1974 4001 FL with wedge inlays and fret lines

[bd2]

I have a '74 4001 FL with wedge style inlays and fret lines. I bought it used back in the 80's and always assumed it to be completely factory as the fret lines are completely flush with the fretboard and there is no signs of any work ever being done on the neck. Now I am seeing that all other fretlesses have dot inlays and no fret lines. Although I always found the fret lines to be annoying (can't see them when playing normally) I'm confused by the fact that this doesn't look to be a factory option. Does anyone know if Rickenbacker ever produces special orders that could explain what I have???

[ajish4]

Welcome to the RRF Bruce!

Sounds like someone just pulled the frets and did the mod.

I don't know of any 4001 RIC fretless, dating back to the early 70's that DID NOT have the DOTS.


Also Bruce, when I clicked on your photo, my antivirus rang off a warning. Just an FYI.

[cjj]

Or had fret lines...

[bd2]

I'm surprised as the fretboard shows no signs of damage if the frets were removed. I never had any reason to suspect it was other than factory... but researching it recently I couldn't find anything like it... If it was a mod, it was very professionaly done...
Is it possible it could be a special order from the factory???

@ajish4... sorry 'bout the photo... just a jpg I uploaded. should I be using different format?

[ajish4]

I'm surprised as the fretboard shows no signs of damage if the frets were removed. I never had any reason to suspect it was other than factory... but researching it recently I couldn't find anything like it... If it was a mod, it was very professionaly done...
Is it possible it could be a special order from the factory???

@ajish4... sorry 'bout the photo... just a jpg I uploaded. should I be using different format?

Not that I'm aware of, it was just strange. It did it once, threat was contained....but went back a few times, and it didn't happen again. Possibly just a false ring off on the antivirus. Just thought it was worth a mention. No worries on this end.

IDK, the factory did do some unique things, but I vaguely remember someone saying the strings vibrating on those inlays COULD cause issues with them cracking.

Hopefully, some more informed than I will chime in, but I've never personally heard of this being done.

[bd2]

IDK, the factory did do some unique things, but I vaguely remember someone saying the strings vibrating on those inlays COULD cause issues with them cracking.

Hopefully, some more informed than I will chime in, but I've never personally heard of this being done.

That does make sense the concern about cracking although mine shows no signs of cracking to any of the inlays... however I don't play it as often as my main bass. Since it is so well balanced, it doesn't lend itself well to my style of playing... I always play a fretless so like to keep the neck high to make sure I can visualize where the frets would be to keep my intonation good.

[FretlessOnly]

I always found the fret lines to be annoying (can't see them when playing normally)

Word.

In '74, the FLs had side dots on each note; if your sidedots are at 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 15, 17, and 19 and they are between the lines, then it's a de-fret. I suppose there's always that 0.01% chance of an odd-ball special order, but that seems beyond a remote possibility in this case.

[bd2]

I always found the fret lines to be annoying (can't see them when playing normally)

Word.

In '74, the FLs had side dots on each note; if your sidedots are at 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 15, 17, and 19 and they are between the lines, then it's a de-fret. I suppose there's always that 0.01% chance of an odd-ball special order, but that seems beyond a remote possibility in this case.

Contacted the factory and as it turns out someone had very carefully shaved the frets down... was done well enough that I never suspected. I had never researched before and since I had my Ric "fretless" never bothered to look for another as a comparison...
As you can see by this photo there is no real damage... but the "unfinished" fretboard (or the lack of varnish as it turns out) was another clue...

[jps]

IIRC, we have seen this done, previously.

[BAD RONBO, KiLLeR DWaRfS]

i like it !