something's not right wuth this bass...

[barginkov]

it looks right , but the neck doesnt seem right http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Rickenbacke ... 286.c0.m14

[ken_j]

What looks wrong for a '66 is the lack of full width fretboard inlays.

[rickcrazy]

Which means that particular 4005 was NOT made in 1966!

[ken_j]

What year did Rick go to the narrow skunk stripe on the 4005?

[rickenbrother]

What year did Rick go to the narrow skunk stripe on the 4005?

I was thinking that very same question.

[jps]

....not to mention the smaller headstock shape.

[whojamfan]

At least the seller appears to care about not misleading anyone on this instrument. Once again, this is one of those wierd situations where who knows what the whole history of this instrument is. They say that the neck may have been factory replaced, which could explain the inlay issue. Maybe the owner of it at that time broke the fingerboard not knowing how to properly adjust the truss rods, and sent it to RIC to get fixed, or may have had someone else do it. Who knows?

If I was this seller, I would consider sending it to Paul, Dale, or someone who is qualified to really inspect this instrument. They could possibly restore the items like the pickguard, and not necessarily refinish, but shine up the existing finish and hardware, and give this baby a certified "seal of approval". Doing these things would remove all doubt from anyone that it is a genuine Rickenbacker instrument, possibly when/if/where any neck repairs have been done, and be able to answer the questions that come up about it.

This outfit wants 6 grand for it, and I've seen ones on Ebay for around 15 grand,(whether or not they got that, I don't know),but having a reputable person evaluate it in person would be worth the time and investment involved to get the most out of it. Replace the non original hardware with the available direct replacements(even new 20 dollar toaster covers and include the originals),get that baby looking her best, and offer the buyer their choice of strings installed and setup prior to shipping it. If they spent a little money on it, I'm sure they could get well over their BIN price. Also, keep in mind that this is a music store, and therefore, it is very unlikely that they have a ton of money invested in it.

Good luck to whoever gets it, and if it is a fellow forumite, please let us know what the deal with this bass is once you find out.

[rickaddict]

My guess is that it was re-necked by the RIC factory in the 70's. It looks like the '66 tuners and bushings were used and a 60's neck blank was found. But the neck/headstock cutting machines and inlay material/methods had changed by then so a 70's headstock shape and 70's inlays are what it ended up with.

I don't have any theories on the goofy color though!

[sloop_john_b]

What year did Rick go to the narrow skunk stripe on the 4005?

My '74 had the narrow skunk stripe and no walnut headwings. All '68's i've seen have the wings and the big stripe. I've never seen a 4005 made between 1969 and 1973

[chefothefuture]

I like it.
Put some full widthies on it and put the A tuner in the right spot
along with a set of Grovers and she'd right as rain

[dale_fortune]

It's most likely a 4005WBBS that we re-necked in the 70s. Look close, this has the 3 piece top which 67 was the last year for.The FB with small inlays came along in 73. We never replaced fingerboards, but we did a few neck replacements when the customer specifically requested it, otherwise they got a whole new neck/body with their old original hardware. This Bass has been refinished and new PG with 70s black injection molded TR cover. Aloha Mr. Chefothefuture.

[wints]

Nice post Dale. Always good to hear certain details from certain periods. I too haven't seen a 4005 from 69-73. I would imagine they were firmly on the shelf, with Mr Squire's 4001 influence practically dictating policy.

[chefothefuture]

Hi Dale!

Now that we have it from some one who was there.....

I like it....

Fullies.....

Grovers....

Mmmmm.....

[weemac]

Truth is.. If it is a genuine repair, leave it the way it is! It looks good and it is a unique bass...
emac.

[rickaddict]

My guess is that it was re-necked by the RIC factory in the 70's. It looks like the '66 tuners and bushings were used and a 60's neck blank was found. But the neck/headstock cutting machines and inlay material/methods had changed by then so a 70's headstock shape and 70's inlays are what it ended up with.

I don't have any theories on the goofy color though!

Why am I always SO RIGHT all the time?! I just hate it sometimes!