Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

headbanger wrote:Hi all,
Jeff this bass is a factory s model not a 4000. The routes are factory except for the enlargement of the bridge pickup route.

This bass was most definitely a 4000 when I got it a few years ago. A poor attempt had been made at adding a neck pickup route, and enlarging the control cavity. After studying several 4001's from that period, I was able to replicate the original style routing while cleaning up the mess I found. There was no indication that the bridge pickup route had ever been done with a large Forstner bit, as would have been done in '63. I simply cleaned it up a bit in preparation for what Larry eventually did. I also cut the bridge pickup surround out of an original stamped brass piece from a Rickenbacker lapsteel, and had it triple plated. Kudos to Larry on an excellent restoration!

Thanks for the update Dane.

I received the bass today.

Awesome... just awesome.

I never have been a bridge pickup type of guy. And then I got this bass with an original, magnetic horse shoe. What a sonic difference with the current re-issue. The original hoese shoe is the fastest pickup I ever heard. The attack on the string is murderous.

Neck profile is very nice. I probably still prefer the neck profile of basses from 72 though (my fetish year). Though the neck profile of the 64 is growing on me...

Larry did a good job at restoring it. His communication during the project was phenomenal.

It has been a very nice project.

What a fantastic transition. 11 out of 10!

Colonel Sanders wrote:I never have been a bridge pickup type of guy. And then I got this bass with an original, magnetic horse shoe. What a sonic difference with the current re-issue. The original hoese shoe is the fastest pickup I ever heard. The attack on the string is murderous.

They certainly are something wonderful!

jps wrote:

Colonel Sanders wrote:I never have been a bridge pickup type of guy. And then I got this bass with an original, magnetic horse shoe. What a sonic difference with the current re-issue. The original hoese shoe is the fastest pickup I ever heard. The attack on the string is murderous.

They certainly are something wonderful!

Indeed. Amazing things these are.

This bass seems to prefer low tension TI Jazz over roundwounds. With the TI, the action is very low. Anything around 150 lbs will have a bit too much neck pull for my taste and set the action around 3 mm at the 12 fret, away from my comfortable 2 mm.

Larry did nail the 64 Fireglo shade perfectly.

Great news Jeff!! Those original horsie pups really do have a sound all there own!! If I were to buy another Rickenbacker, I'd want either another original horsie or a late 60's early 70's slotted bobbin treble pup. Those just growl nicely!!

I've played Mark's 64 RM and Tony's 63 4001. I love the early 60's neck profile. My 65 is right there as well!!

Sepp

Colonel Sanders wrote:This bass seems to prefer low tension TI Jazz over roundwounds

I take you are referring to Jazz Flats as opposed to typical roundwound strings, like D'Addario XLs of one's favorite gauge? Have you tried the TI Jazz Rounds? They are my preferred choice in rounds although I do have various other brands of RW strings on some basses, at the moment.

jps wrote:

Colonel Sanders wrote:This bass seems to prefer low tension TI Jazz over roundwounds

I take you are referring to Jazz Flats as opposed to typical roundwound strings, like D'Addario XLs of one's favorite gauge? Have you tried the TI Jazz Rounds? They are my preferred choice in rounds although I do have various other brands of RW strings on some basses, at the moment.

Yes, I was referring to the Flats. I haven't tried the TI Jazz rounds. I will though. I am still very found of my Rotosounds 66, even if these must be replaced frequently.

The TI JRs may take some getting used to as they are the lowest tension strings in the known universe and have a very smooth feel to them from the small diameter wrap wire; I love them as they sound great for a long time, but given you use RS strings the TIs may not be bright enough for you. Still, worth a try, I think. I know your old neck (the bass', that is) will love them.

jps wrote:The TI JRs may take some getting used to as they are the lowest tension strings in the known universe and have a very smooth feel to them from the small diameter wrap wire; I love them as they sound great for a long time, but given you use RS strings the TIs may not be bright enough for you. Still, worth a try, I think. I know your old neck (the bass', that is) will love them.

Thanks. I ordered a set. Their tension is low indeed (from the TI website info)!

I thought I would hate the spaghetti noodle feel of the TI Jazz Flat but I was totally wrong. I quite like it with the smallish fret size of the 64.

I think playing technique can improve too, learning to play with a lighter touch can improve dynamics and musical sensitivity.

I really likes the TI JR's. Had them on the '69 4001. Currently have DR Sunbeams on my '67, which sound great, though it will be going back to the old Rick flats soon.