4001 Project - how much left to do?

fargobass · Post by **fargobass** » Fri Aug 03, 2007 4:56 pm

Here's a 1975 4001 which obviously needs some work:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=190137997021&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=009

It looks like it comes with a bridge Humbucker (although a luthier would probably have to put that in if I bought this, since I know nothing about doing such work myself), and it obviously needs at least one new tuner (or maybe just the whole set should be swapped out?). Does anybody see anything else that needs attention? Is there something missing on that neck pickup, or are my eyes just deceiving me because of the bridge pickup hole?

I'm still looking for my first Rick (after 25 years of playing cheap Japanese and Korean basses). Any advice on this one would be appreciated.

gray · Post by **gray** » Fri Aug 03, 2007 7:31 pm

New tuners, bridge pickup (throw away the replacement) and probably bridge/tailpiece and it looks like, after a good, hearty setup you'd have a nice 4001 JG to me. I guess that's just my opinion. Looks like the real thing.
That bridge doesn't look right, though. Bet it's a replacement.

brianeharmonjr · Post by **brianeharmonjr** » Sat Aug 04, 2007 10:04 am

So, here's the rundown:

Bridge Pickup: $125
Bridge/Tailpiece: $250
Keywinds: $85

So, $460 in parts, if/when you can get them from Ric, plus the hours of cleaning and setup. It's starting to look pretty overpriced, especially with over 6 days left. Ouch!

fargobass · Post by **fargobass** » Sat Aug 04, 2007 11:26 am

Thanks, guys. I was thinking the same thing as Brian - this one is starting to look overpriced, plus the fact that I'd have to hire out all of this work (and I'm in Fargo - I think the nearest dealer/luthier that I'd trust to do this stuff is down in Minneapolis).

lyle_from_minneapolis · Sat Aug 04, 2007 5:50 pm

Bridge Pickup: $125
Bridge/Tailpiece: $250
Keywinds: $85

A vintage Rickenbacker 4001 of your own: Priceless.

kcole4001 · Post by **kcole4001** » Sun Aug 05, 2007 3:07 am

The frets are decent, & there's surprisingly little finish damage/wear for it's age. It's got a plexi TRC, but that's the last of the 'old', desirable collector's traits.

Adding the missing parts is really quite an easy job, but the price is starting to get a little steep.

kcole4001 · Post by **kcole4001** » Sun Aug 05, 2007 3:30 am

Here's a complete 1978 for much less money (at the moment).

http://cgi.ebay.ca/RICKENBACKER-4001-BASS-1978-WORLDWIDE-SHIPPING_W0QQitemZ230158585830QQihZ013QQcategoryZ41439QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem