Model of the Week Ten: The 4001V63

[bassduke49]

I may not have this right, but I have the beginning of the V63 set in 1984, and ending in about 2002. A much more careful reproduction of the 4001S models made in 1963-64 (which also became the Rose-Morris model 1999), the V63 structurally is similar to the 4003, but has the "S for special" appointments: no binding, dot position markers; and reproductions of the trademark Toaster and Horseshoe pickups. The vintage horseshoe pickup surround is another nod to the ancients, and it is accompanied by the split center "tooth" of the mute cover, a characteristic of the old-style tailpiece. The headstock features walnut wings and a vintage TRC of backpainted Plexi, and the control knobs are the vintage style. While almost always found in Fireglo or Mapleglo, several Jetglo V63s are out there, and a scattering of other colors have been documented: Sea Green, Turquoise, and Midnight Blue.

So let's discuss the very popular 4001V63. Feel free to post pix. Here are my two, a '97 Fireglo (with the unusual dot on the 19th fret), and a former Fireglo refinished in non-yellowing white with dark stained fretboard and headwings by Dale Fortune for Sean Kelly:

[libratune]

A Jetglo and Mapleglo to round out the presentation:

4001V63 JG

4001V63 MG

[johnallg]

Someday I'll get new pictures...

[Lost Coyotes]

It's OK, John. Your pics are fine. I'm already sold...I NEED one of those in MG!
Which was it again?...the early '90s had the thinner necks?
Something else for me to obsess about now, thanks a lot!

Resistance, for me, was futile. I have joined the ranks of those afflicted with RAS.

[johnallg]

It's OK, John. Your pics are fine. I'm already sold...I NEED one of those in MG!
Which was it again?...the early '90s had the thinner necks?
Something else for me to obsess about now, thanks a lot!

Resistance, for me, was futile. I have joined the ranks of those afflicted with RAS.

Hahahaha! The V necks were decent (I believe) from the start (84?) to the later 90s. Mine is '93 and pretty nice.

[rickinroma]

May 1997, Fireglo

http://www.gospel.bo.it/albums/userpics ... 97_1_1.JPG

slim neck

[antipodean]

Thanks Paul, I've been waiting for this!

The V63 is my favourite model. I am enthralled by the horsie/toaster combo, the vinatge 'guard and those great contours. Mine is a 00 Jetglo with a big, chunky neck, but I still love it!

[leftybass]

[kiramdear]

John, that makes me sorry I'm not left-handed

[brycycle]

1987 MG & 1998 FG (pretty much unplayed w/ all the case candy).

[dog]

Thanks Paul. This is the post I have been waiting for.

[teeder]

My April '92 with a couple aftermarket extras, Hipshot tailpiece and extender key.

This one has the hot toaster and HS and the smaller neck.

[rickfan60]

The V63 is one of my favorite basses. I have a '94 JG and it is one of the best sounding Ricks in my collection. The treble pickup of the V is hotter than the one in the C64 and can produce wonderful overdriven sounds with a little provocation. They are truly awesome basses.

The V is the second effort to recall the 60's 4001S look. The first being the short-lived B series from 1982. The 4003B was basically an S with a toaster set at 1" and a ROS jack - hardly true to the model but they are out there.

[teeder]

It's OK, John. Your pics are fine. I'm already sold...I NEED one of those in MG!
Which was it again?...the early '90s had the thinner necks?
Something else for me to obsess about now, thanks a lot!

Resistance, for me, was futile. I have joined the ranks of those afflicted with RAS.

Mike, look for a '91-'92. I believe it will have everything you want.

[mtnckr]

I bought a 4001v63 JG a few weeks ago. It will be in my hands in a couple of days. I am really excited about it.