Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I'm may trade my 4001 '78 FG for this '80 4001 JG.
The tuners look a bit odd to me. What do you guys think of these tuners? Are these original?

Thanks!

The post diameter is larger than the original Klusons (or maybe this bass had Grovers, which would explain the tuner switch given the propensity of some Grovers to fall apart). They remind me of the tuners one would find on a Japanese faker, which suggests that you should look under the TRC to make sure it is an early 4003 - it should have two parallel slots and no adjustment nuts.

Thanks for your information.

Here is a full shot of the bass. What do you think? Looks pretty legit to me, the tuners as said look a bit weird. Any more thoughts on this?

Neck/inlays look right, as does the rest. It's legit...

Those tuner posts on the other hand...giganto!!! Do you have any photos of the back of the headstock?

The pickguard looks like it was cut a bit funny, but maybe that doesn't mean anything.

The fretboard, inlays and tailpiece all suggest that the bass is authentic. The 'guard is incorrect for a 4003 from this period - it should have a two-piece 'guard. Maybe it's a 4001 - 1980 is the start of the "crossover" period. Alternatively a previous owner may not have liked the look of the two-piece 'guard and replaced it - if so there will be some extra screw-holes under the 'guard.

badeggs wrote: Those tuner posts on the other hand...giganto!!! Do you have any photos of the back of the headstock?

Here it is. What do you think?

anoukane wrote:What do you guys think of these tuners? Are these original?

No! The Tuner in the A string is coming out of the head!

anoukane wrote:Here it is. What do you think?

Well, they look like Klusons - or were the chrome-plated 70s/80s ones really Schallers? Never gotten a straight answer on that...

Anyway, considering the post size, I'd guess they're knockoffs.

Kinda Reminds me of the 50's 4000 tuners.