Alan Z's 1985 4003

dswp · Post by **dswp** » Sun Dec 04, 2005 3:48 am

Any major restoration that I have had done (more than a few), has taken from 8 to 14 months. To me, it is important that the restorers do their magic willingly, not under pressure. The results are night and day, (when the project is done in a positive non-rushed atmosphere).

melibreits · Post by **melibreits** » Sun Dec 04, 2005 8:39 am

I am happy to wait as long as it takes! I know that the end results will be SO worth waiting for.

You can't rush quality.

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Sun Dec 04, 2005 12:30 pm

Agreed! And when you do receive it, you'll get a quality "rush"!! Tee hee....

melibreits · Post by **melibreits** » Sun Dec 04, 2005 1:09 pm

Oh, I'm sure of that, Aitch! In fact, every time I think about what Paul is going to do to my guitars (especially my 330), I get a little giddy!

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Sun Dec 04, 2005 2:29 pm

Keep both feet planted firmly on the ground, take a few deep breaths, and if you're still struggling, some libation may assist.... usually takes my mind off a lot of things!!

alanz · Post by **alanz** » Sun Dec 04, 2005 4:54 pm

I'm not impatient, I'm over-eager.

I am anxious and eager to see the transformation of this thing into something ultra-bitchin'. It's going to be the gigging bass for the original band I'm in; I want to put away my Jazz (as much as I love it) in order to have something different (from other basses and different from other 4003s) and cool. I am eager to see how this project turns out since it has been a collaboration between Paul and me.

Paul and I keep in regular touch via email; I was just being silly up there in that post.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Sun Dec 04, 2005 5:57 pm

Because I am dealing with Rickenbacker enthusiasts, both collectors and players, there is a level of sophistication and bonhomie here that is lacking on every other guitar forum that I visit.

There is a recognition of quality and an appreciation of what is necessary in terms of time and effort, to achieve and maintain it. This standard is set by the uncompromising level of traditional craftsmanship that the factory still practices.

So, it has been, and will continue to be, a pleasure to work with each one of you.

Collaboration. An excellent word choice, Alan.

wayang · Post by **wayang** » Tue Dec 06, 2005 8:40 am

I agree...an ultra-bitchin' word choice.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 6:41 pm

OK, refret next. Here are a few shots of the frets being pressed in. I don't use a hammer except to set a stubborn end very occasionally...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/jingle_jangle/1985%204003/DSC01021.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/jingle_jangle/1985%204003/DSC01023.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/jingle_jangle/1985%204003/DSC01026.jpg

Next, the fret ends are trimmed and carefully shaped for comfort.

We'll probably get started painting this week, too.

ken_j · Post by **ken_j** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 6:30 am

Paul are you using your Bridgeport for an arbor press?

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 7:53 am

You bet. It is a very solid and steady machine with better feel when pressing frets than any arbor press I've owned. The quill has no play, action is very smooth, and the feedback from the handle is excellent.

alanz · Post by **alanz** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 8:56 am

Cool!

ken_j · Post by **ken_j** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 2:59 pm

We have always used a drill press with the same Stew Mac tool as you have. I recently picked up a used arbor press to rebuild and set up for this. You now have me rethinking this.

britye · Post by **britye** » Fri Dec 16, 2005 8:02 am

A Bridgeport mill, nice thing to have around from time to time..

alanz · Post by **alanz** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 6:53 am

Sample number 2, please, Paul.

Grazie.