Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I found a sweet 1981 4001 in Autumn Glo today. Given that this bass was right here in my home town (wonder of all wonders) it followed me home at a gallop. It's funny how Rickenbackers sense when they have found a good home isn't it?

Here's the bad news. The previous owner installed a Badass Bass II bridge on it. I am looking for suggestions. I'll post pics tomorrow when I can get some natural light on this beauty.

The front has a few miniscule scratches and some minor clear coat checking but nothing major. The back has a small area where the previous owners belt buckle wore the finish through to the wood. Again the area is very very small and inconsequential. If anything these imperfections along with the yellowed binding give it a bit of mojo.

It's a great sounding bass and the neck is ultra thin. Currently it's strung with flats.

So what should I do about the bridge?

Put a Hipshot on it.

Like this one Jeff?

http://www.bestguitarparts.com/guitar-part/248/Rickenbacker_Bass_Bridge.htm

Looking forward to the pics, Brian!

I just removed some accumulated grime off her Aitch and apart from the bridge (which will bug me to no end until I change it) she is stunning.

he scores!

Jared you would k-rap if you only knew how much of a score this bass was. Before I tell you guys the price, I'll let the pics tell their story first.

I'm thinking "Bargainsville"!!

That is indeed the bridge Brian.

Black trim on that Autumglo?

Scott, I don't think they discontinued Autumnglo before Black Trim was an option. Some Autumnglos had black pickguards and TRC's, but the metal parts were always chrome, and the fretboard and body binding were white.

Yeah. The hardware should be chrome, I was refering to the plastic. Most Autumglo's I've seen have had the black guard and TRC.

"Put a Hipshot on it."

+1

Actually, in the link provided, the mapleglo bass with the bridge installed, is Jeff's bass if memory serves me right.

Count my vote for the Hipshot, Brian.
It's solid as a big chunk of brass, which is exactly what it is. Flat on the bottom, so it'll sit flat on the body & cover the mess made for the Badass.

Be sure to ask for extra screws (for intonation), particularly for the D & G strings, as they may be a bit on the long side.
I just cut 1/4" off mine to make 'em work.

It also has sideways adjustment on the saddles to match the poles on the bridge pup better. It gives the E string a more solid sound.

Yeah, that is my bass!

Brian ... I have some extra bridges ... but I am not sure if I have a tailpiece that is unmodified ... I am away from my house today so i can't check it ...