Hipshot bridge (again?)... for 3001

[daveman]

I put an aluminum Hipshot bridge on my 3001 because the stock bridge was slightly out of alignment with the neck. I never figured out how to alter the alignment (side to side) with the stock bridge, and I didn't feel like doweling the bridge screwholes and reinstalling it properly. (The neck would not budge when I tried to realign it.) The Hipshot is adjustable (not a lot) in this dimension. Cured my problem. Sounds fine.... still a Ric. Even with that wonky pickup, it still sounds like a Ric. Love that neck!

[TheFountainHead]

Hey Dave, I don't have much to add about the birdge swap, but i also love the neck on my 76 3001. IMHO, the 3001 is the most underrated ric bass out there. It's phaaaatt thumpy sound, and useful electronics make it very verstile for a single pickup axe. I currently have flatwounds on mine right now, and i confess it's taken the #1 spot from my 4003. It's definitely a keeper

[loendmaestro]

I reach for my 3001 before either my 4001 or 4003. They are true sleepers. Not as elegant as the 4000 series...hence their lack of respect but what fantastic basses!

[cassius987]

How much is one of these worth in today's market? They sound like they'd be good for recording, similar to a P Bass.

[loendmaestro]

Very much like a P-Bass...but you can dial in the much beloved Rick Clank!

They've been steadily increasing in value on eBay. Many topping the grand mark, but I'd say good examples can still be found in the $7-800 range.


They are HEAVY though.

[daveman]

Yes... heavy indeed.

Here are a few pics of the bridge replacement process.

What a bass. Amazingly rich sound. It's like a cross between a Ric and a P-bass, with the emphasis on the Ric. Lots of sustain and overtones.

[daveman]

PS: here's the so-called "bridge lift" before the replacement.

[cassius987]

Why 3 knobs on a 1-pup bass? What kind've wood is that btw? Sexy sexy.

[TheFountainHead]

Why 3 knobs on a 1-pup bass? What kind've wood is that btw? Sexy sexy.

There's a master volume knob, along with bass cut and treble cut knobs. The more bass cut you dial in, the more clanky-er the sound becomes. These basses have HUGE bottomend, but are capable of producing many sounds depending on the knob positions. All 3001's have maple bodies/necks with rosewood boards.

[loendmaestro]

My 1978 3001. Such a great bass.....

[TheFountainHead]

Since we're posting pics, here's a few shots of mine. Don't mind the quirky background - these pics were taken when i was considering selling. I'm glad i didn't!

[johnallg]

Hah! My wife has an old beach towel just like that!

I really like the headstock shape on the 3001.

[cjj]

Hah! I used to have a beach towel just like that!

Nice looking bass! From the sounds of it, I'm gonna have to keep a look out for one of these gems!

[johnallg]

CJ - http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-RICKENBACKE ... dZViewItem

[daveman]

Here's a full shot of my 3001 with the Hipshot bridge.