Mute / damper units, 4001/4003

[henry5]

Does anyone know if a new mute/damper unit will fit a '72 bridge / tailpiece? If not, does anyone have an old 4001 mute they don't want/need and are prepared to let go?

[rickenbrother]

I'm sure that a new mute assembly will fit an older tailpiece.

[henry5]

Cool, thanks Joey. May be needing one soon.

[glking14]

I'm getting a mid 70's damper bar unit in a few days,I bought it to get the 2 screws/bolts.The new ones from RIC may fit but they are chrome not aluminum,I have a '71 and the tailpiece is aluminum and chrome ones would not match.If you are looking to restore your bass look for the aluminum if not, contact Rickenbacker and ask if they are interchangable

[heinpete]

The problem in fitting is not the tailpiece. The critical point is the woodwork beneath the tailpiece. The current damper iron support bar under the foam is larger (wider) than the older one. Maybe you need some extra routing towards the bridge PU. Maybe you dont want that?

[henry5]

Thanks for the advice guys. I'll see when I get the bass and take it from there.

[henry5]

I'm getting a mid 70's damper bar unit in a few days,I bought it to get the 2 screws/bolts.The new ones from RIC may fit but they are chrome not aluminum,I have a '71 and the tailpiece is aluminum and chrome ones would not match.If you are looking to restore your bass look for the aluminum if not, contact Rickenbacker and ask if they are interchangable

My main '72 has the original gap-toothed aluminium bridge but it's also chrome plated; I know because bits keep flaking off. Surely the chrome bolts would be ok?

[aceonbass]

The original mute srews, while slightly different, were not aluminum, but chrome plated brass. New mute srews look just fine in one. The mute bar will probably fit, but as mentioned earlier, may be slightly wider than the route. The original chrome plating on the aluminum tailpieces was pretty poor and does tend to flake off. I've had a couple properly tripple plated, and it's a big improvement.

[glking14]

I am in no way any kind of expert,I recently got a 71' 4001 in near mint condition and I am trying to replace the 2 things that are missing , so I am solely looking for vintage(early to mid 70's) parts which made the most sense to me.I am new to this forum and have found the members here most helpful and they know their stuff,I offered you my opinion which may not be that precise.I have no knowledge of a 4003 and don't know the difference between that and a 4001 other than looks.I hope this helps you in making the best choice.

[henry5]

I am in no way any kind of expert,I recently got a 71' 4001 in near mint condition and I am trying to replace the 2 things that are missing , so I am solely looking for vintage(early to mid 70's) parts which made the most sense to me.I am new to this forum and have found the members here most helpful and they know their stuff,I offered you my opinion which may not be that precise.I have no knowledge of a 4003 and don't know the difference between that and a 4001 other than looks.I hope this helps you in making the best choice.

No offence meant or taken at all Graham, yours was a valid point and I was just querying it because I wasn''t sure whether it was correct. Your contribution is very much appreciated. FWIW I'd sooner have the period correct parts but I can happily live with the 4003 parts if they fit ok. Maybe somewhere down the line I'll find some originals; although I've got to get the bass first!

Dane,

I've often wondered about having the bridge re-plated. I may look into it in the near future. Aesthetically it doesn't bother me but the flaking can be a pain.

[aceonbass]

Shaun, Lemme know if ya ever wanna get your tailpiece (or your bridge for that matter) plated. I have an excellent plater I use who also does work for Hipshot as well. The aluminum tailpiece and bridge I have are more or less NOS, but the chrome on them is real delicate. I will probably get mine replated at some point too.

[henry5]

Thanks Dane, will do.

[rickaddict]

Hey Graham- Not trying to stir the pot, but I agree with Dane. My Jan '71 4001 has the original mute screws and they are not aluminum. They look a little different from the new ones...maybe a bit flatter and the chrome plating doesn't seem as thick: http://www.rickresource.com/register/us ... llsize.jpg

As far as the mute bar goes...I'd give a new one a shot. They're cheap enough that it doesn't work out it wouldn't be a big loss. Plus, someone here would likely buy it if you wanted to sell it. One good thing about the new ones is that they're made to fit the radius of the strings. The older ones (or at least the one in my Jan '71) are just a flat bar so they'll hit the E and the G strings first.

[rickenbrother]

As far as the mute bar goes...I'd give a new one a shot. They're cheap enough that it doesn't work out it wouldn't be a big loss. Plus, someone here would likely buy it if you wanted to sell it.

I agree. There might be some difference between a '71 tailpiece and one from '75, but I gave a new mute assembly a try on a '75 4001FL. I didn't have any problems.

[rickaddict]

Actually...you know what? I have a slotted '71 aluminum tail sitting at home on my work bench. And I also have a newish mute bar...

So tonight if I remember, I'll try to see if the two of them want to work together and I'll report back later or tomorrow.