Who's '68 4001 is this?

teeder · Post by **teeder** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 10:30 am

I'll join you, Jeff!

Thanks for the site link, Graham. I haven't seen that yet.

elysrand · Post by **elysrand** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 10:56 am

That is a nice one, Graham

And, it adds to our knowledge of the production dates of 21-fret 4001:

I currently own a mint January 1970 21-fret 4001 FG, and I once owned a March 1971 21-fret 4001 bought new in 1971, so with Graham's October 1969 21-fret 4001 MG we know now that this neck was made for at least 18 months by Electro.

dale_fortune · Post by **dale_fortune** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 12:28 pm

It's the same neck stock only the fingerboard is different...1 extra fret longer. Where the 21st fret is, that's where we normally cut the end of the fingerboard off after cutting all the fret slots, then it was sanded flush to the line. For the 21 fret F.B. it was left there and cut off where the 22nd fret would be then sanded flush.

sloop_john_b · Post by **sloop_john_b** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 12:45 pm

So are all the '70's 21-fretters?

elysrand · Post by **elysrand** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 1:23 pm

But Dale, the entire neck is about one-half inch longer than other 1971 or 1969 4001 basses that I own..... it is more than just a different fingerboard. Other owners also report that the entire guitar is one-half inch longer, from the heel to the tip of the headstock.

JB, I have never seen a 1970 4001 that does not have the elongated neck and the 21st fret. I assume they all were the longer neck.

dale_fortune · Post by **dale_fortune** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 1:27 pm

Elys, measure from the top nut to the end of the peghead on both models, see if the 21 fret peghead is 1/2 inch longer than the 20 fret peghead.

wints · Post by **wints** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 1:45 pm

The majority seem to be 21 fet examples, however I found a JG 20 fret version a few weeks ago, and have seen a couple of others.

You have the ebony fretboard versions as well, and one very unique model too...

badeggs · Post by **badeggs** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 7:22 pm

They're just so damn cool looking! I mean, I like my '77 just fine, but still...

Andrew, what's that "unique model" you speak of?

rickcrazy · Post by **rickcrazy** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 11:08 pm

bob_atherton · Post by **bob_atherton** » Fri Sep 14, 2007 6:51 am

Wow, just checked out Graham's site. That is some collection! You are a lucky chap.

My favorite is the '74 4005 Burg. Stunning.

sloop_john_b · Post by **sloop_john_b** » Fri Sep 14, 2007 6:56 am

johnallg · Post by **johnallg** » Fri Sep 14, 2007 11:56 am

Bob, you ought to play it. It is a really nice playing, feeling, and sounding bass. Take heart, John, your "new" 4005 will fit the bill also. The '74 Burg will be a pleasant memory then.

walker · Post by **walker** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 4:39 pm

Just a note about the 68's - throughout the year, RIC phased in a shortened version of the PG and changed the bridge PU surround to the non-flanged style. Mine was made in Aug of 1968:

Jeff Rath's previously-owned '68 also has the same size PG and surround - not sure of the month:

But this 1967 4001 FG has the full size PG and flanged surround:

teeder · Post by **teeder** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 3:46 am

Nice '68, Mark!