Lets see what yall think of this FL 4001?

[RickyBubba]

This is listed as an original autumn glow, FL, from 1978. Many things look nice, but many things are interesting.

Up front about the swapped electronics etc....but I'm wondering about the finish on the headstock for one thing. Is that normal aging, or air bubbles from a re-spray?

Is the neck cracked, or is that just the finish?

What is up with the "racing stripe"? Covering a bad split?

Surprised it hasn't been snaped up for the price.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1978-Rickenback ... 23289b001f

[bassduke49]

Actually, it looks like normal finish aging to me. Don't see any "cracks" but lots of shallow scratches in the finish, typical of a used machine of this age. The white racing stripe is certainly aftermarket and looks well done. It wouldn't be covering a crack there; a bit too far outboard of the body wing/neck joint.

Some criticize Olivias for their high-end prices, but this price seems fair. One thing I'll say for Olivias: They take the best pictures and the best coverage of every inch of their instruments, leaving little doubt as to the condition of every sale item. And I understand they can be flexible on prices.

[RickyBubba]

I wasn't trying to criticize Olivia's, I too agree they do a good job showing their goods. Will be interesting to see how it turns out.

[jdogric12]

This is a great deal! I even like the racing stripe. It's subtle as far as racing stripes go. If it wasn't so similar to my 4003FL FG, I'd snap this up without thinking twice at all. I've dealt with OV and they've got nice stuff!

[Grey]

As I always say about Olivias, if you have any questions about a particular instrument just call and ask them. They will help you.

[rickenbrother]

I'm almost tempted, but the racing stripe turns me off, especially being on one of my very favorite RIC finishes.

[chromium]

They've had this one up about a month... started around $1600, IIRC. Looks like a decent bass to me.

I just sold one of the nicest 78s you could ever find, and it took about two months. Possibly just a slow time to move a late 70s Ric? (also just sold my old Stringray in <8 hours).

They might even budge on this price a bit if you call them...

[chrisdski]

I think that stripe is covering up a routing oops at the stereo jack. And what's with that plate mounted to the back of the control cavity- is that a grounding strip? I think someone could get this for $100-200 cheaper still.

[woodyng]

I'm wondering if the racing stripe is paint or tape? It certainly seems an odd touch,out of sync with that gorgeous natural finish. If this were an "s",model,i would be running up my credit card right now....

[bassduke49]

I'm wondering if the racing stripe is paint or tape? It certainly seems an odd touch,out of sync with that gorgeous natural finish. If this were an "s",model,i would be running up my credit card right now....

And of course, a 4001S fretless is a rare bird. Yes, at least one exists; Bill Henshell has one. But generally, the only fretless models in the "catalog" or "price list" have been the bound 4001 and 4003. Outside of the catalog, RIC has produced a few fretless 3001, 4000, 4001S, 4002, and 4003S. Haven't yet seen a 4004 fretless, but it certainly isn't out of the question.

[woodyng]

Paul-i found a 4003s fretless (MG/BT) recently on South Jersey CL,but the seller is not willing to ship or split it from a bundled deal. Kind of a bummer for me,as,like you said,s model fretlesses are few and far between.

[henry5]

If I had the money I'd definitely consider this, although I'd have to clarify re the stripe; my concern was also that it was covering something up rather than purely cosmetic, and I assumed it was tape but could be wrong. Otherwise I love the vibe. Can't fault Olivia's for pics though; have never dealt with them but would be happy to from what I've seen and heard. In fact there's a 4004 they have which has also caught my eye.

[ajish4]

I remember that bass, I've been eyeballing it too.

At one time, it did belong to a member here. I remember the conversation about that stripe.

I'd love it, it would make the PERFECT twin for my 78 4001 ATG.

The price is more than fair, just not in a position to land it. But, I would in a second if I could!

[aceonbass]

The wiring harness has to be the worst quality I've ever seen in a Rick. Not only are there no Switchcraft or CTS parts in there, but it's using ceramic caps and it's wired wrong! Looks like something you'd find in an Asian copy.

[cjj]

Yeah, definitely a crummy rewiring job, not original. The ceramic caps are 0.022uF too instead of 0.047uF...