Thumb Rest

[bassduke49]

Did the original 4000's have the tug bar stock?

Yes. This is one of Graham Griffith's '59 4000 basses:

[streki]

I've just fitted one of these to my 4003.....

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/15432389/Ric/bezel.jpg

No drilling involved and very comfortable to play with.

bought it from this place: http://www.ricsrus.com/Accessories.html

[Fretjob]

I've just fitted one of these to my 4003.....

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/15432389/Ric/bezel.jpg

No drilling involved and very comfortable to play with.

bought it from this place: http://www.ricsrus.com/Accessories.html

Same here, although i went for the "cove" version.

While it works great as a place to lock your thumb. (My fears of it not being deep or big enough were unfounded) downsides are
- It's a little more towards the bridge end than i would have preferred (personal choice)
- Can be hard to find the cove again if you leave it. (I think the thumb rest version may be more forgiving in this regard)

[streki]

- It's a little more towards the bridge end than i would have preferred (personal choice)
- Can be hard to find the cove again if you leave it. (I think the thumb rest version may be more forgiving in this regard)

Yeah, for three years ive been resting my thumb more in the neck pickup position on my old bass (ibanez btb 670) but after playing the ric exclusively for the last four weeks or so, the new position is now becoming very familiar and comfortable. I was frustrated at not being able to find the thumb rest instinctively without having to look for it, but after playing every day, muscle memory has kicked in and suddenly it just feels right. The same thing is starting to happen with the neck too....the ibanez has a much, MUCH thinner neck, and the ric's seemed like a log at first. Ive not allowed myself to play the ibanez since the ric arrived.....i need to become completely familiar with this new instrument and its gonna take some time. I may even sell the ibanez to be fair...she's really a fast, comfortable bass, but the tone just doesn't compare.