Question about 4001V63 headstock shapes

[Jim Dandy]

Could someone tell me what year the 4001V63 headstocks changed shape and became shorter? I know I've seen that information here before, but couldn't find it again when I searched.

Thanks!

[KenOnBass]

I'd be curious as well and WHY they changed the headstock shape to begin with.

[aceonbass]

The V63 headstock got shorter for 1997. At that time they, as well as the 4001CS basses, switched to the same headstock shape as the standard 4003. I have no idea why. This kills the value of V63's and 4001CS's beyond that point for me. The bridge pickup surrounds got a less vintage looking shape to them also about that time.

[cheyenne]

Here's a shot of my '88.

[BAD RONBO, KiLLeR DWaRfS]

'88 is proper...i love it !

[jps]

If you take the piece of headstock between the nut and where the left end of the underline of the Rick name and cut it off then you have the short headstock, bassically.

[aceonbass]

The cresting wave at the end of the headstock has a very different shape on the shorter headstock. The current headstock is a combination of the two. It's short, but has the pre-'97 V63 shaped cresting wave. 1997 was also the year that the 4003 pickguard shape changed, having the hump towards the front of the bottom curve and a bigger radius on the corners. I don't care for it myself.

[Jim Dandy]

Thanks for the information!