Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Bob,
Skunk stripe was introduced sometime 72, same timeframe was walnut wings, remained until the end of the 4001.

Thanks Erik, nicee looking Maple on that one, woul dlook nice refinished in Fireglo ....

But the end of the 4001 was 1979 or 80, the later ones were just left overs made before the 4003's were made according to JH. I would be willing to bet that any post 1980 Ric with a skunk stripe was a left over from that earlier period. The early 4003's were just 4001's with the same truss rods reversed. I bet they took some bodies meant to be 4001's and made them 4003's.

Walnut wings have not been made for a long time except for reissues. I have a 72 without them.

Bob, you're right, I didn't phrase it properly, in 72 walnut wings were replaced with Maple.

Far as I know model end for 4001 was end 82 into 83, not sure there'd be that many bodies to sustain 2-3 years of orders from 79-80. If there were 4001 carcases that were converted to 4003's wouldn't we see early 4003's with skunk stripes.

Maybe Dale ar JH coulld reflect on this a little more.

I have seen 4001's with dates as late as 1985, I too had thought that they had been made concurrently until JH straightened us out.

Daniel, that one you have is a beauty, wish I still had it, but I'm glad it's got a good home and is getting played by a Ric lover!

Steve, it's definately getting played.... I'm currently re-learning Heart Of The Sunrise to use as a cover for this Prog-band I'm in, so I'm setting the fretboard on fire!!!! lol
I have a bad case of RAS at the moment... looking for a 4001V63MG or maybe just break down and buy a 4003BBR from MP...

My 4003s has ROS - never realised some DIDN'T have it