Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

My local store just got in a 1974 4001 in Mapleglo that looks almost pristine, just a few very minor scratches. I thought it was new when I first saw it. It also has the skunk stripe and the neck is straight as an arrow.
I noticed that the tuners were the enclosed Grovers - is this correct for this year?
Also I noticed that the pickups look just like the ones in my 4003. Are they the same or actually different?
Why would I want to have a 4001 in addition to a 4003?
I haven't plugged it in yet, will it sound different than the 4003?
Does it have the infamous .0047 mfd cap that needs to be disconnected?
Does the neck have the double truss rods?
What defects should I look for?

The grovers are correct, the pu's externally look the same (there is some small detail difference)generally the 74's will be more thin, giving you the "Ric growl" the later 4003 models are more bottom end. Which sounds better? It all depends on your ear, technique, and amplifiers. I personally like the sound of the 68-75 4001's over the newer basses, but that's my opinion. And yes it does have the cap.
Look for fretboard separation around the nut, and inspect the truss rods very carefully.

Everything degoat said. Also check the output jack plate and make sure it is a real Rick. Get the serial number too. That bass should have the neck pickup in the original position, closer to the neck. The model you like better will be a matter of personal preference. Play them both and decide which one you like better. If I was you and could get a nice deal on a 4001 in nice condition I would go for it. Then I would have the 4001 and 4003, I appreciate the attributes of both models. Besides, as time goes buy and it becomes harder to find a 4001 in good condition, the value will constantly go up as it has the past few years. That's just my own humble opinion. 70's Ricks have started to attain the vintage status of 70's F**d*rs.

You "need" both!

You will find subtle and not so subtle differences in sound, feel and playability of boh 4001's and 4003's

IMHO

What Jared said...
In my humble opinion, I'd take the Mapleglo '74, just because you say it is in pristine condition. There are quite a few '70s Mapleglo 4001s out there, but not that many in pristine condition. But its a close call. There's no way you can make a bad choice here!

While we're on the subject of 4003's and 4001's.. when did the 4003's go back to the one-piece 4001-style pickguard?
Just curious..

So Jared, what's the count of Rics at your house now? BTW I got the checkerboard binding Monday, it's headed over to the luthier this week, I see a doubleneck 5 & 4 fretless appearing.

They went back to the one-piece pickguards in like 1985 i believe....

Kendall

I only count the RICs at the dead of a moonless night, with the curtains drawn...

Just finished making 2 pole pieces for a "shadow" horseshoe. Love the look of horseshoes-don't care for the effect on playability.

Now if only I could play the darn thangs...

Oh yeah-double neck FL 4005, w/checkered sound holes, hand delivered by katsumi, UPS 2nd-no damage

Jared,

Can you make me a pair of pole pieces so I can have the "horseshoe" look, too?

Jeff-

Working on a better mandrel to make faster, more consistent bends, will keep you posted.

Now if I can find a competent chrome guy around here...

Looks are everything-

Thanks. Any photos of the ones you made?

yes-if only I knew how to post pictures here.

I know there are a few sites that host photos-but I'm not up to the "Paul Yan" level!

Any ideas?

It is easy to post pictures if they are already on your hard drive. The only requirement being that they be no larger than 500 by 500 pixels and maximun of 35k. At the bottom of the "Add Your Message Here" box is a button that says "Upload Attachment...". Click on that and a box will open up that you can give the photo a name and browse for your image and then attach it to your post, just like attaching a file to e-mail.

Hey Jared,

You can sign up at the free Yahoo Photo site here:

Register as a new member

Once your images are uploaded there, they are automatically shrinked to postable size (95% of the time). Download the shrinked images back to your computer and post them here.