My new project - '72 4001!

rhampshire · Post by **rhampshire** » Thu Oct 02, 2003 8:34 am

I stand corrected. At least my bass is still early enough to have the clear thumbrest!

paul_yan · Post by **paul_yan** » Sat Oct 04, 2003 5:29 am

My December '72 4001 FL is LL 1758. Bob Young's is LL 1756.

Does this mean RIC serial numbers changed from xx-xxx to xx-xxxx somewhere in 1972?

rickcrazy · Post by **rickcrazy** » Sat Oct 04, 2003 12:27 pm

Probably. This can only reflect an increase in the number of instruments made per year.

rhampshire · Post by **rhampshire** » Wed Oct 22, 2003 6:42 am

Just a quick update - the board has been leveled and new frets are in. Those inlays are nice and sparkly now!

Truss rods have been reworked, too.

Now, onto those routes...

As I stated before, I'm really going to try and spot-refin the routed places only, and leave the rest alone (I really dig the dings, scratches and finish checking!). If the finish is original (and I think it is), what can I use that will not attack the RIC conversion varnish?

rob

rhampshire · Post by **rhampshire** » Thu Dec 04, 2003 7:56 am

Just another update if anyone's interested...

The routes are filled and the bass is 85% stripped now. I decided to opt for a full refin. I'm going to spray it with nitro, I think.

Also got some grovers on the way with ferrules for $85! They're 4 per side, so I'll need to reverse two of them.

Also have a line on a truss rod cover at a local shop - they say they "have an extra in the back" but they can't find it. I've got my fingers crossed on that one...

Rob

leftybass · Post by **leftybass** » Thu Dec 04, 2003 3:47 pm

Can't wait to see it, Rob.

My own 'project '72' 4001(LH) is nearing completion too. It's not as extensive a job a you are performing, but rather a return of all features to a factory specification.

rhampshire · Post by **rhampshire** » Fri Dec 05, 2003 5:29 am

John, that's exactly what I'm doing too, but it is more involved than that, what with the routes and all...

gstuadams · Post by **gstuadams** » Fri Dec 05, 2003 5:52 am

OK Rob, time for those pictures of your project in progress. No fair just going straight to the finished beauty. I want to see the sanded down worts.

rhampshire · Post by **rhampshire** » Fri Dec 05, 2003 6:44 am

Gordon, you got that right. I'm going to get current pics up this weekend...

In the meantime, here are the (******) pics from the auction of the condition it was in when I received it. Posting these 'cuz the auction page won't be up for much longer...

rickcrazy · Post by **rickcrazy** » Sun Dec 28, 2003 1:54 pm

How is it coming along?
From the pictures I see you need an original nameplate, a period-correct pickguard, a fourth control knob, a black toggle switch cap, a 1st version handrest, a finger rest, a Grover tuner set and the complete toaster pickup assembly to put your 4001 back to its stock configuration. I wish I could provide you with any of these. Keep us posted as to your progress.

bigbajo60 · Post by **bigbajo60** » Sun Dec 28, 2003 8:03 pm

Hey Rob...

I was wondering... did you fill in/plug that round "Les Paul-style" toggle switch route on the back side of the upper horn? Or did you just decide to "live widdit"?

rhampshire · Post by **rhampshire** » Mon Dec 29, 2003 9:17 am

Hey guys,
I'm real lazy - I need to get some current pics on here.

It's completely stripped, both routes are filled and I'm getting ready to spray as soon as I install and exhaust fan in my shop.

I did score a set of Grovers for $85! Not a bad price, I think?

The only things I need for this project are a truss rod cover (i have a line on one at the moment), toaster pickup, and knobs. I'll make the guard and thumbrest myself.

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Mon Dec 29, 2003 11:34 am

Rob,
are there holes for a thumbrest? because not all 72's came with them, I have a 72 4001FL that has no thumbrests, and never did.

rhampshire · Post by **rhampshire** » Mon Dec 29, 2003 11:43 am

Bob,
Yup, the holes are there. Mine was made early enough I guess (January '72).

rickcrazy · Post by **rickcrazy** » Mon Dec 29, 2003 12:19 pm

Hm... A toaster pickup? Would you like me to build one for you, Rob? It would be up to you to find a cover and a securing plate therefor. Interested? Here's a picture of a genuine Rickenbacker toaster pickup. My version can be made to look just like that.