First things first: I'm not very good at linear thinking, and I'm even worse at typing, so I hope this all comes out right!
I used to own a February 2003 4001C64, but had to sell it late last year due to needing the money after losing my job.
Well, things are looking up again, and I would like to get another bass, but have some questions.
I loved the sound, and feel/neck size of my Fireglo C64, but I didn't like the upside down truss rod cover and reverse tuners, so my options seem to be:
1. Get another C64 and replace the tuners with non-reverse ones, and change the TRC so it's not upside down.
2. Get a 4001V63 and swap the pickups out for the lower output more vintage sounding type that my C64 had. (only AFTER I give the higher gain pickups a chance)
3. Try to find one of those "needle in a haystack" RM1999FG models that were made for the Japanese market
4. Get a new 4003s and change the pickups, pickguard and TRC to more or less make a V63 out of it.
It seems from reading the forum for a few days, that the Rick neck sizes are all over the place. All I know is, I LOVED the neck on my C64, but don't know what size it would have been considered as it was the only one I ever played. That being said, it seemed to be on the thinner side (back to front) to me. (I assume all necks would be the same width wise to accommodate string spacing?)
I've been looking at some 4003 models and really like the look of the body/neck binding and the fingerboard inlays. Having only ever played my C64, I'm wondering if the binding makes it less comfortable to play?
Questions:
Q1. Is it possible to get another C64 and put non-reverse tuning machines on it and replace the TRC with one that's not upside down?
Q2. What years did the V63's span, and which years are considered the most vintage correct? (neck size, headstock length and body horn shapes)
Q3. What years did the C64's span, and which years are considered the most vintage correct? (neck size, headstock length and body horn shapes)
Q4. How are the new 4003/4003s models? (neck size, headstock length and body horn shapes)
I'm really looking forward to your replies, and appreciate you all taking the time to help me with this.
Royce
March 1973 4001, original toaster pickup, rebuilt '60s magnetic horseshoe pickup, great looking full width inlays, the aforementioned checker binding, thin neck, very low action, etc. Includes some nice goodies.
