My New '74

[spongebob]

Last year, I managed to score a February '74 4001 in JG. I already own an April in MG - I love it, so couldn't resist this one when it came up.

It had been owned by a UK bass player, who had a been a member of an up-and-coming indie band during the 80's. They had recorded some singles, a John Peel radio session, and also appeared on 'The Tube', an (in)famous music show at the time.

The band split, and he seemingly never played again. The bass was very unloved - the grime alone had sat festering for the last 30 years!

It was original - apart from the tuners, which had been replaced many, many years ago with a set of wide-bore Schallers.

The back of the neck had suffered an impact - it hadn't affected the bass structurally, but it had lost a fairly big section of paint, leaving the wood uncovered. The same had occurred on the front of the headstock. After discussions with my Luthier, we decided to refinish the headstock and neck. Mainly as the neck was quite uncomfortable to play where the paint had literally, cracked off in a single lump. The headstock looked pretty bad too, so we agreed it best to do the job properly whilst the bass was apart.

It has also been re-fretted, as the old frets were well and truly cooked.

Anyhow, here she is - a complete transformation from what she was, a true diamond in the rough.

[CatHead]

Classic bass. Nice find sir!

[ram]

Nice score... I have a '74 MG which I have had since then.... My fave bass. hope yours play as nice!

[Kiddwad57]

Hey, nice pair! Also, a sensible balance for restoration. Have fun with those beauties.

[spongebob]

Thanks guys, comments appreciated.

Also, a sensible balance for restoration.

That was the task. I wanted it to be playable, but not take away from it's history or general vibe. The neck was tricky - you could feel the missing paint a mile off! As such, a little bit of tidying has transformed the instrument. I just wish I could post a 'this is how it felt beforehand', as to anyone else except a Ricky fan, no-one would have played it for long. It just felt very dirty, unloved, and in need of some TLC. The truss rods had also been over-tightened at some point, and it was also suffering some minor internal issues.

However, I knew that it didn't need that much to bring it back. If I can name my Luthier - Simon Farmer (http://www.gusguitars.com) his work is excellent, and anyone that requires Ricky work, he is a magician. He also refretted my other 4001.

I'm really happy with it, it's already played a few gigs since I got it back. Both my 4001's are working instruments - I love getting them out there and using them as they're supposed to be used - 42 years, and sounding as good as ever.

[jps]

Congrats, Iain! You need to collect a 4001 from every month in 1974.

[Kiddwad57]

I'm really happy with it, it's already played a few gigs since I got it back. Both my 4001's are working instruments - I love getting them out there and using them as they're supposed to be used - 42 years, and sounding as good as ever.

Plus, you don't have these "first scratch" worries.