Modifying a Rickenbacker 4003 into a 4001

jmh · Post by **jmh** » Sun Jun 18, 2006 2:30 pm

Latin for "There is no disputing about tastes". (Google speaks Latin)

bobcat · Post by **bobcat** » Sun Jun 18, 2006 6:23 pm

"There is no disputing about tastes"

This sounds familiar . . . hehehehe! Personally, I'm a walnut wings kind of guy, but my 4003 in Montezuma Brown doesn't have them and I wouldn't thing of changing it.

espidog · Post by **espidog** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 12:00 am

The one vintage cosmetic mod I would love to make to my 4003 JetGlo is impossible - checkerboard binding!

markbass99 · Post by **markbass99** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 2:08 am

espidog · Post by **espidog** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 2:11 am

You mean you did that...???? Oh my God - tell me how!

admin · Post by **admin** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 2:13 am

Mark: This is a stunning photo. The black and white contrast has always been a winning combination, however, in concert with the checkered binding and the highlights from the triangle fretmarkers it provides for an outstanding look.

markbass99 · Post by **markbass99** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 2:28 am

Sorry Ken, I was just teasing you with a 73 jetglo that I aquired recently. This bass was at a music store in Chicago and I emailed the sales rep. and we negotiated over several days about a fair price, he was at 3k and I started at 2k. We met in the middle and that seems to be where the 73's with old features are at price wise. All I need now is a 73 with CB and small inlays and I'll have one of each kind. (azureglo would be nice).

espidog · Post by **espidog** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 2:45 am

Ooh, Mr. Gilbert - you are a caution! You had me all excited, there. Oh well, I'll just have to go back to my little pot of Humbrol enamel...

Now now, chaps, put the guns down. Only kidding. (As if I'd be so cruel to my baby...)

bassduke49 · Post by **bassduke49** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 2:52 am

Well, you can have checker binding put on, but it means a refinish, too. The material is available. I do wish RIC would go back to using it as standard on the 4003s, but . . .

markbass99 · Post by **markbass99** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 2:59 am

Ken- there are several people on this board that can retrofit checkerboard but I would suggest going out and finding the originals, its like panning for gold, and very satisfying when you find it.

espidog · Post by **espidog** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 3:02 am

Gosh, Paul, I didn't know that. I can imagine that it must be a lot more troublesome to apply than the plain stripe. Nevertheless, you'd think they could offer it as an option. Ta for the info.

incubus2432 · Post by **incubus2432** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 3:04 am

I wouldn't want to see it on "standard" 4003's. I like the fact that it turns up on special editions/series. If it was on everything it would lose it's uniqueness. (IMO)

It would be cool if we could get it as an option at a price premium from the factory.

bassduke49 · Post by **bassduke49** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 5:14 am

Ken, binding is glued onto the rabbet in the body (and neck), and then the clear coats applied over it. To remove the old, you usually have to heat it and carefully pry it away with razor blades, clean out the rabbet, and to make room for the two-layer checker/white binding you'll have to re-rout the rabbet. In almost every case, the finish will suffer along the edge. Paul W. knows a lot more and perhaps will chime in. He's replacing the old checker binding on my '72 with new right now. We should see pictures in "Reflections of a Curmudgeon" section soon.

espidog · Post by **espidog** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 6:17 am

Thanks Paul, I'll keep my eye out for that.

ilan · Post by **ilan** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 7:04 am

I was wondering if anyone here has modified a 4001/4003 into a 4002. I've heard there were a few mods like that done, but I've never seen one.