(We now join this RM 1999 restoration already in progress)

[walker]

Thanks a lot guys - I feel pretty good about what I managed here, and subsequently this bass is one that I'm particularly proud of, considering the time & effort it took to get it where it is. It's also a big relief to finally get it done. I may have "balls of steel", as Wim pointed out, but that gets to be draining after awhile... as it were.

Kevin - thanks for noticing the under-shading. That was a little tricky to pull off. I also did it under the nameplate and tailpiece.

[johnallg]

There it is all in a nutshell. Long arduous journey, but worth the effort. No?

Very nice, Mark.

[JakeK]

There it is all in a nutshell. Long arduous journey, but worth the effort. No?

Very nice, Mark.

+1, good show!

Does this bass have the thinnest neck in your collection?

[walker]

Thanks again, guys!

The RM has by far the thinnest neck in my collection, even noticeably more than the '68. It's no wonder Squire played like a maniac.

[8mileshigher]

...but that gets to be draining after awhile... as it were.

No pun intended, eh ? ?

[walker]

Oh, totally intended, for which I apologize nothing.

[8mileshigher]

[johnallg]

No pun in ten did......

[walker]

OK - here's the RM 1999 audio test drive video. I compared it side-by-side with the '68 4001 for comparison. Apologies ahead of time - I didn't think to solo the pickups during the test run.



For this audio test, both basses were run through the same amp, an SWR SM-400 head & ADA MB1 preamp through a 4x12 Hiwatt cab set at the same gain & volume, same mic placement, and no additional EQ or compression when mixed. Three signals were used - a close mic on the cab, the cheap mic on the video camera for the ambient sound, and the line out from the amp. Both basses were set with the volume and tone full up.

Excerpts from these songs were played. Or paraphrased. Or I just made tish up where I didn't really know the song. With all examples, the '68 4001 is played first, then the RM 1999.

1. Starship Trooper - Yes
2. Starship Trooper pt 3: Wurm - Yes
3. By Crooked Steps - Soundgarden
4. Paralllells - Yes
5. Blackened Mirrors - Walker (that's me)
6. America - (Yes version)
7. 15/8 riff - Walker
8. Clair de Lune

[jps]

It sounds like a Jazz Bass.................














JK

[jps]

The 4001 is meatier sounding, making it seem as though you are using a cap bypassed HS PU Han solo'd in the RM. Do you hear that difference from the amp(s)?

[walker]

The horseshoe pickup in the RM is louder than the HS in the 4001 and subsequently is more noticeable in the pickup mix with all volume & tone full on.

[inhuien]

Both basses sound wonderful but the RM is my fav, I'd love to hear it played without a pick. Great vid.

[antonius]

They both sound amazing!! Amaxing playing too. You really know how to make a Rickenbacker sing Mark. Thanks for posting.

[Ashgray]

Great sounds and great playing!

Clearly they are both superb instruments but I prefer the RM - it seems to have a little more edge and bite to my ears.

Ash