Page 2 of 2
Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 7:17 am
by lars
My '73, serial no. ME ....

Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 7:59 am
by jps
The Ultralites require reaming or drilling the holes from 1/2" to 9/16", not a big deal really for superior tuners. You can get cloverleaf keys if you do not like the Y keys; I happen to like the modern look of the Y keys on this bass.
Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 8:36 am
by wints
All nice guys. The 73 FG is one of my favourites. That August bass must be one of the last originals with the goodies...
Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 8:55 am
by rickaddict
Wow! A whole thread just for me? Thanks Mark! And thanks to everyone that contributed to the thread.
I don't have any pix yet but I did bring home a (MG) July '73 4001FG from my local GC the other day. As you might expect from a GC, it was mis-labelled as a '76... so I got a deal. With the exception of a set of the big honkin' Grover Titans its all original. It has been somebody's favorite for a long time and has a lot of honest player wear(a REAL relic) to prove it! The finish has worn off of much of the neck and parts of the back(upper horn) but somehow it didn't get any buckle rash. It looks great from 5 feet away! It looks just like Lars' 4001 above, or Jeff Scott's or Mark's.
It has:
-black nut
-small inlays
-1/2" toaster
-came with wavy Grovers(now changed)
-the newer tailpiece without the "missing tooth"
-no string cutout on the treble pickup ring
-metal treble pickup cover
-checker binding
-lucite TRC
-button-top treble pickup with the larger style magnet and aluminum backing plate
Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 1:52 pm
by ben_brown
Here's my August 73 with NO checkered binding.
It does have wavy Grovers however...
...But not the original ones.

Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 2:06 pm
by markbass99
I believe those are the Grover titans Ben and not a factory item(notice the extra holes). Those were actually preferred by Geddy and put on his basses because the close backed Grovers were notorious for coming apart. The confusion comes from the fact that they both have Wavy propeller shapes. Here's what came on your bass originally-

Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 2:14 pm
by wints
August with and August without...
Life is cruel...
Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 2:42 pm
by ben_brown
Mark....
I know all of that about the tuners. I have a set of originals but the headstock holes are too big now. They would have to be filled and rebored first.
Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 3:07 pm
by rickenbrother
Thatz a Beauty, Joey.
It's on my Ric Wish List.
Thanks Mike, I just wish it's former owner didn't install that thumbrest the way he did!
Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 3:53 pm
by jps
How big are they Ben? If they are about 9/16" or 11/16" you can put Ultralite tuners on it as they are made for both sizes.
9/16"
11/16"
Take your pick for your Rick!