1971 4001

[ajish4]

the right color too - Mapleglo!

A nice clean slate for a cool color...like JETGLO!

EH JOEY, click on the pic below!

[ram]

Graham, that is a sweet looking bass - love the grain. A little Forum tip - you can preview what you have in you post before you submit it by clicking on the 'Preview' button. If it's text it will appear that way - if its a picture it will appear that way. Also if you do decide to ever set it up yourself... just get the correct nut driver and take your time. I really isn't too hard. You could also attend one of the gathering and have someone show you how to do it.

[Ric N. Backer]

lets try this again

Is the pick guard on this one original?

Very nice bass by the way - enjoy!!!

[rickenbrother]

EH JOEY, click on the pic below!

stooges2.gif

[glking14]

lets try this again

Is the pick guard on this one original?

Very nice bass by the way - enjoy!!!

Thanks,yes I beleive it is,I took the guitar apart and everything looks original,the guitar looks like it wasn't played much so that might explain alot of the parts looking near new.I bought this online and the original seller had this to say "I purchased this bass from my cousin who was playing in a band in the early 70's and had bought
it just before the band broke up. I played a Gibson EB-3 with a short neck and preferred it to the
longer neck Rickenbacker and it was stored in it's case and never played because of that. I have
been the sole owner of this bass for nearly 39 years and have decided to part with it. The guitar
is near pristine condition with the exception of some discoloration of the maple around the body
binding. I assume this is a reaction to the age of the binding. It is missing the screw on plastic
cap for the selector switch. There is no wear on the frets, no chips, scratches, dents, checking,
chipping or belt rash. If you look hard enough I am sure you'll see some minor imperfection
but this is in really excellent condition."
It is all original and will take it apart only if those photo's are requested.
It includes the original case also in excellent shape. The seller has a good reputation so I have no reason to doubt him.Cheers

[Ric N. Backer]

Thanks for responding. The reason I inquired about the pick guard is that it is longer (like one on a 4001C64) than the ones I've seen on other 1971 4001 basses (like the guards on the current 4003 basses).

I'm just trying to understand some of the features and differences that have materialized over this particular instrument's (the 4001 4003) history. Plus I'm considering getting a 1971 and would like to understand what the original features entail/included. It's sometimes difficult to pinpoint the exact features of these instruments. I've read through many threads here. The problem is that some threads contain inaccurate information, and that's because some people don't really know the truth regarding all the different things that have evolved over the years. So for me, this in itself can be somewhat misleading. Don't get me wrong. Everyone means well and shares what they believe is true, but there are times when the info isn't accurate.

It's sort of like solving a jigsaw puzzle that has pieces from another box mixed in. You have to weed through and question the validity of what's in front of you. Not always an easy thing to do.

But, all that aside - great forum with great people!

And you have yourself one heck of a splendid bass!!!

[glking14]

Hey Robert,I got my 71 checked out today by Michael at Classic Guitars and he said everything on mine is original and in near mint condition which made me very pleased,I am far from an expert on vintage guitars but have learned alot just being on this site,when I got my original 71 I was 15,back then there were no vintage guitars just new or used,the strange thing is that this 71 is in far better shape than my original one back in '75.One thing I noticed was that I have been smiling ever since I got it,just like back in 1975,strange power Rickenbackers have,if I can help you to figure out anything on a 71 let me know.I'm also looking for a couple of parts,the black PU switch knob(screw in type) and 2 aluminun damper bolts.Cheers

[Ric N. Backer]

Hey Robert,I got my 71 checked out today by Michael at Classic Guitars and he said everything on mine is original and in near mint condition which made me very pleased,I am far from an expert on vintage guitars but have learned alot just being on this site,when I got my original 71 I was 15,back then there were no vintage guitars just new or used,the strange thing is that this 71 is in far better shape than my original one back in '75.One thing I noticed was that I have been smiling ever since I got it,just like back in 1975,strange power Rickenbackers have,if I can help you to figure out anything on a 71 let me know.I'm also looking for a couple of parts,the black PU switch knob(screw in type) and 2 aluminun damper bolts.Cheers

Yea, back in the day when stuff was either new or used. Simpler and more affordable times.

I'm glad that everything on your bass has checked out. It's a wonderful instrument and will serve you well for many years to come.

With respect to the parts you are looking for. Can't you get those from Rickenbacker or the place called The Rickenbacker Page?

Someone here must know a source.