50's Model 4000 in Japan - $5K

Vintage, Modern, V & C series, Fretless, Signature & Special Editions

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fran4001
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Post by fran4001 »

Yeah, I wouldn't mind seeing a little photo-history lesson myself regarding the transition from these to the '63 and on era. Seems you see these, albeit rarely, and then '64ish and up, but nothing in between.
Apr. '73 4001JG, Jun. '73 4001MG, Feb. '75 4001 WBT, Feb. '00 4001CS
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chefothefuture
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Post by chefothefuture »

The latest gold guard I've seen was on a 62 4000.
'68 4001MG, '70 4001 21Fret, '71 4001S MG, '71 4001FG, '72 4001AZ, '73 4001FG, '73 4001resto, '59 365FG, '96 381/12v69FG, '71 4001 21Fret FG
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fran4001
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Post by fran4001 »

Wow, I didn't think they lasted that long! I'd love to play one of these someday! Can anyone comment on the sound?
Apr. '73 4001JG, Jun. '73 4001MG, Feb. '75 4001 WBT, Feb. '00 4001CS
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8mileshigh
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Post by 8mileshigh »

I think they sound great! But then I would, Wouldn't I Image
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leftybass
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Post by leftybass »

John Fay: Did it have a thin body?
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mgauction
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Post by mgauction »

Graham, I'll call you on your mobile on Thursday. OK? Roger and I are going to see Clapton that night at Albert Hall. Interested?
Leprosy is rare & scarce but nobody wants that!
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wints
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Post by wints »

It seems by popular opinion the real early basses don't have the same practical playability like the 63 and on basses have.

I'd be interested to hear what they sound like, because most of the later 60's basses with original horseshoes really get all their presence from the toasters. They overpower the treble p/ups considerably in every 60's bass I've played.

Certainly a cool looking bass tho'. You can imagine what people must have been thinking in the late 50's!
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chefothefuture
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Post by chefothefuture »

Yep-
That 62 had a thin body but the BIG peghead. They were made like this in 61 and 62.

The early bass pups sound distinctively louder and clearer than the mid 60s ones.
The early 4000's are definitely more clumsy to handle than the post 61's but that never stopped me from using both of mine extensively.
'68 4001MG, '70 4001 21Fret, '71 4001S MG, '71 4001FG, '72 4001AZ, '73 4001FG, '73 4001resto, '59 365FG, '96 381/12v69FG, '71 4001 21Fret FG
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leftybass
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Post by leftybass »

The Chef wrote: Yep-That 62 had a thin body but the BIG peghead. They were made like this in 61 and 62.

Apparently the early 4001s were like this as well, thin body/big headstock/early tuners...the 1963 4001 in the Rittor Book is made this way, but with a white 'guard and nameplate--I figure the body and neck were cut earlier than 63 on this one.

Other '63s like Teds and the Mapleglo 1963 4001 in the Smith book have smaller pegheads.

Post #2000. Woo Hoo!
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8mileshigh
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Post by 8mileshigh »

Mike, Thursday could be tricky. Friday any good? If not - see you in August Image
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mgauction
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Post by mgauction »

Graham, yes, friday is much better. I will connect with you on Thursday.
Leprosy is rare & scarce but nobody wants that!
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wints
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Post by wints »

John,

Join the club! How come us oldtimers took so long to get here.....
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leftybass
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Post by leftybass »

Yeah, we're the two old guys up in the balcony on 'The Muppet Show', LOL...
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chefothefuture
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Post by chefothefuture »

Statler and Waldorf Image
'68 4001MG, '70 4001 21Fret, '71 4001S MG, '71 4001FG, '72 4001AZ, '73 4001FG, '73 4001resto, '59 365FG, '96 381/12v69FG, '71 4001 21Fret FG
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