Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Sergio, Neil Brewer's bass (IIRC) and the azure 73 I nearly bought recently both had button top treble pickups and toasters, if that helps.

"rest assured - the winner gets one of my hot 4001/4003 treble high gain pickups."

It's a good thing I already have one, because I would have missed the switch tip!

I haven't posted since yesterday, but I call your attention to exhibit "A" the third post response. I think I got 'em all straight away. I guessed a 4003 treble surround because I wasn't familiar with a repo of this part, but it is obviously incorrect for this bass.

Bob,
I think it was early 74 that the split bridge eventually disappeared, however based on what Bob and Mark say there may have been non-split bridges starting to appear in production in mid-73.

Hmm... A 4003 hi-gain pu surround is similar to a 4001 one - if you overlook small differences such as string recesses or rounded/pointed corners that is. The surround in the picture is neither 4001 nor 4003.

Shaun, thanks for the info. I see 1973 really was a year of change for the 4001 model. So was 1975, though to a lesser degree.

On a totally different subject, does anyone know where the "Rickenbackers For Sale" section has gone?

You have to log in to see the for sale & wanted sections now, Sergio.

Yes. You now need to go to the Edit Profile page above and sign in. Then it will appear. Peter did this to try to keep the "Rickenbackers For Sale" section confidential to forum members.

I see. Thanks, guys.

I was not overlooking the the small differences in a 4001/4003 treble surround. All I know is this is not a '73 4001 piece. Where is a repo treble surround sold, or is this a faker piece?

I think Pick of the Ricks has the surround itself for $30. Fake ones usually seem to be more squared off at the corners, particularly on the raised part.
Also, old ones have very pitted chrome, since it's been pointed out that RIC uses a much higher quality plating process.

I have a July '73 4001 that is all original and I can't tell the difference between this one's surround and mine. Mine has no string cutout and is a similar shape. I can't tell for sure where the screws are located on this one. The photos show some reflections near the screws that have me questioning whether they are screws or reflections.

DAMN!!! Had my daughter at ballet!!! When's the next contest, Sergio? I'm not missing that one!

Maybe tonight, Bob. Stay tuned. If I can find the time I'll hold a new contest hehe.

As for legit 4000/4001/4003 high gain pu surrounds, holding screw holes on every single one of them are further spaced apart on the rear flange than on the front flange, and that's the triple truth, Ruth. Any one surround not conforming to that simple rule is a... FAKE haha! Repro surrounds? I've never seen or heard of them. Fake surrounds simply come from fake 4001 basses, as there are still many in existence.

damn-missed that one!

Huh?
Well, this time the (meager) prize is a solitary 1st-version Grover bass tuner (E or A string) in perfect condition.
Okay class, here's the quizz:

On a 1977 4001 bass, are the control knobs parallel-running or not?