Another Shadow on ebay

jeff_ulmer · Post by **jeff_ulmer** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 8:19 am

He calls it a Black Beauty:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2371814371&category=4713

It's in better condition than mine.

RutleDirk · Post by **RutleDirk** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 9:00 am

What's up with the two extra screws through the tailpiece?

paul_yan · Post by **paul_yan** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 9:26 am

I want her!
One is not enough!

jeff_ulmer · Post by **jeff_ulmer** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 9:39 am

The extra screws are normal. Mine has them.

atomic_punk · Post by **atomic_punk** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 10:06 am

Could those be the "keep the tailpiece from lifting" screws?

paul_yan · Post by **paul_yan** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 10:09 am

Yes, lots of '80s 4003 have tailpieces with 2 extra screws to keep the tail from bending up.
I don't particularly like the look of the 2 extra screws but feel they somehow help with conducting more string vibrations into the body and make for a twangier sound as the end of the tailpiece sits firmly against the body.
With the same strings, neck relief and string action setup, my Shadow sounds louder and brighter accoustically than my '98 4003 FG whose tailpiece end bends up from the body for about1/32". I tend to think the 2 extra screws contribute to the phenomenom.

ojobob2 · Post by **ojobob2** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 12:12 pm

I dont know about that Paul - more likely slightly different body mass/ weight etc etc.

My 4001 is far brighter and light weight sounding than my 4003

jeff_ulmer · Post by **jeff_ulmer** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 12:30 pm

Your 4001 should be brighter if you haven't pulled the capacitor in it, since that rolls off the low end. The extra screws should add to the sustain and help stop bridge peel up.

ojobob2 · Post by **ojobob2** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 12:45 pm

opps i meant its brighter UNPLUGGED. The body resonantes a lot more. I got rid of thaat cap

squirebass · Post by **squirebass** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 12:58 pm

I have noticed those too, and while I don't own a bass that has them, I've often wondered what they were there for, what years they were put on the basses, and whether they really add to stability or sustain. I think its mainly '80s basses that have them, right?

doctorwho · Post by **doctorwho** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 1:12 pm

Gene, you're right that they are found on '80s basses. There was an earlier thread about this subject

../4628/4167.html"#FFEECC">

jeff_ulmer · Post by **jeff_ulmer** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 2:14 pm

They are found on newer basses too. Both my 2002 4003S/5 and 2001 S/8 have them.

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 6:54 pm

here's a 4003 with the 2 extra screws ...

This is a good idea on any Ric made after 1973 ... Certain years Rics came this way from the factory ... I have added this mod to 2 rics myself ...

gregson1 · Post by **gregson1** » Fri Jan 09, 2004 4:39 am

Adding those two screws is unnecessary on the newer 4-string tailpiece castings, which have been improved by adding metal in all the right places to help prevent lifting. I got a new tailpiece and retired the old one for a Blackstar I used to own. Immediate improvement in appearance, functionality, and intonation without out additional screws.

ojobob2 · Post by **ojobob2** » Fri Jan 09, 2004 5:11 am

yeah i bought a new black one for my white 91. The new tailpiece is way thicker and heavier