Posted: Fri Nov 21, 2003 4:57 pm
That's why I'm holding on to my very early 4004L from the first year of production. The maple fretboard and pickup locations have changed (closer to the bridge), to the detriment of the looks and probably the sound, on the present models. A lot of Rickenbacker traditionalists probably wanted some of the old 4001/4003 treble back, but the earthquake lows of the original 4004L are what interests me the most. A bubinga, rosewood, or pau ferro fretboard does NOT look as good with Jetglo. A pure maple neck adds punch and clarity to the fat humbucker tone.....and it looks killer with Jetglo finish and chrome hardware. Just try to find one of these early 4004L basses in near mint condition. I got mine without paying any premium in price. It's my "badass bass" for getting really deep dark tone without muddiness. I actually called in sick at work so I could stay home and snag it off of eBay. I knew a rare gem when I saw it.