Bezel For 4003 - Thoughts, And Show Me Yours!

[spongebob]

Having recently acquired a Mapleglo 4003 - I've have been looking at the possibility of picking up one of the Tube Ampology bezels.

Any thoughts on these? Bit hard to come by over here, but I've found a stockist through E-bay.

It's not that I find it that bad without.....but the uncovered edges are certainly much sharper than the 4001's I have beforehand....bit worried about getting carried away at a gig and slicing something!

Been trying to find an image online of a Mapleglow with one installed - being dark, not sure how it would look?

Any thoughts and pics welcome!

[spongebob]

Information found!

Please delete if necessary...many thanks.

[rickenbottom]

I have one on each of my two 4003s. Bought the treble bezel deluxe from Chris at POTR. I think they are excellent. The deluxe version has a thumb rest. Sorry I can only show you a picture of it on my fireglo or jetglo. Dont have a 4003 in mapleglo....YET!!!!!!!

[AndyM]

I tried it and admit it looked good and was functional. But, I went back to the stock cover. I'll give it to you for free if you'd like. I'd have to go find it. Can't remember if mine has the cove or the raised edge to plant your thumb - if you play finger style. Let me know if you'd like it.

[spongebob]

Interesting stuff guys, many thanks.

Do they fit on easily? I thought they slotted in - but saw a site which made it look a bit more tricky.

Many thanks for the offer Andy - although I'm over in England!

[Kopfjaeger]

I have one on nearly all of my RIC basses. it's the deluxe version. The Surround has to come off to install it. It's no more difficult than removing the treble pup cover.

Here it is on my 73 4001.

Sepp

[Sharknose79]

Very easy to replace.
....and then it REALLY plays!!!!!

[heinpete]

...looks and feels good!

[Baker69]

Here's a photo of a surround bezel I fitted to my 4001 JG, as supplied by Sound Me Out in the UK.

It's a very good flush fitting unit in a piano black finish. No recess for a finger rest but I personally wouldn't use or want that feature anyway. Very good price at £ 18.37 They do them for the 4001 and the 4003 (same price).

[AndyM]

Hi folks. Since I've been receiving PMs recently on this...the bezel is on it's way to Spongebob.

Thx
AndyM

[spongebob]

And a very, very big thank you to Andy for his kindness.

[johnallg]

And a very, very big thank you to Andy for his kindness.

Tis the season!

[spongebob]

Following the wonderful act of generosity from Andy M, here is his Bezel newly fitted last night to my 2012 4003. From Canada to England in 7 days!

Thanks also to those who helped with their impressions and thoughts - I'm really happy with it, feels amazing to play over....far better than the gaping hole and sharp edges!

[spongebob]

Forgot to ask - when I re-assembled the structure around the bezel - as per the pictures on the Tube Ampology site, I put the grounding wire below the spring, on top of the rubber washer.

Is this the right way?

It's what the site says, so I'm sure it's okay....but thought I'd better check!

[Seans]

The metal surround is the thing that needs the earth, so as long as the spring is touching it and the wire is too, then the wire can go either end of the spring.