Help id'ing a bass

[eatswodo]

A good friend of mine is helping a friend of his in disposing of some of his son's gear. He (the son) died a few years ago. He used to be part of a regular gigging band in the Boston area, and among his possessions was this rather fine 4003 - so I told my buddy I'd ask the experts here on his behalf.



The serial number is XX1994 - which bothered me a bit, until I found out that this is most likely a replacement supplied by RIC back in the day. Is it safe to assume that this is a 1994 model based on that?

More photos here, if anyone has a moment to take a look:

http://s222.photobucket.com/user/eatswo ... tars/R4003

TIA,
David

[wim]

Looks like a post 1974 4001

[Ashgray]

Hi David

I have to say I have my doubts as to whether or not this instrument is a genuine Rickenbacker. Firstly, the serial number you provided appears to be that of a Rickenbacker amplifier manufactured in 1984, and the jack plate that bears this number seems a little odd - it shouldn't have that ridge half way down its length, but with dual outputs, one should be labelled "standard" and the other "Ric-o-Sound". Also, the pickguard is cut away around the end of the neck, which isn't a feature of the real thing.

As you say though, the jack plate may not be the original, and I guess the pickguard might be a replacement too, but I'm curious as to why it would need to be cut around the neck...

[eatswodo]

Thanks!

I was concerned about the serial number also, until I read this:

http://www.rickenbacker.com/forum/viewt ... f=1&t=5416

Of course, if there is any possibility that this is not the real thing, I'd definitely want to know that.

[jps]

Looks like a post 1974 4001

+1. It's quite real. That "ridge" on the jack plate is a reflection.

[jps]

...with dual outputs, one should be labelled "standard" and the other "Ric-o-Sound"..

The silkscreening can wear away with use.

[vulcan_creedler]

I also have a replacement plate (direct from Ric) XX 2002. There is no "Standard" or "Ric-O-Sound" writing.

This is the way with all these replacement plates. BTW, 2002 refers to the year the plate was made.

[bassduke49]

Mid- to late-1970s (possibly early '80s) 4001. Pickguard and jackplate are replacements. Definitely NOT a 4003.

[eatswodo]

Mid- to late-1970s (possibly early '80s) 4001. Pickguard and jackplate are replacements. Definitely NOT a 4003.

Thanks, Paul. In the absence of the correct jack plate, is there any other detail which might help date it, or is the range you suggest close enough for a prospective buyer?

My purpose here is to help the current owner be able to describe it accurately for sale, and ensure that he gets a fair price for it.

[ken_j]

Check the date codes on the pots.

[chrisdski]

I'm going to guess an early 1980's 4001. I had an 81 4001 that had the wavy grovers- Ric was using the stock up then. The raised letter TRC also points later 4001. You can measure the space between the neck pickup and the neck- should be 1", not 1/2" (though1/2" would be better ). If you pull the pick guard and look at the volume pots- they should be dated as such: most likely CTS pots (137) with year and week following i.e. 1378026 means the 26th week of 1980- that would be the most accurate way to date this bass (if electronics are original!?) Take lots of pictures of the guitar and electronics if you pull the pick guard- we'll help out.

[FretlessOnly]

The wavy Grovers seemed to show up again at the end of the 4001 production (early-mid 80s), but do I see red side dots or is that a trick of the light?

[heinpete]

Mid- to late-1970s (possibly early '80s) 4001. Pickguard and jackplate are replacements. Definitely NOT a 4003.

...also the bridge-PU surround should not be dented, I guess?
Chris, for me it looks like a 1/2" neck-PU spacing, if you substract the cut away of the pick guard at the end of the neck. So that would even point to 1974? But you're right: Only pots date can tell the truth (if not replaced as well).

[vax2002]

You need to carefully remove the name plate and photograph the truss rods.
The copy that was that close only had a single rod, there is a copy with a twin rod, but the binding is continuous.
Once we have a pick of the twin rods and the nuts, we should know the era better.
If it is genuine, its is a 4001

[chrisdski]

red dot position markers and 1/2" neck pickup spacing would definitely put it early 1974 (waveys were still hit or miss then). We all await the next update post