want to see a really pretty fireglow Rick bass?

[Ivan3000]

Love the dark fireglo!

[johnallg]

Wow, thanks for all the nice comments on the song. I am a longtime lurker on this board, just thought you would all like to see my friend Joe's beautiful 4001.

To tell you the truth, I have always owned Ricky guitars, but I've long been much more of a Hofner bass guy until I played this bass. It's really, really growing on me and common decency demands that I return it to my friend soon. He doesn't want to sell it and I really don't have 3k for an early 70s 4001. Question for you wise men of such matters: if I get a used 4001 and eventually stick a toaster pickup in the neck, am I going to be roughly in the neighborhood of this bass? And would your recommend an 80s, 90s or current used 4001?

BTW, if you want to see a really pretty Hofner, check out the video for the song (shot at Abbey Road in London): http://www.corinashley.com

What Ken said about the 1/2" neck spacing on a 70s 4001. As to new 4003 basses, they are the best made of all 400x basses. Stop by a music store that has one and try it out. The pickups will be hotter then your friends, and the neck pup will be at 1". Judge for yourself. 1/2" spacing on a 4001 was up until the mid '75 period.

[crimson_dynamo]

Now, that's really interesting. Anyone know why they changed the spacing? I wonder if people ever re-route to do the old spacing. How much could that change the tone? I'm sure some people can year the difference.

[johnallg]

Now, that's really interesting. Anyone know why they changed the spacing? I wonder if people ever re-route to do the old spacing. How much could that change the tone? I'm sure some people can year the difference.

Moving to the 1" position leaves more maple wood where the neck meets the body and added reliability. Yes, you can rout it out for the 1/2" spacing, and take out less material than RIC used to do. I've done it, so have others. Pickguardian makes a 4003 guard with a 1/2" spacing. I hear a little more low end and not as many harmonics. Play the harmonics at the 1/2 and 1 inch positions - not much there at 1/2".

[jps]

I hear a little more low end and not as many harmonics. Play the harmonics at the 1/2 and 1 inch positions - not much there at 1/2".

Hmm, I experience the opposite.