4xxx mod

[aceonbass]

[/quote] Of course, the final detail to get the sound of a 4002 would be to replace the bubinga fingerboard with an ebony fingerboard, and cut the neck in two lengthwise, install a shedua stripe, and glue it all back together. And by the time you did all that, you'd have as much or more invested in time and effort as the current secondary market for used 4002's in good condition.[/quote]
Not really. One of the projects I have on my wish list is a 6-string bass starting with a 4004. To do it "right"(a relative term, I know) would mean doing most of that, and the labor and materials would cost nowhere near an additional $4000.00+. A I remember, Ted S. was doing a 4002 conversion on a beat 4001. He did a neat pictorial as he was going, then nothing. I'd love to know what stage that project is in now.

[coolhandjjl]

This is getting out of hand. My proposed mod will cost under a hundred bucks.

Dane, I appreciate all your suggestions, but do you have a caps lock or some sort of permanent bold text activated? I feel like you are shouting at me rather than sharing knowledge.

[johnallg]

This is getting out of hand. My proposed mod will cost under a hundred bucks.

Dane, I appreciate all your suggestions, but do you have a caps lock or some sort of permanent bold text activated? I feel like you are shouting at me rather than sharing knowledge.

Dane has always posted in bold. He has very extensive experience modifying and customizing Rick basses that goes back many years and is very free with sharing his knowledge and experiences. I appreciate it.

[coolhandjjl]

Here's one with pups in 4002 position. Pickguard has to cover two existing routes now. I did the Stu-Hammer style over the Vigier, as for my tastes, the Fender look seems to jive more with the Ric than French design. So I guess the question is, do the added work of making two new pup routes (they don't really need to be very deep) and try to emulate a 4002, or do the simpler top design that involves moving only one. Never played a 4002. I only read that the 4002 pup placement is based on the J bass pup placement. Since both pups are in new routes, I can consider totally different pups as well now.

Again, I really do appreciate all the suggestions! I only started learning bass one year ago.

[johnallg]

John, I like the pup position and the guard on the lower one better. The guard seems to flow better.

[coolhandjjl]

I'm liking it too. Now its time to talk pups! Don't have to be humbuckers either.

[jps]

.....the Fender look seems to jive more with the Ric than Italian design.

Patrice Vigier is French!

[coolhandjjl]

.....the Fender look seems to jive more with the Ric than Italian design.

Patrice Vigier is French!

I realized it right after I typed it. Good catch!

[aceonbass]

I think the lower pickup placement looks pretty good., but the guard just looks SO Fender. I really wouldn't want to see the value of the bass decreased, or have you later on regret the mod (as many do). Here's a thought....Why not go for the '57-60 4000 guard? It covers all the necessary routes, and looks right without a pickup against the fretboard.

[coolhandjjl]

Forgot all about that original 4000 guard. I really like the looks of those on the maple slabs with the horseshoes, but I'm not sure I like it in this case.

[jps]

They look great in FG, also.

[coolhandjjl]

Those are metal, correct? Probably have to bring Paul Wilczynski in the loop if I go that route!

[jps]

Back painted lucite, just like the TRC.

[coolhandjjl]

Here we go: A or B. I plan on calling this bass 'Black the Ripper".

[jps]

A