72 ??? 4001 MG lefty on the Bay

leftybass · Post by **leftybass** » Fri Apr 09, 2004 8:50 am

News Flash....

It does have a truss rod cover, and a rather nice one at that.

Sorry Bob.

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Fri Apr 09, 2004 1:09 pm

Why has it been relisted John? He e-mailed me and told me that it didn't have one. But he did hint that he was going to change some things. Or did you buy it? haha! The name Leftybass seems to be some sort of a hint.

leftybass · Post by **leftybass** » Fri Apr 09, 2004 1:47 pm

Bob,
Originally, I scoffed at considering it since it was priced quite high and only rated in 'good' condition. I had e-mailed the seller anyway and asked questions but got no response until a few days later and from there arranged to talk on the phone about it, which we did.

After some thought and more talk we agreed on a price and since it had no bids the auction was pulled. I sent him $$$, he sent me the bass....I was sweating bullets......How 'good' would it be?

I received it a couple of days ago, and the bass(Oct. 1972) is virtually a time capsule that needed years of storage cleaned away. It is a super clean bass, in the same kind of condition as Paul Yan's 72 fretless. All original, unaltered and very little playing wear on the 1st couple of frets. Beautiful slotted screw-pole treble high-gain p/up under the cover, clear fingergrip was in the case, no rivet worming on the back, original Fender-style hardcase, bridge, mute,closed-back Grover tuners,nut, everything.
It even had the original instruction sheet on how to adjust the truss rods in the case pocket. Oh yeah, the rods are AWESOME. Perfect shape.

Needless to say I have rarely been happier when purchasing a vintage Rickenbacker, and this one even points in the right direction--LOL. But I was really nervous and took a chance, and it payed off.

leftybass · Post by **leftybass** » Fri Apr 09, 2004 2:16 pm

Also, with the acquisition of this 'new' 1972 4001LH, I will probably sell my first 72 that others have seen here on the Forum. They're a month and about 300 instruments apart, and both Mapleglo, and I don't need two...so the Nov. 72 bass will eventually be sold.

paul_yan · Post by **paul_yan** » Fri Apr 09, 2004 9:20 pm

Congratulations, John!
Nice score.

rickaddict · Post by **rickaddict** » Fri Apr 09, 2004 9:47 pm

Wow...Way To Go! Now find a righty for me!

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Sat Apr 10, 2004 2:05 pm

Yeah Congratulations John, I can't wait to get back on the buying end of this thing. Meanwhile I'm really happy with the 81 4003 I bought, it plays like butter and sounds unbelievable with TI's on it. (at the moment it has the guts from my 79 4001 in it)

leftybass · Post by **leftybass** » Sun Apr 11, 2004 4:31 am

So far, the only hurdle I'm having is with the jackplug. I'm thinking the contact points need cleaning. Anybody have any suggestions to 'de-noise' a jackplug?

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Sun Apr 11, 2004 2:51 pm

I just spray the contacts with tuner cleaner or something like that, then if you want you can brush it with a tooth brush or something non-abrasive to really clean it, but good cleaner should work without doing that. Just spray them from inside so you can get at them directly and put your cord in and out a few times.

leftybass · Post by **leftybass** » Sat May 01, 2004 3:12 pm

Here are some pics, I hope...I am new to posting images..
Essentially, all I did to the bass after it arrived was polish the frets, and change out the pickguard screws for new ones(the originals are bagged and stored away), re-install the fingergrip that was in the case, fresh strings and polish the guitar overall----it's just in great shape. I also could not resist installing the brand-new NOS closed-back Grovers I had saved for my other '72, even though the originals on this bass are just fine. It does need one pickup screw that is missing, if anyone can help...thanks!

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Sat May 01, 2004 4:48 pm

That is one cool bass John, I love lefty basses.

ken_swearingen · Post by **ken_swearingen** » Sat May 01, 2004 5:43 pm

john,that is nice. i love the vintage stuff inlay's, toester, checkerboard, beautiful.

rickcrazy · Post by **rickcrazy** » Sat May 01, 2004 11:24 pm

Hey, John. Congratulations on the new 'babe'.
I do have one treble p.u. height adjust screw I can spare. It came from a '77 4001 I once owned. If you're interested, just let me know where I can send it.

jps · Post by **jps** » Sun May 02, 2004 5:44 am

Very nice, especially the inlays, they don't look like they are yellowed at all.