My New '77 4001!

[crawlspacestefan]

So, I got it! My buddy went up to Edmonton and picked it up and brought it down for me. I was able to pick it up for $1550 - which from what I can tell is a really great deal.

Here are some photos for you all.

I've got a couple questions, too. And some observations.

First, if you look at the headstock, it's angled significantly less backward than my 2011 4003. It's almost straight. The guitar plays well (it actually feels damn near perfect - perhaps better than my modern one) and has great action, so I don't know if there's an issue. Does anyone have any insight about headstock angles and vintage 4001s? Did they vary from what they are now?

Secondly, the tuners operate in the reverse way as my 4003. They look original, and I can't see any evidence of a change over. Is this normal?

This is my first proper vintage guitar, so please forgive all the questions!

A couple observations: It's pretty heavy! It definitely weighs more than my 4003.

The neck seems slimmer than my 4003, too. Which is a nice surprise!

I also feel a little guilty. I love my 4003. I've been planning on it being MY guitar for ages. Like, I was looking forward to it aging and become worn with me. But, this new guitar seems pretty great...

Cheers!

-s.

[Ontario_RIC_fan]

Congrats! I love Burgundy! It is now a favorite finish.

Don't forget to PM Peter or Gil to have registry entry assigned to you...

http://www.rickresource.com/register/vi ... 6order%3D7

1977 was a good year for Rickenbackers... I have two from that year myself.

[woodyng]

VERY NICE! And don't let the temporary infatuation steer you away from your 4003,i am sure with the different electronics,you will come to appreciate each bass for its particular strengths.

[cjj]

Sweet! Burgundy is gorgeous, congrats!

[crawlspacestefan]

Thanks, guys! It's tough being at work and away from it right now. I can't wait to hear it sing in rehearsal!

Also, I did my reading and found out what you guys probably already know - that the tuners are supposed to spin the opposite direction you'd expect. So, that's good.

[RickyBubba]

Good deal, and yeah, the reverse tuners are period correct. Very nice looking, and good deal for your friend being the delivery man!

[T.A.R.]

Congrats! Love the Burgundy Glo!

[crawlspacestefan]

A question about tail lift:

I changed the strings on my bass two days ago. I took off the dirty old round wound strings that were on it (the previous owner thought they were GHS Boomer Mediums) and replaced them with a set or Rickenbacker strings.

I didn't really check when I first received the 4001, but now it definitely has a bit of lift (I can fit a credit card under the tail piece. I can't imagine the new set could have done that already...?

Are these Rickenbacker strings too high tension on this older bass? Do you guys think I should switch to something else - and is time of the essence?

Thanks in advance. I'm so in love with this thing, that I'm really stressed out about every little thing. You know?

[crawlspacestefan]

Also, sorry in advance to bring this issue back up. I'm also searching through the history here to see if I can't find an answer that way too! Like I said, sort of neurotic and worried about my new baby!

[jps]

If the tension is too high for your bass try TI JR344 Jazz Rounds. They are very low tension which will take some getting used to (play with a lighter touch, always a good thing, really) but are really smooth feeling (good for your fingers and the frets).

[bassduke49]

Tail lift of that degree is typical. It concerns some, but unless it progresses, don't worry about it.

[crawlspacestefan]

Thanks, guys. Both are helpful answers.

Do you know if the Ric strings are pretty high tension? I do like that gauge - which is why I didn't put the TIs on out the gate (but I will, if necessary).

Also, how fast would it worsen? Is it something I need to worry about happening really quickly - or should I just keep an eye out for an slow growth in the gap? If it grows at all, I'll definitely restring it.

[RickyBubba]

I wouldn't worry about it too much, that sounds like a normal amount. My 3000 has about that much, and hasn't changed in years, and I have tried 3 different brand of strings.

[crawlspacestefan]

I think I'm going to (at least, and for the interim) pick up a set of lighter guage strings - a .95 or .100 for now) to try to take it easy on the bass. I've become obsessed with string gauge since last night, and I'm a bit of a Woody Allen-esque worrier. Today is like the Annie Hall of bass guitars for me.

[jps]

...I'm a bit of a Woody Allen-esque worrier.

Do you think about death, much?