Counterweight in 4080 bass neck?

[doctorwho]

I have my 4080 JG at a shop being worked on due to a "high second fret" (the fret board is probably raised in that area due to a previous botched attempt at adjusting the rods by someone who didn't know what they were doing). The luthier left a voice mail yesterday (that T-Mobile finally let me access today ), and he said that he found that there is a piece of lead in the channel and wondered if this was a normal thing on this model.

This is the first time I've heard anything like this. Anyone have a previous experience finding a counterweight?

Edit: I will post this also in the Vibrola sexction.

[kennyhowes]

Yep! It is a thing. Buried under the fingerboard in many Rick basses, can't say for sure what period ('70s?), to eliminate dead spots. Surely Joey or someone here has more definitive info.

[jps]

Lead Weight-4001 Neck 02.jpg (216.5 KiB) Viewed 1479 times

[rickenbrother]

to eliminate dead spots. Surely Joey or someone here has more definitive info.

Yep, that what it was for. If I remember correctly, many of them were round, like a coin.
...and Happy Birthday, Gary!

[kennyhowes]

Yes, round like an old school watch battery.

Happy Birthday Dr. Clauson!

[doctorwho]

The info and birthday wishes are greatly appreciated! Thank you, kind gentlemen!

[jps]

Happy birthday, Gary!