Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi All,

I've been offered a '73 4001 which needs a refret - I realise it's rather tricky without seeing it but does anyone have an idea of likely cost - ballpark?

Thanks in anticipation!

Pete

Well I'll chime in, since I think that should be bound fingerboard, that will raise the cost a bit.
I would guess starting at about $200 + US for a quality job. Sorry I forgot to add the US as I forget sometimes this is such and international forum.
Cheers,
Dirk

Hi Dirk,

You're right, it is a bound fingerboard - gives me some idea as I've never had to consider refretting anything before, so honestly wouldn't have a clue as to likely cost!?

Many thanks for the response.

It is not only bound but varnished. So it is quite involved to do it right and keep it stock.

Hmm, I'd definitely want it done properly - which does make me a bit nervous to be honest - it seems as well as needing a refret the first inlay on the fingerboard is sitting slightly proud - makes me wonder if the truss rods are functioning and whether or not the bass is salvageable (within a reasonable cost). The body has been stripped as well (back to natural) so would possibly be better to have the entire bass refinished - shame really as I like to keep things stock/original wherever possible.

I may have to rethink this one, it's up for sale for just under $1400, it does have what appears to be a toaster pup/horseshoe pup fitted but, given it seems it needs quite a lot of time and money investing in it, i may have to pass.

Thoughts?

I'm not sure if a refinish on top of tung oil will be that successful, or if it can be stripped back completely. I think I saw a thread here warning of problems, can't find it at the mo.

godber wrote:I'm not sure if a refinish on top of tung oil will be that successful, or if it can be stripped back completely. I think I saw a thread here warning of problems, can't find it at the mo.

Hmm, I certainly don't want to end up with a pig in a poke...shame really as the owner had mentioned he would "break it for spares"!

It is a lot of work to get it back to near original, but the seller says it's a good player (and better after the re-fret probably). So it depends what you're looking for.

godber wrote:It is a lot of work to get it back to near original, but the seller says it's a good player (and better after the re-fret probably). So it depends what you're looking for.

It's a great shame he's the other end of the country to me - definitely would like to see it in the flesh before agreeing to buy, the original thread seems to have disappeared which is also a shame as I think there were some more pics on it. I've requested some detailed photos and will see what they're like - will go some way in helping me make a decision. Thanks for your input.

No problem. I have been considering it myself!

A couple of years ago I had my 1975 4001 fretboard levelled (due to warping), refretted, and re-finished in something like the original conversion varnish, and a basic setup done. OK, that was a bigger job due to the levelling, but it cost me £225.00. But it was done well be a guy who came recommended by John Hall. It's definitely worth getting it done properly. Mine is a much better instrument now. Hope this helps.

Useful to know. Was that with DM guitars?
http://www.dm-guitars.co.uk/paintwork.htm

godber wrote:Useful to know. Was that with DM guitars?
http://www.dm-guitars.co.uk/paintwork.htm

Thanks, Mark -- what a cool site! Some very interesting paint finish/artwork on display there:

Wow a FishRick!
Bravo!
Dirk

Doesn't Chris own that now?