Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I don't think it's aging. The old ones went from dark red on the edges to a gradual fade to lighter red. The new ones are dark at the edges with a sudden fade to a very light shade. I guess I just prefer the gradual fade.
Anyway, that RM '64 has the perfect Fireglo. And the dark fingerboard is sweet!

I think the same guy finished this one

Yup, and this one too....

wints, you got mail.

Mmmmmm .......... Fireglo .............

During the 50's and early 60's quite a few Brazilian Rosewood fret boards were made up, we did things that way, making runs of various F.B's so they would be ready for use. When they were gone the transition was made to Bubinga. So in the picture of your Bass it is quite clear that it is Brazilian Rosewood.

Andrew I have never seen a Bass that left the factory with a heel such as yours. We had quite a few that came back for repair because the peg head would pull up over the years from string tension lifting the peg head up till there was no more downward string angle over the top nut. Sorry to say we didn't fix them, we cut them up and replaced their old parts on a new body/neck. The 50's/early 60's bass had a very wide slim neck and the T.R. cavity left little maple causing a weak spot under the top nut. I have seen the grafting of wood to the neck to strengthen this area so as to stop the lifting process of the peg head which renders the bass unplayable.

Dale, that's an interesting point. There are four 64 basses that I know that have volutes and three are RM1999's. The grain on the neck is full of birds eye maple and it seems consistent through the volute but as it's a thick green re-fin it's hard to tell for sure.

The three are all early basses up to May 64 and of course the RM guitars had volutes too at this time. Two of the three have had neck problems as has my deluxe 64 above and that has the volute too. I think that just occasionly someone got creative, but it does seem to have affected the tension somehow.
My other 64 has a much slimmer neck than both the other basses. You would think it would be more prone to warp and/or distort, but it does not have a volute and has never suffered any problems at all.

The 'volute' on the 1964 4001s which is the subject of this thread, is not like Andrew's. Its an area which is actually flat and extends onto the neck. This is why I felt it might be reinforcement, added when the neck was repaired. Its nicely done and does not affect the playability at all. Ill ask JW if he will put up a further pic.

Gerry, That is one Beautiful bass (grain and finish!)!

Anyone else like to own one ? The owner is considering offers for the bass described earlier in this thread. See the rickenbackers for sale section in this forum.

what would a 64 RM 1999 bring?that will be interesting to find out.