Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Does anyone know if the vintage aluminum bass tailpiece had a different footprint than the modern unit? I've just acquired a 1970 4001S bass that doesn't have the original tailpiece, and the replacement (which appears to be a modern tailpiece), doesn't quite cover the factory tailpiece route. I'll try to get some pics up later to illustrate this "gap".

I will measure mine and get back to you in a little while. In the mean time:

Thanks for those photos Jeff! It could be a matter of perspective, but the vintage tailpiece on the left certainly looks like its a bit bigger than the others. If this is the case, and assuming that an original bridge will be near impossible to find, do I have any options? Would a 4001 V63 or C64 tailpiece do the job, or do those share the same footprint as the modern tailpiece?
Here's a picture of the route and gap in question:

I've never compared, but I do remember a thread (or maybe just a conversation) with Paul W that came to a similar conclusion: He was restoring a late 60's body, but with all new parts. He had the thing all ready for finishing (maybe even had applied some coats of finish) when he received the modern tailpiece in the mail and was PO'd that the new tail didn't cover the late 60's factory route. He then had to cut a maple block to fill the route and re-route the body to fit the modern tail piece.

Looks like you might have the original bridge and saddles there, Steve.

rickaddict wrote:Looks like you might have the original bridge and saddles there, Steve.

I think you're right Jeff - here are a couple of pics of the bridge:

Yep!

And that is the most crazy-deep saddle slot filing job I've ever seen!

Its a bit of a project to be sure. The fingerboard is separating from the neck near the nut - typical symptom of someone not knowing how to properly adjust the truss rods - but I think this can be fixed without too much trouble. Additionally it might need a new nut, there appears to be some overspray on the finish, the original tailpiece is gone, and there's no case. I found it in a Sam Ash, and after showing some interest, the salesman suggested they would entertain "any offer". Not too bad for $1K, eh? I think once some obvious issues are sorted out, it'll be a great player!

Nice pick, Steve!

Very nice Steve. The maple looks a lot like my V63.

I finally got the measurements!

As best as I can measure the width of the old style tailpiece on my March '73 4001 is 3 7/8" - 98mm; the length is 4 1/16" - 102mm

The width of the tailpiece on my '98 4001V63 is 3 13/16" - 96.5mm; the length is 4" - 100mm.

Ye gods, that's a nice bass!!!!

Fancy doubling your money Steve?

Going by your photo showing the route I think the curvature of the sides between the old TP is a bit different then the new ones, which would cover the route.

Great price!

jps wrote:I finally got the measurements!

As best as I can measure the width of the old style tailpiece on my March '73 4001 is 3 7/8" - 98mm; the length is 4 1/16" - 102mm

The width of the tailpiece on my '98 4001V63 is 3 13/16" - 96.5mm; the length is 4" - 100mm.

Thanks for that Jeff! Looks like the V63 tailpiece is smaller than the old style tailpiece and probably wouldn't fully cover the route. Does anyone know if the C64 tailpiece is larger than the V63 or is it the same unit? They have separate part numbers, but this may not mean that they are if fact different.

My guess is the different part numbers is due to the 3 hole vs. 5 hole mounting of the tailpieces.