Hardware variations on White 4003

[surfinmars]

I have an 85 4003 Wht that has blacked out tuners, p/up bezels, bridge, and jack plate. But I see more pics of white rics with chromed hardware. Does anyone have figures as to how many 85 4003 Whts were made with black vs chrome hardware?

[badeggs]

In (at least part of) the 80s, black trim and hardware were standard with WHT, MG, RED, MB...several finishes. And WHT finishes, even back to the early-mid 70s, mostly had black trim (WHT 4001s from before 1974 are hard to come by, but they're out there). In 85 most of the WHT 4003s would have had black trim and hardware, white trim and chrome would have been optional...

Actual production numbers would probably be tough to get!

[bassduke49]

Jeff has it right. First off "how many" is impossible to answer as RIC does not divulge production numbers except for certified limited editions.

Back in the 4001 days (pre 1980), White Rick basses were likely to come with black body binding and white neck binding, black pickguard and truss-rod cover (TRC), and chrome-plated hardware. It is possible to find a 4001 in White with white-bound body and white plastic items, but probably pretty scarce.

For the 4003, White came standard with black binding on body AND neck, black pickguard and TRC, and black powder-coated hardware (tailpiece, strap pins, pickup surrounds, and tuners). "Reverse trim" was optional back in the '80s and '90s with an up charge, so you can find White with white binding, white plastic, and chrome hardware, but they are much less commonly found.

Here is Gary Clauson's White 4003 with "WT" -- white trim and chrome hardware:

[badeggs]

It is possible to find a 4001 in White with white-bound body and white plastic items, but probably pretty scarce.

Absolutely, Paul! But they can be found...even with full, pre-73 appointments (or what's left of them):

Of course they could always be refinishes (though I seem to remember this one here being vetted by our experts). There's also that '72 WHT in the gallery (I think you know the one I mean) that's missing a pickup surround and a tugbar but is otherwise all there...

[woodyng]

oh my! that white w/cb binding an fwi's---drool! that needs to be mine....the fender bridge has gotta go,tho...

[surfinmars]

This is the first time I've seen an all white (4003WT). That is the most beautiful bass i've ever seen in my 55 years!

[bassduke49]

And then there are custom refinishes like this V63 refinished by the esteemed Dale Fortune:

It's currently for sale (check with me).

[surfinmars]

Paul, I wish we had contact two months ago. Right now I'm restoring an old truck that's taking all my $$$. And it's a project I need to complete before another bass. But I may PM you about your 4003 Wht...it may entail me selling mine.

[dricard]

Jeff has it right. First off "how many" is impossible to answer as RIC does not divulge production numbers except for certified limited editions.

Back in the 4001 days (pre 1980), White Rick basses were likely to come with black body binding and white neck binding, black pickguard and truss-rod cover (TRC), and chrome-plated hardware. It is possible to find a 4001 in White with white-bound body and white plastic items, but probably pretty scarce.

For the 4003, White came standard with black binding on body AND neck, black pickguard and TRC, and black powder-coated hardware (tailpiece, strap pins, pickup surrounds, and tuners). "Reverse trim" was optional back in the '80s and '90s with an up charge, so you can find White with white binding, white plastic, and chrome hardware, but they are much less commonly found.

Here is Gary Clauson's White 4003 with "WT" -- white trim and chrome hardware:

WhiteWTweb.jpg

At a quick glance, I thought that was "The Holy Grail"- till I saw the triangle markers. White/white is really nice.

[bassduke49]

At a quick glance, I thought that was "The Holy Grail"- till I saw the triangle markers. White/white is really nice.

So what is your "holy grail"?

[scotty]

Well CB on white is certainly looking good! viewtopic.php?f=68&t=401758

[superdick2112]

At a quick glance, I thought that was "The Holy Grail"- till I saw the triangle markers. White/white is really nice.

So what is your "holy grail"?

I don't know about dricard's choice, but mine would simply be a new 4003 in white, with black binding & hardware. I also want to add a 4003 fretless to the toolbox some day, but like a white 4003, I suspect I'll have to look to the pre-owned market for one...

[TheCurvedEarth]

White with black binding and chrome hardware is where its at, for sure.