New 4003 Serial Number Question

[dwinn]

So I bought a brand new 09 4003 FG. I received it today and took the bridge cover off. But when I removed the pickup I noticed this:


Anyone ever seen anything like this? Should I be upset or is this common for Ric to write a new serial number? The jack plate matches the # to the left so I assume they scratched the other number out to match the plate. What do you think?

[rickenbrother]

Was probably a writing error. It's original to the 4003, so I wouldn't be upset about it. It's unique!

[cassius987]

Why get upset?? It's not even visible. Two of my three basses have similar "modifications" inside... it's never bothered me before. Apparently my AFG 4003FL was originally slated to be MG, or so the sharpie says.

[cjj]

Yes, my new 4004 has a different number inside than on the jackplate, another forum member has a 4004 with that jackplate serial number and has my serial number written inside his. John Hall (RIC CEO) explained that these days the instruments are given a preliminary serial number during manufacture, and often that is the serial number they end up with, but there are numerous things that can happen along the way that cause the instrument to end up with a different number than what's written inside. It's perfectly normal to have a different number or numbers inside. As far as anyone outside the factory is concerned, the writing inside is meaningless once the instrument is finished.

[dwinn]

That's what I thought too. I'm not upset. I guess that was the wrong word. I was just scratching my head when I saw that.

[cjj]

Actually, I need to correct my statement above, it wasn't John Hall that explained the serial number stuff, it was Ben Hall with a bit more info filled in by Paul W. Bottom line is, the only number that matters is the one on the jackplate...

Ben:
viewtopic.php?p=525853#p525961

Paul W:
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=387828&st=0&sk=t&sd ... 15#p526088

[rickenbrother]

I missed those threads, gotta get a outta the bass section more often!

If anything, the extra numbers are a great extra concealed identification of this 4003 known to you.

[winston]

Joey,

There's a whole new experience waiting for you outside of the bass section...........

[rickenbrother]

Joey,

There's a whole new experience waiting for you outside of the bass section...........

Eh, I'm busy over here!!

[winston]

I know.