73 Pickup Question

ben_brown · Post by **ben_brown** » Thu Sep 28, 2006 12:02 pm

I just received my 73 4001MG today ser# MHxxxx

and noticed that the bridge pickup had an aluminum base plate.

Is this time correct or is this a replacement from an earlier year?

jps · Post by **jps** » Thu Sep 28, 2006 12:25 pm

Be glad it is aluminum!

s4001 · Post by **s4001** » Thu Sep 28, 2006 12:30 pm

That's what the pup looks like on my '68.

ben_brown · Post by **ben_brown** » Thu Sep 28, 2006 12:31 pm

I AM glad!...I just wanted to know. Also there is a slight wiring problem. I haven't opened it up yet but I can't get the bridge pup to work in the middle position. It works by itself and the toaster works by itself. However when in the middle position I only hear toaster.

markbass99 · Post by **markbass99** » Thu Sep 28, 2006 1:04 pm

Yup- all three of mine have the home-made looking aluminum baseplate, it's part of the charm of how they made them back then. One of mine even has the Alcoa markings on it.

johnallg · Post by **johnallg** » Thu Sep 28, 2006 2:54 pm

Probably a switch contact needs a little bending with needle nose pliars. Look at how the switch operates and watch the neck contacts work and see why there is no contact when in the middle position.

fran4001 · Post by **fran4001** » Thu Sep 28, 2006 3:43 pm

Love the aluminum. My '69 had the Alcoa writing on it too! And had hand cut square tabs around the adjustment screw holes instead of the usual angled ends.

markbass99 · Post by **markbass99** » Thu Sep 28, 2006 4:58 pm

1973...April(MD)...Dark Burgundy...I love this bass...