Are all 1971 4001 basses created equal?

[wints]

21 frets were only on the 4001.

On page 208 in the Smith book is a photo of a medium scale 4005/8 with 21 frets. It is the only photo or reference to this instrument I have ever seen.

I recall a thread here (a few years back) where the original owner of this bass posted some additional pics taken by him 'back in the day' playing the bass...IIRC they were color snapshots taken in the early 70's.

Yup, remember that one too John. I'm sure it's in the archives somewhere. The guy traded it in the early 70's IIRC. You know that could be a one off, or possibly just one of two...

My late '71 was a very delicate bass, much like my Dec 68. Very light, and not high on output. Played beautifully though...
As I mentioned in the other thread, any bass from mid '69 until late '70 stands a good chance of being a 21 fretter. Of all examples that I can recall over the last few years, I think they might even have the edge over the 20 fret basses.

[bassduke49]

I believe all the short-scale 3000 basses were 21-fret.

[berth]

Apparently Ric made at least a couple of 3000's with 21 frets as well
http://www.rickresource.com/register/vi ... lebrity%3D

WTF (guess this word). I just found out I have an 21 fretter at home.

[Ric N. Backer]

The resurrection and allure of the mysterious 21-fret bass.

Fact of fiction?

[teeder]

I guess I was way off on the 21 fret models.

[jps]

I guess I was way off on the 21 fret models.

Don't feel so bad, I am constantly learning something new here, too.