Paul, I was simply referring to the parts that they still manufacture, mainly all of the pickups that they still make. I'm not asking for anything special, custom, or something that would require any retro engineering(like a 12/6 converter comb). I believe if you got a 60s 4001 used, and someone down the line had modded it out for a highgain, Seymour, or active setup, that they should be able to restore their instrument if RIC is still manufacturing horseshoe pickups and surrounds, as well as being able to get that short pole toaster to complete it. I think they still make higher gain toasters for the 325 series(don't know which one), as well as short pole toasters for them as well.
As long as they still make it, why not sell it? People here have been waiting 3+ years for some instruments, and I'm sure if they offered it, people would prepay for these items so the next time they do a run of them, the customer could be accomodated. Instead, if you have one of these pickups go dead, or want to make your instrument as it was originally made, your either at the mercy of the vintage market, or have to have it repaired(and that can be really scary). Or, as so sadly the case in many of these fine instruments, you modify them and hope the change is something you can live with.
JWR2, there are many reasons why people like lower output pickups, it's a preference thing, and they sound noticably different. Not better, just different. Same thing goes for the five string bass, it's all personal preference, and one could argue why stop at 5 when there's 6, 8, and 12. McCartney,Squire,Entwistle,Lee,Lemmy,Steve Harris,Flea, Foxton-from jazz to rock to mod to punk to metal to funk, you don't have to have a 5 string. It does not mean that they are bad, but the bass playing world was kicking butt long before the popularity of adding strings to the bass.
All I'm trying to say, is to each their own, and if we don't agree with what someone else does, thinks, or plays, unless you are in the army or jail, you're free to do what you want. I respect your love of 5 strings, high gain pickups, and rocking out, but it's not a scene for everyone. I mean no offense to anyone, except those who wish to read short posts.
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