XK x 2

[rickyfricky]

I was once told you remember your first and you remember your last -- it's all the one's in between that can be a bit of a blur.

My first is XK 1080: November '84 4001 FG.
My last is XK 1212: November '84 4003s MG (with ROS).

My question is this: In 1984 RIC was making 4001's and 4003's. What would be the difference in these models? (I know the "S" pictured is different with no binding, a dot board, and mono). But what differences would the regular 4001's and 4003's have in this time period?

[sloop_john_b]

The Fireglo is a 4003, not a 4001. Easiest way to tell is that is has no skunk stripe. Also appears to be a replacement pickguard ('84 should have a split two-piece guard).

Very nice.

[rickyfricky]

Here's where the plot thickens. The TRC on the FG reads model 4001.

And there was a letter from RIC (case candy) when I bought this, stating it's a 4001 manufactured in November of 1984.

Pix to follow.

[sloop_john_b]

Do the truss rods adjust from the body end or the headstock?

[rickyfricky]

Here's where the plot thickens. The TRC on the FG reads model 4001.

And there was a letter from RIC (case candy) when I bought this, stating it's a 4001 manufactured in November of 1984.

Pix to follow.

[rickyfricky]

Do the truss rods adjust from the body end or the headstock?

I think from the body, but I'd have to check.

I remember my tech in Boston commenting to his Dad (and business partner) that this bass was a bit of an oddball, in that it had characteristics of both a 4001 and a 4003. Was RIC changing over in this time period (1984)? And was there a bit of an overlap??

[sloop_john_b]

Oh - it appears to have a non-shedua skunk stripe! 4001 it is!

[johnallg]

Oh - it appears to have a non-shedua skunk stripe! 4001 it is!

And if the rods do adjust at the body end, an oddity indeed! Could it have been a factory experiment that got shipped?

[cjj]

Oh - it appears to have a non-shedua skunk stripe! 4001 it is!

And if the rods do adjust at the body end, an oddity indeed! Could it have been a factory experiment that got shipped?

Yes, interesting indeed! More pics would be great (pictures are ALWAYS great)!

It would be pretty easy to check the truss rod adjustments, just take the TRC off (easier than the pickguard). If it looks like this, it's got the early 4003 style swapped adjustment rods:

[bassduke49]

I would venture a guess that it is in reality a 4003 that was mistakenly recorded as a 4001 (and hence described as such in the letter). If it has the twin slots in the headstock, adjusters at the body end of the neck, and no skunk stripe, those are all hallmarks of the early 4003. The one-piece pick guard and the "Model 4001" TRC could have been installed by mistake or may be replacements.

[johnallg]

I would venture a guess that it is in reality a 4003 that was mistakenly recorded as a 4001 (and hence described as such in the letter). If it has the twin slots in the headstock, adjusters at the body end of the neck, and no skunk stripe, those are all hallmarks of the early 4003. The one-piece pick guard and the "Model 4001" TRC could have been installed by mistake or may be replacements.

Paul, look at the closeup of the headstock; there is a maple "skunk" stripe in the neck. 5-piece headstock.

[bassduke49]

Paul, look at the closeup of the headstock; there is a maple "skunk" stripe in the neck. 5-piece headstock.

OK, that's one piece to indicate 4001. Let's check the truss channels.

[ken_j]

The "S" bass will be neck through if it is a 4003S. A set net "S" bass would indicate a post '72 4001S.

... Sorry I can't figure out how to post this facing the right direction . . .

Just turn it.

It really depends on your program. I use Picture Manager and I am able to turn, crop, and resize as necessary to post pics.

[rickyfricky]

download/file.php?id=41599&mode=view
Paul, look at the closeup of the headstock; there is a maple "skunk" stripe in the neck. 5-piece headstock.

OK, that's one piece to indicate 4001. Let's check the truss channels.

Oh Captain My Captain!

[rickyfricky]

I think I see a stripe: