83 4003 pickup update question
Moderators: rickenbrother, ajish4
83 4003 pickup update question
Hello everyone. I stated in my previous post that I own an 83 4003, and that I was thinking of sort of updating it as it were. The bass is stock mostly save for the tuners being replaced with the current style being used now. I was thinking of doing the same with the pickups. I've read the anatomy thread sections regarding pickups and I was curious to all of your opinions about this. Mostly, is it worth it? I played a a newer 4003 a few years back but it had a Toaster in the neck so I don't really have anything to go on. I'm also thinking of swapping the two piece pickguard for a one piece one. Is it necessary to make a template for it or do they make one thats just a direct fit? Last thing I'm looking to do is swap the tailpiece for one that doesn't have the two screws in the bottom of it. Any thoughts for or against this? Just looking for honest opinions here.
Re: 83 4003 pickup update question
nothing?
-
rickenbrother
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Re: 83 4003 pickup update question
Replacing parts is completely up to you. The updates that you are thinking of are easily reversible if you change your mind at a later date.
You can probably have Tony at Pickguardian make you a new pickguard from a templates he has. Though it's best to send him a tracing of the two pieces of the pickguard put together so he can make you one for the best fit and screw hole alignment.
A new pickguard from RIC will most likely not properly fit your 4003.
If I was going to replace pickups in one of my 4001 or 4003 basses, I''d go with new RIC pickups. The new higains have more output than the pickups from '83. There are aftermarket pickups from Bartolini and Seymour Duncan. Most people will tell you will lose the Rick tone if you install aftermarket pickups.
You can probably have Tony at Pickguardian make you a new pickguard from a templates he has. Though it's best to send him a tracing of the two pieces of the pickguard put together so he can make you one for the best fit and screw hole alignment.
A new pickguard from RIC will most likely not properly fit your 4003.
If I was going to replace pickups in one of my 4001 or 4003 basses, I''d go with new RIC pickups. The new higains have more output than the pickups from '83. There are aftermarket pickups from Bartolini and Seymour Duncan. Most people will tell you will lose the Rick tone if you install aftermarket pickups.
JETGLO should officially be renamed JETGLO ROCKS! 
Re: 83 4003 pickup update question
Pickguardian stuff is usually around 50 to 60 bucks right? Something like that? I hear they make some really quality stuff there.
Well if I do update the electrics of my bass I'd only use Rickenbacker stuff. I'm not a fan of aftermarket anything on these guitars really in the way of pickups go. The one thing thats holding me back really is that I've no way to compare the new pickups versus the old ones. Do you or anyone else know of any videos or comparison tracks?
Well if I do update the electrics of my bass I'd only use Rickenbacker stuff. I'm not a fan of aftermarket anything on these guitars really in the way of pickups go. The one thing thats holding me back really is that I've no way to compare the new pickups versus the old ones. Do you or anyone else know of any videos or comparison tracks?