Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hey Paul. I thought I'd throw a potentially-silly question out there. Since 481's seem to be hard to come by these days, is it possible to convert a 4001 or 4003 to a 481?

I'd be interested in a response as well.

I'm not into Rick basses or 480-series guitars, but wouldn't the body size and scale length be totally different between these instruments?

Same profile, different construction.

Body wise. I mean.

but wouldn't the body size and scale length be totally different between these instruments?

Yeah, you'd need extra long guitar strings like the octave strings of a 8 or 12 string bass, but I don't know if you can get an extra long B or high E guitar string.

Actually, although the 481 has the same shape as a 4001 or 4003, it is quite a bit thinner and lighter. It's also a little different, because the neck is bolted onto the 481, whereas the basses are constructed with the neck through the body.

Good point Melibee...I'm just so in awe of yours. That's what started all of this

Pretty, isn't it?

I knew that was coming

Mellisa - Superior in the background - love the contrast of the blues.

I really like that pic of the 481; first one I've seen you can really appreciate the wood's graining. Owning a 4003, I think it would be great also having one of the 480 series guitars to match. I'd probably even be able to fit my big mitts on the fretboard and make clean chords.

The photos do not show it, but the grain shows through the burgandy nicely on my '76 481.

I really like the cresting wave headstock with 6 tuners on it. They don't make another guitar with this headstock, do they?

Hmmm...a 381 with a headstock shape like that one would be cool. Maybe even with checkered binding. Paul??

Yes, possible. There will be one seam across the neck with a curved knit-line.

Sorry. I've been in Monterey and Carmel with Aitch, on business/pleasure for my University, attending the Concorso Italiano.

Alisha, this is another one that's worth waiting for. Anything is possible, but I have to tell you that the structural engineering on the 480/481 has little headroom. It must be done right; it could be done with a broken or trashed 4003 with lots of machining and mods; where you gonna get a slant-fret 481 neck; yes, it could be made; yep, it's a lotta work; Melissa is right about the sizes, etc., of the two; pickups for the 481 are impossible to find if you don't have 'em already.

Fiscally speaking, it's better to wait, too. These have really taken off in the last year or so. Will prices flatten? I can't say.

Thanks Paul. As always, great advice & info. Look forward to seeing you and Howard next week.