Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

rikk wrote:What year is that bass?

It is a December 73...

Here are some pics of it in it's original condition.

















The neck was in bad shape. Fretboard was separated from the neck a substantial amount and there was a crack in the neck itself.




The nut was trashed and the frets were pretty much gone...









It had 2 "E" strings on it when I got it and the "low profile" pup cover was mounted on top of the surround
and there were more than one extra hole for the strap buttons.
....but for $300 I couldn't go wrong....

Wow Steve what a transformation.
Who did that work? I know his name is Dale - But Dale who?
Is he a member of the forum?
Rags to riches I'm really >

So how does it sound and play now that you've had it out for a bit?

ric330 wrote:Wow Steve what a transformation.
Who did that work? I know his name is Dale - But Dale who?
Is he a member of the forum?
Rags to riches I'm really >

So how does it sound and play now that you've had it out for a bit?

Our own Dale Fortune did the work and yes he is a forumite.
The action is nice and low and it plays like butter. The intonation is spot on!
The neck is flat and straight as an arrow.
However I haven't had a chance to plug her in yet.

Stunning. The transformation is absolutely amazing!!! Enjoy...

There is an interesting story that goes with this bass as well.
At the bottom of the page........
http://www.rickresource.com/phpBB3/view ... nniversary

Great story Steve...I didn't know about this...I really think you got a great Bass for the money you've invested above the $300 you originally paid....Now tell us how it sounds? I know the toaster in the neck is awesome, but how about that 7K bridge pickup? I only tested it thru my VOX 8 watt Pacemaker shop amp and it had some serious tone especially the neck pickup..IMO you just can't beat that sound...Dale Bruce Fortune (dale_fortune)
Intermediate Member

Posts: 1230
Joined: 30 Oct 2004 10:00 am
Location: Aloha, Oregon, USA
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Here is a pic of the bass about to undergo surgery at MARF II.

Post surgery image, a success!!!

You're absolutely correct Jeffrey.....
...and let's not forget about the ZONenbacker

Oh my giddy aunt. That is one of the most stunning Rics I've ever seen. Congrats to Steve and kudos to Dale; we are not worthy!!!!

Steve, I think I like the old inlays better.

sloop_john_b wrote:Steve, I think I like the old inlays better.

Hurry, hurry maybe Dale didn't take out the trash yet!

"Steve, I think I like the old inlays better" Those inlays that Dale and Paul do are really nice, especially if you're trying to reach back and recreate that special time period before mid-1973. There was also a time period when checkered binding and small inlays coexisted....May, June, July....1973....I hold this time in high regard as it was a turning point for some major changes to come for the 4001. If Steve had just wanted to stop at the CB it could have looked like this.....
Paul W. is refinning a June for me in white and I elected to keep the small inlays on that one as it is period correct, as is the white, although it is extremely rare.