Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Generally, we're a forum of purist's who usually condemn the mod of a Rick basses in any way correct? That being said, who hasent applauded the recent few 4004's that have been turned into stunning, one-of-a-kind basses?

Discuss?

cheyenne wrote:Generally, we're a forum of purist's who usually condemn the mod of a Rick basses in any way correct? That being said, who hasent applauded the recent few 4004's that have been turned into stunning, one-of-a-kind basses?

Discuss?

I don't mind mods of Rick basses...as long as they're tastefully done!

Taking a hammer and chisel to punch a hole in between the pick guard and the neck pickup to put a p-bass pickup...and then adding two more knobs... is the kind of mod that bugs me.

I applaud the mods myself, Its fun to see what everyone considers the perfect Rick. The 4004 is the perfect canvas to work with.

rickaddict wrote:Taking a hammer and chisel to punch a hole in between the pick guard and the neck pickup to put a p-bass pickup...and then adding two more knobs... is the kind of mod that bugs me.

+1000...

To me, if someone owns it, they can do whatever they want to it. And I can call them whatever I want in response to their butchery.

While i love the classic style of the various 4000 series, i really do like to see peoples' customizations,and non standard colors,etc. I really am not a stickler for accuracy,as my subtly-modded 2 rics point out. I haven't loved all of Dane's mods,but they are well thought out and executed,and the latest 4004 with the 50's pg is fabulous!

Everyones got a opinion and thats just the way it is some like some dont.In saying that there are some serious disasters out there (Im talking in general)but im of the opinion that if it works for the person all is well.I think this comes down the the personality there are two types of people ones who love to modify their instruments and ones who like to leave as is.Im one for a bit of modification ive always liked to tweak my instruments in i suppose a way that makes them mine.I suppose this happens in a lot of ways including cars,homes etc.Maybe its human nature to make something ones own by putting their stamp on things. Ironically the wife says im the black fly in her Chardonnay.....

4004's have the luxury of having zero historical (and therefore emotional) attachment.

Good point Todd.

I think it gets more emotional around here when an older classic bass is modded in, um, less than tasteful or traditional ways. But when an oldie is dug up that has had some butchery done, it seems most everyone is fine with any restore that can be done to reverse the more non-Rick-tradition changes it has.

tmossman wrote:4004's have the luxury of having zero historical (and therefore emotional) attachment.

Yeah, where's that yellow one, Todd?

rickaddict wrote:I don't mind mods of Rick basses...as long as they're tastefully done!

Taking a hammer and chisel to punch a hole in between the pick guard and the neck pickup to put a p-bass pickup...and then adding two more knobs... is the kind of mod that bugs me.

Same here. When it looks like an eyesore and/or changed to make it look or sound like something else (F*nd*r or whatever ), that bugs me.

I'm very attached to my 4004's

On the other hand I have no choice but to seriously mod my 4004Cii as rod problems have rendered it unplayable. Bought it new too, actually my Cheyenne was purchased new as well. Fortunately beyond a few failed pickups over the years that one has been solid.

robj wrote:I have no choice but to seriously mod my 4004Cii as rod problems have rendered it unplayable. Bought it new too, actually my Cheyenne was purchased new as well. Fortunately beyond a few failed pickups over the years that one has been solid.

As long as you didn't break either of the rods, I think there should be a solution to your rod issues.

Neither is broken as far as I know however they need to come out per a pretty well know Rick repair guy in Seattle who's looked at it and did a few things to improve it some.

I have never balked at modding an instrument.

bassduke49 wrote:

tmossman wrote:4004's have the luxury of having zero historical (and therefore emotional) attachment.

Yeah, where's that yellow one, Todd?

She is on the counter in the my workshop, with guts out, getting rewired as we speak. Just waiting for verification that my wiring idea will work.