Is this project bass worth pursuing?

highway_star · Post by **highway_star** » Wed Nov 17, 2004 5:53 am

Here's a 4000 project bass on Ebay. Is it worth doing at that price since it looks like I'll have to buy everything for it? I was thinking about using flats on it and otherwise restoring it as much as possible to its original condition.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=4713&item=3761228251&rd=1

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Wed Nov 17, 2004 6:18 am

I was thinking of buying that one ... I have most of the part and the one I don't have I get easy ...

the best way to restore it is with a v63 pickguard and v63 chrome surround ... that will hide the holes ...

I was thinking of putting a modern high gain in and nickel round wounds ... that would make that baby thunderous ...

the real question is the neck ... on a neck through bass you have to have a good neck ... so if the neck and frets are good then it would be an excellent project bass ...

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Wed Nov 17, 2004 6:20 am

It looks like Ted is the high bidder ... Ted likes a good project as do I ...

jeff_ulmer · Post by **jeff_ulmer** » Wed Nov 17, 2004 6:31 am

There's some nice looking wood on that one, but I don't know that the cost of buying it is worth it once all the necessary repairs and restoration are done.

highway_star · Post by **highway_star** » Wed Nov 17, 2004 6:36 am

"the best way to restore it is with a v63 pickguard and v63 chrome surround ... that will hide the holes ..."

That was my idea. I'd like to get something with a horseshoe and toaster setup and perhaps run some flats on it.

I'd probably have to have someone do a good bit of the neck work, but I could probably get the electronics installed with the assistance of a wiring diagram.

I think locating a truss rod cover could be a problem if I can't buy a replacement without exchanging the original.

ricosound · Post by **ricosound** » Wed Nov 17, 2004 6:37 am

It's getting too rich for my blood. Otherwise worthy project.

highway_star · Post by **highway_star** » Wed Nov 17, 2004 7:23 am

Thanks everyone. After considering the parts outlay cost and the unknown nature of the neck, I'm going to pass on this one. Maybe I'll get another 4003 and put flats on it.......

rickfan60 · Post by **rickfan60** » Wed Nov 17, 2004 2:25 pm

Yes, that one was definately worth chasing. Apparently, someone else wanted it more than I did.

marc61 · Post by **marc61** » Wed Nov 17, 2004 2:37 pm

I don't understand how I search for Rickenbacker all the time on Ebay and didn't see that. Pretty sure I would have bid more than the winner. Oh well...

rickaddict · Post by **rickaddict** » Thu Nov 18, 2004 4:42 am

So, is this actually a 4001S or is it a 4000 that was routed out for a 2nd pickup?

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Thu Nov 18, 2004 4:46 am

it is a 4000 ... there is no route for an extra pickup and it is a set neck ... the routing was to put a bigger pickup in the bridge position ...

rickaddict · Post by **rickaddict** » Thu Nov 18, 2004 5:43 am

I guess its been a while since I've seen a 4001 with the pickguard off so I don't remember exactly what the route looks like for the neck pickup. If I had side by side photos, I'm sure I'd see the light! Why would RIC need to put the route in the body for the neck pickup wiring if the guitar wasn't going to have a neck pickup? Did they do this on all 4000 basses?

brian · Post by **brian** » Thu Nov 18, 2004 6:06 am

The 73 I have doesn't have that

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Thu Nov 18, 2004 6:08 am

some of the 4000 models were factory converted to 4001 and some were converted by owners ... I would be reluctant to start routing out wood from a set neck ric bass ... there is a possibility of weakening the neck joint ...

rickfan60 · Post by **rickfan60** » Thu Nov 18, 2004 6:53 am

That is probably why the 4080 has bolt on necks. The assembly is very similar to the set neck but there is a pickup route cut into it.