I saw a nice 4000 in Autumglo a couple of weeks ago. Time capsule condition. It's the third one that I have seen around here.

alanz · Post by **alanz** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 1:29 pm

Dane, yes it is!

throw_this_away · Post by **throw_this_away** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 3:01 pm

Morrow... I was playing my 72' just now and thinking something similar. The finish on the 72' is pretty good based on the age... I'm just a bit of a perfectionist at times... and the monty finish gave me some serious GAS. (slowly leaving... VISA breathes a sigh of relief)

Care to introduce me to the guy with the 4000? Third autumnglo 4000? (VISA runs for cover)

jnbass · Post by **jnbass** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 10:01 pm

you should dump the '72 (I can help you find a buyer) then get a 4004...

throw_this_away · Post by **throw_this_away** » Fri Feb 10, 2006 4:10 am

it will be a cold cold day in hell when I let go of the 72'... and I have never been drawn to 4004's

morrow · Post by **morrow** » Fri Feb 10, 2006 5:41 am

John , if that 4000 comes up for sale I would be picking it instantly.
It was playing high and the neck needed adjustment but after I tweaked the rods and set the bridge it now plays like a dream.
It has spent most of it's time in the case and is in gorgeous shape. The owner knows that I would love to buy the bass if and when he ever decides to sell it.

henry5 · Post by **henry5** » Fri Feb 10, 2006 7:05 am

I could do with re-chroming my 72 bridge, the plating falls off every time I touch it.

throw_this_away · Post by **throw_this_away** » Fri Feb 10, 2006 7:06 am

Hahahah... you learned you lesson well my friend. Thanks for the tip on the 72 4001 though ;P

I am actually not too into the 4000 design. I like the look of 4001ès and 4003ès... a S mighty be nice though

morrow · Post by **morrow** » Fri Feb 10, 2006 12:09 pm

It was funny because a friend asked me if I might be interested in an old Ric bass. He thought it was a white 68 or 69. ( Now I had read that white became available in 70...) I am not crazy about white but I wanted to have a look at the bass.

It turned out to be a set neck 76 Autumglow 4000.