New to forum

[bnyswonger]

Its a bit of an un-written policy, and good practice not to discuss price unless we're in one of the secure topics. "Appraisals" and "For Sale" come to mind. you have to be logged in to view these. I really dont think you would want to sell the 21 fretter. Its a very nice piece to have.

Welcome to the forum by the way!

Thanks for the heads up!

[bnyswonger]

After cruising around here and checking out threads for a while, I have two observations -

1) There is more solid knowledge, information, and enthusiasm on this board than I've seen anywhere. I'm really impressed with the helpful attitude that seems pervasive.

2) You guys are friggin' NUTS. That makes me feel right at home.

[86kubicki]

Glad you feel welcome Bob! The work of our moderator Peter helps to ensure that the discourse is kept positive.
And if you happen across a thread were I describe The Bears as "great weird pop music", I meant it in the best way possible!

[phlemmy]

Welcome to the board. I'll generally be of no assistance to you, but read on, brother....read on!

[heinpete]

... I'm sure people would love to see pics of that '71 ... especially if it has that elusive 21st fret...

Yeah, but it does not have a skunk stripe!!!

[bnyswonger]

I'll make an effort to take some photos and get them up...I know you guys like to see the innards too.

Mine isn't absolutely perfect - I've got one wavy key (G), no thumbrest and PU cover is off now (I've still got it), but overall it's pretty good. I did the cap bypass and I've got flats on it now. I believe everything else is original and correct - but I'm sure you fellers will school me when you see pics.

Quick question - my mono output jack is kind of scratchy if the cable is moved even slightly - is replacing it a no no?

[leftyguitars]

Quick question - my mono output jack is kind of scratchy if the cable is moved even slightly - is replacing it a no no?

It probably only needs a squirt of switch cleaner and a slight 'nip up'.

[ben_brown]

Welcome Bob...

[johnallg]

Quick question - my mono output jack is kind of scratchy if the cable is moved even slightly - is replacing it a no no?

It probably only needs a squirt of switch cleaner and a slight 'nip up'.

Right, and at worse, you might need to bend a contact or two for better contact. The mono jack has switches as part of it to "mono-ize" the two pickups or pass them on discrete to the Ric-O-Sound jack.

Courtesy of the RIC Boutique:

[bnyswonger]

Holy ****, I didn't know it was that complicated a jack. No wonder it's crackly.

[johnallg]

Bob, just make sure the metal tab with the plastic nub makes contact with the outer metal tab when a cable plug is inserted, and also the lower big hook looking tab makes contact with the tip of the inserted cable plug. The surfaces to be cleaned with contact cleaner as Peter posted is where the two tabs (one with the plastic nub) touch, where the tip of the inserted plug hits that hook thing, and the main hole where the sleeve body of the cable plug goes through the jack. When there is no cable plug inserted, the two tabs (one with the plastic nub) should not be touching, as their making contact makes a common connection of the two pickup outputs and you wouldn't get Ric-O-Sound. Hope that is clear.

[bnyswonger]

Very clear. Thanks very much for explaining it - I'll try to get into it tomorrow. I've gotta get some contact cleaner, all I've got is compressed air.

Isn't there also high potential for something shorting between all those insulators?

[johnallg]

Not really as all the wiring is covered with insulation, and the metal of the jack is very hard and stiff. When inserting the jack back into the maple hole in the bass, make sure you orientate it to slip in effortlessly. If you force it, the switch portion (plastic nub tabs) will be moved and corrupted.

When you work on this, remove the 4 screws holding the jackplate to the bass, pull it out about a half inch, loosen the nut holding the mono jack to the jackplate, then work that back through the bass into the control rout. You have to have the pickguard up and out of the way to do this. Use a towel to protect the bass finish and lay the pickguard and controls aside. While you have the jackplate away from the bass, might as well use contact cleaner on the Ric-O-Sound connector also. It is less complex - just clean the two hook looking tabs and the hole through the jack.

Ric-O-Sound stereo jack - courtesy of RIC Boutique:

[morrow]

Hi Bob !

I don't post too much here but I am a frequent visitor . This is an amazing place for all things Rickenbacker . My old 4001 may have the later features but I just love the old thing . "Tis a joy to play .

( edit ) and jeez Bob , I hope you can hang on to that Ric of yours . It's a rare one .

[bnyswonger]

Hi Bob !

I don't post too much here but I am a frequent visitor . This is an amazing place for all things Rickenbacker . My old 4001 may have the later features but I just love the old thing . "Tis a joy to play .

( edit ) and jeez Bob , I hope you can hang on to that Ric of yours . It's a rare one .

Yeah, the more I've been handling it of late has made me realize I'd be an idiot to sell it. It's not my main player, but when you want that sound, nothing else does it.