Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

These days you can get rounds that are higher tension than flatwounds and visa versa, so tension is the key here, not rounds vs. flats. Not too many string makers publish tension info, AFAIK, only D'Addario and TI do. Any others out there?

Thanks Jeffrey. Ill ask my teacher bout it some too. I pretty much ask him before i do anything to my basses anyways. I still dont know much about all this neck and tension mombojombo. Why dont schools teach us something usefull like that?

I just know if it feels good... and if it feels good it must be good.... Until it breaks... then its... not good?

The thinner neck profile on '70s 4001's also allow you to "bend" the neck a bit while playing...

Just don't get TOO enthusiastic about it.... ;^)

Philip: I don't know where you live, but I got rid of nasty smoke smell from a bass by using a cleaning product called Simple Green, which is available in the states at hardware stores and supermarkets. It left the finish unharmed and the smoke smell never came back. If the case smells like smoke, that's a harder nut to crack. You can try Febreze fabric deodorizer, or if there's a fire restoration company locally, you might call to see if they can recommend something or possibly sell you a bit of what they use to get rid of smoke smell.

When you can buy a brand new 4003 for $1100 +/- Why would anybody spend more than $1100 for 30 year old 4001? A 70's 4001 neck is stressed beyond its design specs simply by putting roundwound strings on it, and if the truss rod is adjusted improperly the fretboard pops off. For my money I'll take a brand new 4003.

Hmmm, seems to me I've seen one like this recently. Burgundyglo, with the fretboard separating...

Having owned a 70's 4001 and now a 4003, I have to say I agree with Jeff. The 4003's I think, are more durable basses as a whole. Having said that though, I know there are quite a few 4001's that are strong and every piece of wood is different. But knowing what I know now, I would also take a 4003 if I had a choice.

I would probly have to agree with the durable thing. I mean it makes sence. A thicker neck should be able to take some more beating. But i dont like the thick necks as much as i do the smaller ones.

Chris: I love doing the neck bend thing too. I thought i screwed up my Deans neck the other day cause i did it and i thought i heard a pop.. I dont think anything happened tho haha. I fliped out however.

I need to get over my fear of taking the nice basses out anywhere. I would never take a ric out anywhere for fear of something happeneing. Then again im 16 and i play with a bunch of immature teenagers that dont know how to ask before they touch something. That gets on my last nerve. You dont touch it unless you ask and get permission! Stupid kids. But thats what the lock and key is for on the case right?

The thinner neck profile on '70s 4001's also allow you to "bend" the neck a bit while playing...

I use to do this all the time! Hit some harmonics and bend the neck. When I had started playing a fretless PJ copy, the neck was too stiff to bend, so I added a Khaler bass tremolo!