1978 4001 Q's

[danomar]

So I got my first 4001. I was patiently waiting for an Amberglo I could afford, but I also really like Mapleglo. The vintage is right, so I am happy. And the thing is in near-new condition.

If I may, I would like to tap into the collective wisdom of the forum:

1-he jackplate does not have "Rick-O-Sound" written on it: Is this normal?
2-How does Rick-O-Sound work?
3-If I install an older-style pickguard that moves the pickup to 0.5" of the neck, will there be room for the neck pickup?
4-Is there a particular cleaner that is effective on the body?

I plan to put a black pickguard on it: Is there a source for black truss rod covers? Dare I even ask?

I am thinking of getting checkered binding on it if the black pickguard works out. Would that significantly affect the bass' value?

Thanks!
Daniel

[danomar]

The jackplate:

[jps]

It is common for the lettering to rub off the jackplate so no worries there. Take the pickguard off the 4001 and post a pic of the routing for the neck pickup, then we can know for certain about the 1/2" spacing; while you're at it, send me the 4005. On the '04 4003FL I used to have I had to do some magic to make the toaster fit, no big deal, though. You can get a black PG from http://www.pickguardian.com

Tell Tony I sent you!

[rickfan60]

Rick-O-Sound or ROS is a splitting of the pickup signals that allows for different amps to be used for each pickup. All that is require to use it is a stereo splitter cable (ROS box) and two amps.

[danomar]

Take the pickguard off the 4001 and post a pic of the routing for the neck pickup, then we can know for certain about the 1/2" spacing; while you're at it, send me the 4005. On the '04 4003FL I used to have I had to do some magic to make the toaster fit, no big deal, though. You can get a black PG from http://www.pickguardian.com

Neck pickup routing picture here:

The leading edge appears to be about 5/8" from the neck.

I definitely want to order from Pickguardian. I had great experiences with them before.

I think I missed some sort of subliminal message there, Jeff. Hey, would you like my 4005? I know you need another. Got a big padded envelope I can use?

[johnallg]

Nope, won't fit in the 1/2" spacing unless you rout wood.

[jps]

Here is a pic of the work I did to make the toaster fit at 1/2" on my 4003FL that Alex Heist has now. I only removed wood from the two corners nearest the neck, nowhere else.