Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I have just registered and would like to start by saying hello to all fellow Rickers out there! My bass is a 79 4001 that I rescued from ebay a few months back. It is white and unlike many I have seen that have discolored over time this one still has the white left in it! Original case was included so maybe that helped. This also has the so called "fret lines" I have read in previous threads. The body, neck and finish are in excellent condition. Even the chrome shines like new. The original tuners had to be replaced. Then came the mods! I was so impressed with Paul Yan's bass (he has a pic in these threads somewhere) I knew someday that this is how I wanted my Rick to look and act. Well, this day has finally arrived! I completed the wiring last night, ran it through my bass pod and, well by now you get the picture! I plan on recording with this bass and I will let everyone know how that turns out. I can see now that I have this bass up and running my "dummy" bass tracks will need to be re-done...not a problem as this bass is very quiet. The only problem is the bridge pickup is a little weaker than the toaster. I have read the numerous threads on remedies for (what appears to be) a common problem on this model bass. I am considering removing the cap and running a single wire but before doing this I would like to hear some comments, suggestions and/or opinions. I would also like to thank everyone in this forum (bass). If it wasn't for you, my Rick would probably be condemned to ebay hell! (extra special thanks to Paul Yan for the inspiration)

hey, my rick bass is white, its a 1991 4003 - it also has all black parts on it. Its fairly yellow.

Any chance of some photos?

Funny your bridge pickup is weaker than the neck, i thought the neck was always weaker. But the my bass is the more modern type so i cant say.

Hey Owen,
From what I have read here and other forums the white tends to yellow if you have a replacement case (something to do with the material lining) and replacement pickguards can cause it too. As for the bridge pickup I believe this was not an issue with the 4003. I would like to buy a 4003 someday if I can scrape up enough cash to use as a spare (I never wanna be without a Rick). As far as pictures go my camera is the ******** type so I don't know how they will turn out. Can you post pics on these threads anyone?

yeah you can post pics by uploading attachments with the button at the bottom of the page.

I think the yellowing is to do with sunlight and smokey clubs really.

the case mine came in (it was a used bass), did not really fit - its designed for fenders. the part where the top strap hook is has a nasty black "smudge" caused by the case lining fitting too tightly. the mark seems actually under the clear finish.

I was thinking about trying to remove the mark, but i dont wanna remove the basses history as it were

Yes I agree. I have heard some real nightmare stories from people who have tried to remove blemishes. Here's a pic of the white beast a.k.a

Welcome aboard, Daniel!!!
And congratulations on getting your '79 4001.

Nice to know you like the mod idea.
Did you remove the treble pickup handrest and fit the original hi-gain neck pickup cover to the treble pickup too? (Sorry, can't tell from the above image.) That cover not only makes the pickup look good but also acts as protection from sweat and impacts.

Replacing the .0047 mfd cap with a straight wire will surely bring back the low frequencies of the treble pickup. People thus call it louder, I prefer to call it fatter. Go ahead if you want a modern RIC bass treble pickup sound instead of the classic sound (which is nice too).

Hey Paul,
I had thought of replacing the bridge with a SRB-1 but I'm glad now that I didn't. I wanted to keep my bass true to Rick form. I never looked at it from a protection point of view but you are right. Thanks for clearing up my cap question. I have the reissue toaster which is much hotter than the high gain now in the bridge position. So really I am looking for more of a balance between the two but hey, if it makes it sound fatter thats all the better!

Hi Folks,

I'm new too, just got a new Ric 4003 mapleglo a couple weeks ago and love it! I'll be here a lot as I get more familiar with my bass. It's become my favorite solid body bass, great tone and I love the 3-way switch. See you around.

Welcome to The Forum, William.
Congratulations on your new baby that I'm sure is going to give you endless pleasure.

Daniel, I forgot to mention that adjusting the truss rod system of the pre-'84 RICs is a little different from dealing with the modern ones...Many of our knowledgeable forum talkers will be able to share their experiences if anyone asks.

Hello Paul,

I finally removed the cap and ran straight wire. WOW! Even our guitarist noticed the difference. I have read previous threads on truss rod adjustment for pre-'84 RICs. The neck is straight and the action is perfect so I probably have a while before I need to do this. I think there is a truss rod tool available from certain dealers. I will definately want to buy one before even attempting to do it myself (you know the ole saying "if it ain't broke don't fix it!). Again I want to thank you for helping my Ric be all it can be! Welcome aboard William and I hope you'll find this board as helpful and useful as I have.

I got my truss rod tool from www.pickofthericks.com for under $10 USD. It's 10 1/4" total length with a 1/4" socket, made by Xcelite. White "L8 1/4 Xcelite USA" letters printed on the red handle. A solid feeling driver.

Maybe you can find one in a tool shop in USA instead of ordering one from somewhere.

Well, I played out with one of my groups tonight with the Ric 4003 and it was great. The combination of the 4003 and my Ampeg B100R is fantastic. Even with the Pyramid flats, the sound was clear and clean, easy to hear above the 3 guitars, mandolin, drummer and fiddle player. I am hooked on this bass for sure. I'm still asking myself why I didn't buy one sooner!