Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

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I think I like it though!!!!

I like it too.
It's definitely from the 80's. Look at the two screw bridge.
Looks like a good project bass. Anyone know if the wood is salvageable? Looks pretty tattered.
Paul? Dale?

Actually it has to be a 4003 with that split pickguard - 80-84.

Someone please save this.

I am tempted to attempt a restoration ... I would strip it down and oil finish it ...

It could easily be redone in JG or any solid color, judging from the video (nice touch!). It's not too badly damaged...as long as the wood was completely dry before restoration began, it would be a snap.

Paul, would the headstock and body wings need to be reglued?

johnallg wrote:Actually it has to be a 4003 with that split pickguard - 80-84.

80-86ish. i've had 2 86 basses with the split pg.

Man, that bass has been ridden hard and put away wet. It also looks like it may have been used as a boat oar in the aforementioned flood. That said, it's all in one piece, and it's a Rickenbacker, so it's worth the trouble to restore, I'm sure!

From what I can see from the pics, there are slight splits but the glue joints seem to still be OK, otherwise the JG would be showing splits, and there are only edge splits.

If the bass will be refinished JG or any solid color, there is an epoxy that is made for just this purpose--to fill gaps in otherwise sound wood pieces. It fills the gap and, once cured, is just right for sanding and leaves no witness lines. This can be done after paint stripping, without separating the wood pieces, and is as strong as the original joint.

Following this treatment, the bass could be refinished as any other stripped instrument.

phlemmy wrote:

johnallg wrote:Actually it has to be a 4003 with that split pickguard - 80-84.

80-86ish. i've had 2 86 basses with the split pg.

The split gard basses end in early to mid 86...I have had MANY!!!