4001 Basses - Case Queens Or Gigging Beasts?

[spongebob]

I was just wondering how many 4001 owners out there regularly gig their basses, and how many just keep them for home/practice.

I'm still in the market for one, may have found a good'un - but in turn, it would be my sole bass - practice, gigs, the lot. These things aren't getting any younger, either!

Would you say that a 35/40 year old instrument is perfectly fine in a modern environment, even when 'aged'? I've never really gigged the older stuff before....I was kind of hoping to draw less attention than a shiny new one!

Thoughts?

[daveman]

My 1973 Ric 4001 is a gigging beast.. at least, for this weekend warrior. It's not young, but it's not falling apart.

Make sure the one you're looking at is in good shape, structurally. Particularly that the neck angle isn't compromised and that you can get the action where you like it with the strings you like. (Not an issue for mine.) Everything else can be dealt with pretty easily.

But understand, it will not draw less attention than a new one. It will draw more.

(p.s.: I'm of the view that if an instrument is living in its case, it's time to sell it. They're like tools, to be used for their intended purpose.)

[henry5]

I gig 2 x '72s as my main basses, and when my '68 is finished being restored I'll gig that too. I don't see the point otherwise. For really dodgy gigs I'll generally use my Squier P, but sometimes even then I'll use the Rics.

[woodyng]

I play my '74 4000 whenever i have a gig with one of my bands. I'm actually less concerned about playing it out,because it already has the "wear". I'm always more paranoid about scratches,etc, when i play my much newer 4004 basses,which are pristine.

[jps]

I am not gigging these days but I regularly played out with the '73 4001, and with the '67 4005WB.

[Kopfjaeger]

My late 72 4001 Jetglo gigs all the time. She's my favorite to play!! She's an animal!!

Sepp

[weemac]

My 64 rm1999 still gets out from time to time, in fact it is my only four string bass now... (Unless you include my ashbory and upright bass)

Eden.

[edski]

I am not gigging these days but I regularly played out with the '73 4001, and with the '67 4005WB.

Same here, and I might use my Laredo or custom fretless before my 75 4001, but for a long time the 4001 was my regular go to bass. Don't hold back.

[johna]

I tend to use my Mex Jazz when out and about. Even if it was covered by insurance it would be heartbreaking to lose the old RM1999 at a dodgy venue.

[jdogric12]

Play 'em all out as much as I can. Although if I had any topping 3 or 4 grand, I'd probably save them for home and studio use unless they had a specific and necessary live use like my Rutherford Rick and Shergold doublenecks.

[teeder]

I'm not gigging very much anymore, though that may change this summer, but I generally use my V63 and take the '67 S out once in a while.

[ram]

my '74 4001 was my go to bass since '74 up until I got my '93 4004C.... it is much lighter.

[Ashgray]

I was just wondering how many 4001 owners out there regularly gig their basses, and how many just keep them for home/practice.

I'm still in the market for one, may have found a good'un - but in turn, it would be my sole bass - practice, gigs, the lot. These things aren't getting any younger, either!

Would you say that a 35/40 year old instrument is perfectly fine in a modern environment, even when 'aged'? I've never really gigged the older stuff before....I was kind of hoping to draw less attention than a shiny new one!

Thoughts?

My white 4001 V63, jetglo fretless 4001 and my 4002 draw far more attention at gigs than my shiny and relatively new custom-built 6-string fretless bass (with ebony fretboard, burl-elm top and abalone inlays). OK - there is the potential issue that modern instruments tend to be more sturdy than vintage ones, but I take care of all of mine equally and haven't found any problems gigging any of my Ricks.

There's little point in a bass player having access to the sounds that a vintage Rick can provide if audiences get no opportunity to hear and enjoy those with me!

Ash

[T28]

I gig both my 4001V63 weekly. Tools meant to be used.

[Lefty4003S8]

I don't play out anymore. But when I did, I used my mid 70's 4001 somewhat regularly. It went through A LOT and still kept ticking.

After I had it refinned from that awful JETGLO( ) to MapleGlo, I retired it from gigging. It's put in its time!!!!!

Good Luck with yours!!!!