My search to find a 4004 is finally over!

hieronymous · Post by **hieronymous** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 2:37 pm

Every time I look at that picture I think the hardward is gold and "that's not a Laredo!" but it's just the lighting. Looks great! I didn't used to like those when I first saw them but they've grown on me...

bassduke49 · Post by **bassduke49** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 2:40 pm

The first year the Laredo and Cheyenne were featured in RIC catalog literature (and, supposedly, available to dealers) was 1993. John Hall has said the original Cheyenne was made several years earlier (I think he said '87 or '89) for some special occasion. It could be the special RCA issue guitars and basses, but I don't have details on them anchored down).

In 1993, the Cheyenne was strictly the walnut-winged, gold-plated 4004, and the Laredo was the all-maple, chrome-plated (and therefore slightly lower price) 4004, described as "Jetglo finish" -- so yours is one of the first year's production. I'm not sure when RIC started making Laredos in other colors, but I have a '97 in Fireglo, and I've seen Midnight Blue and Red with maple fretboards. ANYBODY seen a '93 Laredo in a color other than Jetglo? Production switched to bubinga fretboards around 2000/2001 when the Cheyenne II (4004C ii) came along.

ram · Post by **ram** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 4:23 pm

Nice bass Warren - congrats!!

Enjoy it!!!

crazypink · Post by **crazypink** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 10:03 pm

Cheers everyone, added info on the 4004's is always good (As is 2060 and 2020). I've been a fan of the early 4004's (maple fretboard) for over 10 years, have always wanted a Laredo FG and a Cheyenne but haven't had any luck finding one, was close to buying a NOS FG from Holland last year but didn't have the available funds.

I have heard here in the UK of 1995 being the first year for production for the other body colours, I have an issue of UK Bassist magazine from 1995 which has a review of a Laredo, and states that the colours available are "Midnight Blue, White, Mapleglo, Fireglo, Turquoise and Red". Of these colours I have only ever seen FG, MB, TUR and Red and have photos I found on the web of a dark metallic green one. Would love to see what an early MG and White one would look like with the maple fretboard!

markbass99 · Post by **markbass99** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 1:19 am

We're going to see a white Laredo before too long, it will have the bubinga fretboard which will look nice with walnut wings, chrome hardware and white vintage TRC.

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 3:15 am

Warren: To give it more bite and growl wire it volume, volume, tone with 2 500k ohm volume pots and a 1000k ohm tone pot ...

here's my 93 slightly modified ... http://www.3dentourage.com/425/93-4004L-5.htm

rickenbrother · Post by **rickenbrother** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 3:42 am

Nice find! Congrats, Warren.

crazypink · Post by **crazypink** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 4:00 am

Mark is that one you've ordered or know about!

Thanks Jeff, luckily I've been a member for quite a few years so have known about your bass endeavours. Do you still have your 2020? I've been after a 2020 and 2060 for quite a while, nearly bought a 2020 TUR from Holland last years which I wish I had as it's now long gone!

Cheers Joey, wish I had your two 4004/5's especially the Trans Red one. Your 75th is an absolute gem!

rickenbrother · Post by **rickenbrother** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 3:38 pm

They are all gems, Warren!

markbass99 · Post by **markbass99** » Fri Jul 27, 2007 12:40 am

Warren, it's one that I sent to Paul W. for refin to bright white. If you know anything about Paul's work it should look amazing and better than factory. He's turning one of my checkered 73 4001's to bright white also.

crazypink · Post by **crazypink** » Fri Jul 27, 2007 1:08 am

I've been on the forum a while and his name is familiar, do you know what his username on here is as it would be good for future reference! Thanks

crazypink · Post by **crazypink** » Fri Jul 27, 2007 1:22 am

Hi Mark, I'm having a blonde day I know exactly who Paul W. is, how could I not!

He's an extremely tallented and artistic guy! I wouldn't have any hesitation sending him some resto work from the UK if I ever needed!