Rare Photo - McCartney Plays 4001S

[simer4001]

Don't forget the first amp he ever owned. It was an El Pico. I think Paul has every guitar he ever owned that wasn't destroyed or stolen.

[revolver323]

I'm just wondering if anyone on the board has the British version of the Let It be album -- the one that came with a book of color pictures taken during the filming sessions. I had this LP but sold it on Ebay several years ago for $150 (paid $3 in 1969). I can't recall if there were shots of Paul with the 4001 since the Hofner was used in the film. But it's worth a look.

[fran4001]

I once had the book too, and sold it back in the 90's for big bucks too! Anyway, about a year or so ago, at BeatGearCavern I believe, someone posted a link to the entire photo shoot. Damned if I could find it now! It's on the web somewhere. The book was all Ethan Russel's work I believe. I'm gonna try to find it.

[actual_size]

Only one picture of the bass in the UK LIB book from the Two of Us film. And only the top half headstock is visible leaning against Ringo's riser.

[actual_size]

From the Lady Madonna sessions.

[fran4001]

What the hell is Mal doing in that pic? What a riot!

[rickboy88]

Nice post, Steve. My initial photo at the start of this thread is from the same Lady Madonna session, but more of a closeup.

[JakeK]

Thought I'd bump up this thread by saying I've read it, and my GOD! What some amazing pics of such a beautiful bass!

I remember John Biscuiti saying that Paul's pickups were wired the wrong way just like they were on his (former) 4001V63. ala, up: HS, down: Toaster

John, what exactly were you saying?

[sloop_john_b]

Thought I'd bump up this thread by saying I've read it, and my GOD! What some amazing pics of such a beautiful bass!

I remember John Biscuiti saying that Paul's pickups were wired the wrong way just like they were on his (former) 4001V63. ala, up: HS, down: Toaster

John, what exactly were you saying?

There are quite a few pics of Paul playing his 4001s on Beatle sessions with the pickup switch down. It's been suggested that the wiring harness was flipped on his bass (since left handed ones weren't readily available I suppose?) and down meant toaster.

[teeder]

I agree with that theory 100%.

[wints]

Thought I'd bump up this thread by saying I've read it, and my GOD! What some amazing pics of such a beautiful bass!

I remember John Biscuiti saying that Paul's pickups were wired the wrong way just like they were on his (former) 4001V63. ala, up: HS, down: Toaster

John, what exactly were you saying?

There are quite a few pics of Paul playing his 4001s on Beatle sessions with the pickup switch down. It's been suggested that the wiring harness was flipped on his bass (since left handed ones weren't readily available I suppose?) and down meant toaster.

Yes, we collectively came to that possible theory a long time ago. I just can't believe that they made a 60's HS sound like a toaster back then, given that Paul plays over the toaster too.

I still think it's wired in reverse.

[craig55]

Did Paul get paint on the strings?
Maybe thats what gave the bass it's "sound"

[JakeK]

Is it just me, or is Paulie using the 4001S on "Don't Let Me Down"? The bass is just so rich and full, something he said he could never get from his Hofner. I can believe that Paul used the Hofner for the rest of Let It Be that he played bass on, but I'm debating about the Past Masters/Blue Album version of "Don't Let Me Down".

[tennis_nick]

Is it just me, or is Paulie using the 4001S on "Don't Let Me Down"? The bass is just so rich and full, something he said he could never get from his Hofner. I can believe that Paul used the Hofner for the rest of Let It Be that he played bass on, but I'm debating about the Past Masters/Blue Album version of "Don't Let Me Down".

Seeing as how the album version came from the live rooftop version, I'd venture a guess and say it's a Hofner.

[JakeK]

Not sure what you mean by that, but the Past Masters/Blue Album version was recorded in the studio on 28 January, 1969, while the rooftop was recorded two days later on 30 January.