1963 Rickenbacker Fireglo 4001

[ricaddic]

Nice bass, being its a 63, are the shoes still charged or have they lost thier magnatism ? and I would imagine the bridge must have a hell of a tail lift on it givin the age of the bass, hopefully I will be off for the guitar show, would be cool to see, I can only imagine what the price tag on it will be,

[bassduke49]

From what I've read here, the original cast aluminum tailpieces that were used into 1973ish were not prone to lift at all. The newer zinc ones, especially the black ones, were the ones most affected.

[2ndHand72Rick]

Correct sir! The cast aluminum bridges are rock solid and have zero taillift!

[ilan]

No. It is the only other '63 I know of though.

Here's another '63 Mike

That's a great wallpaper!

[ricaddic]

From what I've read here, the original cast aluminum tailpieces that were used into 1973ish were not prone to lift at all. The newer zinc ones, especially the black ones, were the ones most affected.

Thanks Paul, they should have just stuck with the aluminum ones, definitly would like to check this bass out, doubt I can afford it, but it would be cool to see such a vintage instrument..

[badeggs]

...they should have just stuck with the aluminum ones...

I think the story is the guys at the factory sand-casted the tailpieces themselves, a hot dangerous job no one really liked doing. Plus it took lots of grinding and polishing and plating to finish them. Production ramped way up in the 70s, so I guess it made sense to save the time and just outsource them...

That's all I recall, I'm sure others have more details.

[teeder]

sand-casted the tailpieces

I know someone that can make new ones.

[wints]

That's a rare one, no question. Beautiful Fireglo. I'd want to make sure the guard and the guts are original, as that tug bar seems just too far down!

But, ya never know...

[egosheep]

So will this be listed on ha.com before July? Is it going up for auction?

[johnallg]

sand-casted the tailpieces

I know someone that can make new ones.

Boy, that slid by without comment!

[pag]

Aluminium tailpieces...does he do the saddles also?
Send that guy a bottle of single malt...........and my address!

[teeder]

I'm gathering info on doing this. Hopefully I'll have everything put together by the end of summer and run it by Mr. Hall.
Stay tuned.

[pag]

I like that........bridges,tailpieces............stay tuned!

[mgauction]

No. It is the only other '63 I know of though.

Here's another '63 Mike

I should have figured, Graham

Thanks for posting, Ted's, Paul!

With '73's selling w/ checkerboard binding and no MOPs in our last auction in the $4300 area, this one should hit a new high.

[mgauction]

Here are some real high rez photos. This site also includes a very scarce 1957 Fender P-Bass:

http://s23.photobucket.com/albums/b370/ ... ighlights/