Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I've had an 8 string, 3 p/u 4004 project gathering dust in my cranium for a while now. I planned on using my Ci but sold it when it looked like my V63 wasn't going to sell.....well, of course it did eventually. So I was on the hunt for a project bass and the opportunity came up to get a red/maple Laredo so I jumped on it (love the maple fretboards). The problem is that I don't want to refinish it or make it an 8 string since I don't want to mess up the red finish. But I do still want 3 p/u's.

How about a piezo ABM bridge (direct replacement)? I can drill the required holes from the bridge with no issues and I have no problem expanding the control cavity slightly for the buffer/electronics. Using three stacked pots should give all of the controls I need as well. I think this may add an interesting character to the 4004 tone......what say you?

Cool idea! Is that the red Namm bass that got away from you at the Pit?

Go for it.

Aside from the knobs, you wouldn't be messing with that beauty too much.

Gonna go black on the hardware or leave it chrome?

Yep, same one. I traded emails with the current owner after he got it and just let him know that I'd take it off his hands if it didn't work out. Luckily he remembered and dropped me a email so I got to it first this time.

I'm staying chrome....I think it is a nice combo as it is (and rare).

(Sure would look nice white with 8 strings and 3 p/u's though)

You could just set it up like the LK.

That sounds like a really cool idea Brian! If you do decide to go for this one, try and keep it as close to stock as you can, 'cause I really doubt there another one out there.

A piezo pickup in these basses would be killer. I say go for it - perhaps the right 4004/8WHT project bass is right around the corner!

Gareth.....that was my plan....but I don't want to refinish this one. My LK certainly sounds HUGE....I love it. I think the piezo bridge would add a different character to my arsenal.

John.....actually I may have to shelve the white 8 banger project for a little while longer. I'm intrigued by the piezo idea so I'm going to focus on that and with summer fast approaching time will be tight plus money will likely be going towards other shananigans.

stack knobs!

I might do stacked knobs on my black Laredo when it gets here....someday....

I'm definitely doing black hardware...4004 shadow!

I think the addition of a third pickup right in front of the bridge would really add a nice punch to the sound. I found by having a pickup there on my doublebeck that it adds a unique character unlike any RIC I've ever heard.

Similar to the 4002, Dane.

Similar, although actually a bit closer as a 4004 has no mute area. I'd also run the rear and middle pickups off of the same concentric controls and the front off of another.