PAGING MR. WINTER, MR. RAND, MR. SCOTT, & MR. JEHLIK

[jps]

Feb. '67 4005WB JG:
1st fret - 11.4cm
3rd fret - 11.6cm
12th fret - 13.0cm

March '73 4001 MG:
1st fret - 11.7cm
3rd fret - 11.9cm
12th fret - 13.3cm

July '73 4001 FG:
1st fret - 11.7cm
3rd fret - 11.9cm
12th fret - 13.3cm

May '98 4001V63 FG:
1st fret - 11.7cm
3rd fret - 11.9cm
12th fret - 13.4cm

I find it interesting that the dimensions of my 4001V63 are virtually the same as the two '73 4001s. I knew they felt very similar but to be this close is amazing.

The next test should be the shape of the cross section at those same positions; since this is JT's baby I will let him start with the radial arm saw job!

[s4001]

WOW!

That's a small neck, Scott!



10.8 cm at the first fret is the smallest we have on record by 3mm! Atsushi's '64 4001S (and Bob Atherton's '72 4001) is 3mm larger at the first fret. Not that I don't believe you, but could you double check that first fret measurement? (If you already did check it twice, then don't bother.)

The third fret measurement is a three-way tie for second place.

The twelfth fret measurement ties Tony Cabibe's '88 v63 for first place.

Thanks for measuring!

Just so I post it correctly, is your bass a '68 4000 with added neck toaster?

It's definitely the thinnest Ric I've played. Close to the 65 4005 I had. It is, however, a 4000 with an added toaster.

[s4001]

FWIW, when I bought the bass, the fretboard was coming off the neck. I had Nick at Norms refret and reset the fretboard. He refinished it and reset the inlays. I think it's quite likely he sanded the fretboard. He put jumbo frets in and I love the additional bite that they add to the sound.