4002 on ebay

jeff_ulmer · Post by **jeff_ulmer** » Wed Feb 19, 2003 8:41 pm

Considering the rarity of these basses, I'd hesitate doing anything to the finish, especially changing colors. I like the way it looks as is, even though it's a bit rough.

That's one nice looking bass, Greg.

rick12dr · Post by **rick12dr** » Wed Feb 19, 2003 8:48 pm

Ya know, though not stock, a pair of 3000 PUs, if available, could be pretty cool in a 4002.I like that 3000 PU.And, yes, I could likely do a guard for that one, given a pattern/tracing.

gregson1 · Post by **gregson1** » Wed Feb 19, 2003 9:00 pm

Yes, I agree, Walnut is a tough color to find on ANY Rickenbacker, let alone a 4002. I was in line for a factory refin on the above bass, but opted not to do it because I knew the fretboard would eventually have to be replaced. When I finally got around to having the work done, Mark Arnquist did everything he could to preserve the original finish--and succeeded wonderfully. He buffed it out when he was finished and all I could say when I opened the box upon return is WOW!!! I had it delivered to the place I work, and everyone was truly impressed. There's still a vague overall patina of natural wear and tear, but it's nice and glossy, with no belt buckle rash on the back. And now it plays as good as it looks.

jeff_ulmer · Post by **jeff_ulmer** » Thu Feb 20, 2003 9:21 am

Greg, I curious about the birdseye patterning on your bass - how consistent is it over the top and back? From the pic it looks like there isn't as much figure on the bottom half, but I know how viewing angle is everything on this sort of thing.

Unless I could get a factory refin in the exact coloring of the original, I would be very hesitant to play around with it. There is something to be said for the look of natural aging, even if it means living with a few dings.

As for the bass on ebay, from the extra pics there may be some issue with a replacement bridge showing where the current one is. If you do grab this one, please take care of it for me. I just hate thinking of these instruments, which I would cherish, falling into the hands of someone who doesn't appreciate what they have.

gregson1 · Post by **gregson1** » Thu Feb 20, 2003 10:08 am

It doesn't show in the picture, but this bass originally came to me with a Leo Quan BadAss brige. Around the bridge was a thin piece of pickguard material, roughly in the shape of the Rickenbacker Tailpiece. It was held in place by four tiny screws and some glue. There had been some additional routing done to accomodate the BadAss bridge. It also had a brass nut, but not any more. The first guy I took the bass to for a setup filled in this routed out area very nicely with a chunk of maple and did what he could to smooth out the finish for the stock bridge. You have to be right on top of the tailpiece, looking down from the 'E' string side to see a very tiny corner of this 'filler' maple chunk. If you look through the string slots, you might also be able to detect it, if viewed from the correct angle. Not much I can really do about it. The bridge on Dude's bass should revert nicely...at least, I hope that it reverts nicely because that bridge kind of sucks, at least in appearance. Functionally, it probably works better than stock.

The birdseye on my bass does follow around to the back, but it's not anything really wild. In my opinion, this bass has a pretty tame Mapleglo finish.

anonymous · Post by **anonymous** » Tue Feb 25, 2003 8:46 am

Well, this one has ended. I had to exercise much restraint not to take a shot at it. I hope it has found a good home where it will not be further ***********, or ruined for future owners.

rickcrazy · Post by **rickcrazy** » Tue Apr 08, 2003 11:14 pm

Just checking the new Forum format.
Plus, I've had word from a local instrument store that a local musician is selling a 4002. Hm... I'll believe that when I see it. More news next week.

banta · Post by **banta** » Thu Apr 10, 2003 5:13 am

"Plus, I've had word from a local instrument store that a local musician is selling a 4002."

That would be cool.

hmm.... html

rickcrazy · Post by **rickcrazy** » Thu Apr 17, 2003 3:36 am

I'll be checking the '4002' on the last weekend of April. I'm curious to know how such a rarity found its way to my country. Bear in mind that there are no Rick dealers in Portugal and that 4002s are quite scarce.