Advice for a possible '74 4001 purchase

[mjohnstewart]

I have the opportunity to purchase a 4001 from a friend. Everything about it says '74, including pickup position and date code on the pots. Several issues concern me, and I was hoping for some input. The jack plate is clearly not the proper one. The letter code is "ZZ". The only info I've found leads me to believe that this is a factory-issued replacement, since that code does not match any actual date code. Can anyone verify that this would be the case? Also, how much does this take from the value of the bass? It is an Azureglo, which I believe is on the rare side for '74. Also, there is mild cracking on the first few frets along the neck seam. There is no separation, but a definite crack. I assume that this is from a bad truss rod adjustment. Does that seem like a fair assessment, and again, does this reduce the value of the bass greatly? I'm not concerned with the purchase as an investment, I just want to make sure I am paying a fair price for an instrument that I will be playing. I can get the bass for $1300, which seems pretty fair, even given the condition. Any input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

[rickenbrother]

Hello Michael, welcome to the family!
For a while, replacement output jackplates were available. They had either XX or ZZ stamped on them.
That might reduce the value a little from a collectors point of view, however from a player perspective, $1000 for a '74 4001 is a super deal, even with the replacement plate.
The crack is most likely from improper truss rod adjustments. You might want to do a set up on this 4001 if you buy it and adjust the rods properly.
If the crack does eventually separate, It can be repaired. As the long as the repair is done well, that 4001 should still be a nice player.

[mjohnstewart]

Thanks Joey! I was pretty confident about the purchase, but it's always nice to get confirmation. I've had a few 4001s in the past, but am no expert. I did my homework via the web, and just want to say that this forum came up repeatedly in my searches. Nice job for all involved here! Really thorough and informative. I recently bought an '81 Azureglo to replace one of the same year that I sadly lost in a fire a few years back, and I'm excited at the idea of getting my first '70s vintage!

[cjj]

You'll like the '74 4001, and that's a decent price. I've got a '76 Azureglo that's in many ways my favorite even though I have some other really nice Ricks. The neck is just wonderful! I used to have a '74 and from what I can remember, it's neck was pretty much the same as my '76...

Oh, and welcome to the RRF!

[rickenbrother]

Very smart of you to do your homework before buying, saves alot of headache after the purchase. We've seem many get scammed and mislead about the accuracy and/or authenticity of their Rickenbacker purchase.
Sorry about your '81 Azureglo!