4005 with 3 pick ups?

[shamustwin]

There is a lot of space between pups on a 4005, I'd say the third adds balance to the look, and probably the sound.

[jps]

You could do the Bootsie thing and fill up all the space under the strings with toasters.

[leftybass]

Graham, is the JG finish on it now original?? I wondering if it was MG to begin with.

If it was factory, I would assume they'd put a short-pole toaster in the middle, which would only leave a round hole for the coax to be fed through...alot of 3-p/up Ricks from this period have a long pole in the bridge position, and short-pole toasters in the other two positions. (All speculation, but it is the case on some other Rickenbackers I've seen.)

Also, the rout for the middle pickup shows bare wood. If a middle p/up was part if the bass from the beginning of manufacture, ala 370/12, the rout would have finish/lacquer on the edges----Unless it was a finished bass at the factory and a request was made for a 3rd p/up after the fact...then bare unfinished wood would be present on the rout.

Having said all of this, remember that there are no absolutes....I guess a look at the wiring may be order as well..

[chefothefuture]

Is it me or does that center hole have finish in it.
It looks like there is back going into the hole, but it could be my computer...

[rickfan60]

If nothing else, the middle pickup would give you a place to rest your thumb!

[jps]

Do an Alembic and wire a dummy pickup with no magnets and reverse wire it to hum cancel the other pickups.

[8mileshigh]

Wise words Leftybass! I was thinking that the middle pickup would have been shortpole if it was factory fitted, like on my Byrd. All in all, I think it was originally 2 pick ups and I think that's the way I'll go on the restoration.

Thanks everyone for you thoughts on this one.