Early '70s 4001 Bridge Pickup Question

[BobHyde]

Forgive me if this issue has already been discussed in depth, but I couldn't find anything definitive in the forums.

Did the aluminum plate on the bridge pickup get introduced in '73 or earlier/later? More specifically, could this be the correct bridge pickup from a September '72 4001?

[johnallg]

Yes, aluminum goes all the way back to the magnetic horseshoe pickups. And the coil and screws looks period correct.

[FretlessOnly]

Sorry for being so forward, Bob, but I have a Dec '72 that could use that pickup package. Any interest in selling?

From what I can tell from your photo, that's a "squat" older-style cover and the surround is "scooped" to allow for lower action. The pickup and baseplate sure look period-correct as does the cover. There's been some discussion about the scooped surrounds; I'm not sure if a definitive conclusion has been reached as there was much variability in the early 70s. But, my April '73 has a scooped surround, but I've seen '72s without that feature. Then again, I'm not sure which parts may have been period-correct in those examples (including my own April '73).

In any case, all of your items look genuine and period-correct to me. But John's post already confirmed most of that.

[teeder]

I could use a better picture of the magnet. It looks big, like on a '73.

[Kopfjaeger]

So there were scooped pup surrounds in the early 70's?? I need one of those! The action on my 73 is so low that when I pull with any authority whatsoever, the E string sometimes clanks off the raised lip of my surround. I often thought of swapping it out for a modern 4003 surround but I wanted to keep this as stock as possible. My 73 is a true mix mash of change year items. Slotted pole pieces (just like the one in the OP) with aluminum base plate, toaster neck pup, checkered binding, non aluminum tail piece, and short fret markers.

Sepp

[BobHyde]

I could use a better picture of the magnet. It looks big, like on a '73.

Here is a shot from the side:

[teeder]

I'd be very surprised if that wasn't an early '73 pu.

[FretlessOnly]

So there were scooped pup surrounds in the early 70's?? I need one of those!

Bob sent me a PM - I need everything but the surround, unless for some reason this PU and cover won't fit with my existing horseshoe-style surround.

Of course, I have no idea if the surround is period or not - my April '73 is scooped, but then again, I can't be sure if that one is period or not!

Hopefully we can work something out to everyone's mutual satisfaction - I've asked Bob to post the pictures in RIckenbacker Appraisals, so let's see iof he's willing to sell for sure.

[Seans]

+1 on the 73, but as much as I love my small magnet 72, this is probably the best pup for your 72.

[Seans]

I could use a better picture of the magnet. It looks big, like on a '73.

Here is a shot from the side:

Hopefully that screw withdrawal hasn't cut the coil, they go quite a way inside.

[FretlessOnly]

Bob has posted this PU assembly in the "Rickenbacker Appraisals" section. If you could offer any thoughts on value, we are trying to come to a fair deal. Any other concerns on possibly rewinding, possible coil damage from screw removal (see Seans comment), etc. are appreciated.

viewtopic.php?f=17&t=404316

[aceonbass]

John, the "non-scooped" surrounds can be scooped. I've cut many, followed by a trip to the platers for that perfect finished look. I usually widen the scoop to resemble the surrounds found on early 4000 basses.

[jps]

The screw that is mostly removed is one of the two that secures the bobbin to the mounting plate, so no issues with damaging the coil; it is the pole pieces you do not want to mess with.

Both of the '73 4001s I have/had had non-scooped surrounds, both are/were original to their respective basses.

[BAD RONBO, KiLLeR DWaRfS]

my MD-1252 had a scoop and an aluminum mounted black painted green bobbin flat screw slotter like the one pictured, and my MJ-4844 had no scoop and an aluminum mounted black painted green dome pole coil.

[jps]

So, the scoop/no scoop may be another transition item.

The two "73 4001s I mentioned are a MC and a MG.