Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Is it still being used on the underside of the newer 4003 models? My latest bass still has me stumped, so this weekend I am going to pull off the pickguard and get a look underneath.

Are the pots still dateable?

History:
2004 4003 w/BT (discontinued by 04, yes?), 7 screw tailpiece (discontinued eons ago, yes?) that appears to be original, and the pickguard is, as noted on this site, old stock as well. I picked this up from Japan a few weeks ago. There's nothing "wrong" with it as it looks and plays fantastic, but I'd like to learn a little more about how it came to be.

BT was supposedly discontinued in 2002 (last examples seen). Does yours have black binding? All the other BT items can be swapped, but the binding can't be without great effort and expense.

yes, black binding on the neck and body. i'm really thinking that Ric just threw a bunch of old stock on a 4003 body and sent it to japan.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i27/acacia70/bass/DSCN0818.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i27/acacia70/bass/DSCN0816.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i27/acacia70/bass/DSCN0815.jpg

Hi Sean,
IIRC the pots Ric's used for awhile only have a part # stamp... no more date/mfg code.
My 2000 V63 did not have masking tape under the control assembly.
I hope this helps.

That's a great looking bass, in any case!

Thanks Sean.

I guess I am SOL on finding out anything more about this sucker.

My Nov. 2004 4003 did not have masking tape. Never looked at the pots for codes.