4001 with dark fingerboard and dot inlays

[jps]

It would be interesting to hear the tonal difference with the ebony board.

Well, 4002s have ebony fingerboards.

[FretlessOnly]

This is the message I got from the RIC customer service:

"That is a 4001 that someone has changed the fingerboard. It would not have
come from the factory like that."

A bit of a turnoff.

I wouldn't say so. So, it's not completely original, but we are talking a '74 here, right? Pre-July '73 would be another story, but that bass looks fantastic. Grab it and rip it, and don't worry about a mod that actualy makes it look hot.

[rickenbrother]

I can see if you are disappointed that you thought this was original, but I agree with John. As long as the mod was well done, enjoy the bass.

[aceonbass]

Left handed 4001's with dot boards always make me think of McCartney, so it has that goin' for it...which is nice

[cran]

Still haven't got it yet.

Is there an official Rick reference song that is used as a benchmark when comparing instruments?

[jps]

Is there an official Rick reference song that is used as a benchmark when comparing instruments?

For bass, the Official RRF Test Song® is the first third of Close To The Edge.

[woodyng]

then,roll off the treble completely,and play "silly love songs"......

[cran]

Finally got it!

Anyway, here's a little sound example for those interested in hearing it (sorry, no Close To The Edge yet):

http://www.todesplanet.de/blog/?p=72

I think it sounds okay. The buzzing might be due to the low tension roundwounds I use. These are the Seymour Duncan replacement pickups, but I have the original ones as well! Nobody in this forum will tell me I should keep the SDs if I have the originals, right?

[jps]

Right!

[berth]

I think it sounds okay.

Sounds like a Rick to me.

The buzzing might be due to the low tension roundwounds I use. These are the Seymour Duncan replacement pickups, but I have the original ones as well! Nobody in this forum will tell me I should keep the SDs if I have the originals, right?

Well, I very much like my Rick pickups and my 4001c64 with toaster/horseshoe is my best sounding Rick. But I do know of one bassplayer I really like with a great tone who is using Seymour Duncan's. Alan Davey, former Hawkwind, and current Gunslinger and a lot more.

Here you can see the SD:

[rickenbrother]

It sounds more Rick-like than I was expecting. I'd reinstall the original pickups, but that's my opinion. Sebastian, you're the one that has to be happy with the tone.

[cassius987]

It sounds just fine if you ask me. All instruments have potential to sound better or worse than we initially realize them to be; recently I "rediscovered" just how incredible my 2007 4003 is. Give it a good enough setup and I'm sure it'll be a keeper.

[espidog]

Give it a good enough setup and I'm sure it'll be a keeper.

That's the crux of the matter, without a doubt. It's got great tone to it, but either your action is waaaaay too low or you've got to get the neck relief sorted out - possibly both. Kill that fret buzz and you've got one classy Rick on your hands. Nice find!

[cran]

Pickup replacement done. I made some photos of the innards, for those interested:

Cabling:


New truss rods:


Truss rod cavity:


There are more pictures available here:
http://www.todesplanet.de/blog/?p=82

[cran]

Sound example with original pickups:

http://www.todesplanet.de/blog/audio/ri ... ickups.mp3