Last of the Wide Inlays?

markbass99 · Post by **markbass99** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 2:40 pm

Just spotted on ebay this May 73 4001 s/n ME 1750 with probably the last of the wide inlays. My May 73 s/n ME 198X has the smaller inlays and the regular tailpiece(which was lifted bad when I got it) while this one has the split tailpiece(I've never seen one of those lifted). Could May have been the transition month for the inlays? Another thing I've noticed is when a checkered 73 has the small inlays it also has the non-split tailpiece, like the change was done simultaneously. Other than the inlays and tailpiece mine is identical to this one.

markbass99 · Post by **markbass99** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 2:47 pm

wavy grovers, I like it when people leave these basses O.E.M.

rikk · Post by **rikk** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 3:03 pm

What is the URL for this, I can't find it. And what exactly os a split tailpiece?

kcole4001 · Post by **kcole4001** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 3:12 pm

It's in Montreal, for all us frozen Canucks!
http://cgi.ebay.ca/Vintage-Rickenbacker-4001-fireglo-bass-guitar_W0QQitemZ110039062970QQihZ001QQcategoryZ4713QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

It has a white nut & the raised lettering TRC.
Very little finish wear on the back of the body, but he says the back of the neck was refinished.

kcole4001 · Post by **kcole4001** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 3:19 pm

Do you think the fretboard was refinished also? Looks pretty dark, but could be his camera/lighting. The FG looks very pink too.

Don't let the emp get it!

markbass99 · Post by **markbass99** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 4:44 pm

Rikk- a split tailpiece has a notch in the center string divider where the mute is. All 4001's prior to early 1973 have it, also "C" and "V" series 4001's because they are replica's. See mute area in pic below.

mgauction · Post by **mgauction** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 4:55 pm

Mark - I saw that bass and I like it! Like yours, mine is a close one, ME 178X, and has the smaller acrylic triangle inlays. The sparkle inlays stopped in April 1973. Sorry for the both of us.

sloop_john_b · Post by **sloop_john_b** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 5:02 pm

Man, I think full-width inlays are my favorite Rick feature. So subtle, yet they make such a big difference! I even like the milky, non sparkle ones, like this, as seen on the eBay one.

In the back of my mind, I want to do a second 4003-to-4001 conversion that would be more consistent with an April '73 rather than a '68, which is what i'm currently doing. It would have the milky inlays as shown here and be in Azureglo. Sort of a 4001 Mark Gilbert Tribute.

mgauction · Post by **mgauction** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 5:26 pm

There is another 1973 fireglo 4001 with the larger solid acrylic inlays on sale in Japan for about $1700, in case anyone wants to know.

sloop_john_b · Post by **sloop_john_b** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 6:10 pm

What finish Mike? Same place you bought your AZ?

mgauction · Post by **mgauction** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 6:29 pm

Yes, same place, John. Looks like it may be the same consignor. When the AZ sold, this appeared right away. It's a very nice fireglo with some decent wear on the reverse upper bout. It cost ne another $164. to have it shipped. That was a good deal. This is a good buy for someone here.

jnbass · Post by **jnbass** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 8:24 pm

ah yes, full width MOP inlays...

markbass99 · Post by **markbass99** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 1:19 am

Don't feel sorry for me Mike, I've got one of each type(inlay), MB,MD,& ME s/n's.

ajish4 · Post by **ajish4** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 1:39 am

I positive I've seen that bass on Gbase for $1900.00.

wints · Post by **wints** » Sun Oct 01, 2006 4:32 am

I agree, this must be one of the last, if not the last, full width inlay bass. I too have never seen a split bridge on the small inlay models.