Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I like vintage mapleglo.

I'd still buy it even if the bridge was replaced!! Don't let that stop you!

Is that an allparts bridge on that bass???

I think your right Jeff....or some Japanese copy version. Sergio will tell us....
I agree, that old MG gets that cool amber look to it.
The answer is still the same...Buy it!

Yes, that bridge is either Allparts or Japanese-made.
Great-looking 4001. DO IT!

Definitely Allparts, as given away by the chrome saddles.
Do I have to say the words again? DO IT!

Some people have ALL the luck.......

OK, I hear you all! I'm going to be checking the '69 (Jan. of '69 from the IA in the serial number) out in person (with cash in hand) this Sunday or Monday evening. I'll be taking along my trusty screwdriver to check under the hood to see if anything else besides the bridge has been changed. If it's only the bridge and everything else works well it will definitely be purchased.

I believe that I'll be parting with my '76 Autumn Glo (with the CDN only matte finish) and '69 Fender Telecaster bass to pay for this one if I buy it. It seems easier to explain it to my wife as "2 guitars out the door, one back in" than it does to talk about GAS, playability, investment value, love of Rics, etc. If anyone here is interested in either of them, please let me know because if you're not they'll probably end up on eBay.

Steve, I met with the "middle man" who lent me the '72 JG (June from the LF in the serial number) last night. I made him an offer on that one too, fully expecting to flip it to you or another forumite if he takes my offer because, with 2 kids in daycare I certainly won't be able to afford them both.

I don't have photos but the '72 is in about 7 out of 10 shape, it's REALLY light, it plays phenomenally well, has VERY little fret wear but does show serious play wear. There are couple of places on the edge of the neck where the finish has worn through to the wood (but you can't really feel it when you're playing) and some wear right through on the back. I'll let you know what he comes back with and then get a hold of you off-line. If you decide you're not interested I'll open it up to everyone else at my cost plus shipping. I hope you guys think that's fair.

Full report on the '69 early next week once I've been able to play it!

A RIC dealer actually told me that once and I believed for years that the matte finish was made for the canadian market only.

david....


good luck with the '69! If Steve doesn't want the '72 I may be interested. I'll be watching for your post!

The polish cloth would not be original as a '69 would have a blue cloth. Just a minor technical point to address an earlier post.

'69 should still have a horseshoe, no?

Hey David - funds may be an issue but I'd still appreciate hearing about the '72 if it becomes available. As you say, if I can't pull the trigger I'm sure someone around will be interested. Good luck with the '69 - it looks sweet!

Bob, I have a Dec 68 that Lefty helped me acquire that has the original case, strap and polishing cloth and it's a yellow one.
My bass has a hi-gain too. Probably one of the very first to have it. They are very weak in output, so David, don't be alarmed by a thin sounding treble pick up!
Anything after September of 68 can have a hi-gain. There was a Nov 68 4000 that was sold a while back with one. Of course, you may still get a horseshoe in there too.....

So, I would assume a 68 or 69 with an original Hi-Gain from the factory isn't worth as much than one with an original Horseshoe PU? Of course if the overall condition was exactly the same, just the original PU's being different?

Andrew,

That 68 makes me drool. I had an early 69 almost exactly like it that I sold a while back. It popped up recently on the Chicago Music Exchange's page w/ an added horseshoe. When I owned the bass, it had an early high gain. The fireglo was exactly like yours, it must have been painted by the same person!

I really miss the bass and can't believe I got rid of it.