A project to send your way?

leesh · Post by **leesh** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 4:45 pm

Paul, what do you think?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Rickenbacker-Bass-Guitar-Project_W0QQitemZ220066635855QQihZ012QQcategoryZ4713QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 5:08 pm

Eminently restorable, provided the carbon fiber pieces can be removed! I'd write the seller and ask if they're loose or can be taken out easily.

Also note: the tuning peg holes will need bushing. Not a big deal; just though I'd mention it. I don't think the tailpiece is correct, either. Our historians-in-residence can weigh in on this stuff.

johnallg · Post by **johnallg** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 7:56 pm

Isn't that a 4000, not a 4003S? No neck pup route or the channel to that position.

leesh · Post by **leesh** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 8:04 pm

Definitely a 4000. The seller posted some comments from interested buyers letting him know about it. I think it'd be great.

johnallg · Post by **johnallg** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 8:28 pm

Ahh, stopped at the pics. Start gathering the needed hardware.

leesh · Post by **leesh** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 11:25 am

Paul, what do you suppose a fair price is for that bass?

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 11:30 am

Bass experts, please help out on this one. I'm out of my element.

Ted, Paul, John S., anyone else?

kcole4001 · Post by **kcole4001** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 11:51 am

What's wrong with the tailpiece?

There's a bit of flame showing in the wood, so it must be what: 1974 or 1975 at the latest? Later ones (mine included) have plain wood. Pots are supposedly from '74, so that's the earliest.

I'd ask for more shots of the neck & back of headstock to check for breaks, possibility of having had Grovers originally.

sloop_john_b · Post by **sloop_john_b** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 11:56 am

Tough to say on price. Maybe $500-$700?

kcole4001 · Post by **kcole4001** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 12:01 pm

No more, I'd think.
While uncommon, it does need a pile of work, not to mention some parts.

dale_fortune · Post by **dale_fortune** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 12:30 pm

You may be opening a can of worms on this one. The graphite bars are replacing the T-rods, how are they put in: glued or pressure fitted? Bridge is not original(5 screws holes) but will work fine. Needs a lot of parts and work. IMO you'd be better off buying a complete one that hasn't been modified. This thing is up to $400.00 and the reserve hasn't been hit yet. I bet they are wanting $500.00 to $600.00. Figure on around $200.00 for a correct pickup and tuners, then around $800.00 labor for frets/fingerboard/peg head/refinish/T-rods are hard to find,(I make them) and shipping and you are around 2 grand for a $1,200.00 instrument.

leftybass · Post by **leftybass** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 12:46 pm

Paul: I'll echo that it's a set-neck 4000, spring/summer 1974 production, Burgundyglo. Hopefully the jackplate is original, I see it's pictured with the remaining hardware.

Looks like it has had the same tuner mod that my '72 had before you fixed it during the resto. I don't know how high I'd go at this point, I suppose that's up to the bidders...

If it could be had for a decent price, then the added investment for a proper restoration would make it worthwhile. Curmudge, you probably have idea on what it would take to get it back to spec....

leftybass · Post by **leftybass** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 12:50 pm

Dale, I'm thinking the bridge is okay on this one, IIRC they started using this style in mid 1973 or so.

I agree with you about the rods, hard to say what's up with a 'work in progress' until you can look at it up close.

kcole4001 · Post by **kcole4001** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 12:53 pm

So what was the screw config. for the original tailpiece for this fellow?
Mine's a '76 & looks identical to the one in the auction.

leftybass · Post by **leftybass** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 12:56 pm

5 screw, IMHO...just like what is pictured.