Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Had a gig this weekend... how pleased was I see to see the other chap on bass duties for the night (split bands) was a guy I knew, another Ric player... the mighty Talc Buchan.

He got his in 1973 when he bought it new - Im holding it in this pic and hes got my 4003. He was quite amazed at the difference between the two. And yep, thats his 1972 Fender Bassman head and cab to the side that we used

He was amazed - how? Pleased of disappointed. Curious.

CatHead wrote:He got his in 1973 when he bought it new...

I don't think the 4001 is a '73, given the 1" spacing of the neck pickup; IIRC, that spacing did not start until mid '74 or so, maybe even into early '75. Regardless, it looks like the two of you had a blast.

My February 1975 4001 has the 1/2" spacing on the neck PU, not sure if the transition was sudden however.

Also, wouldn't a 73 have checkered binding?

Regardless, great pic, cool story! Hope the gig rocked!

Pickup was moved sometime in 1975, according to "the book."

Here's a rough timeline of changes from 1972 to '75ish. Remember, there are no absolutes.

Early 1972: shedua center strip added to neck-through assembly. This was usually accompanied by the change of walnut head wings to maple.
Spring 1973: crushed pearl inlays replaced by plain white inlays, then quickly superseded by smaller poured pearlescent resin inlays.
Summer 1973: checker binding replaced by plain white plastic strip binding.
Late 1973: Toaster-top pickup in bass ("neck") position replaced by High-gain pickup.
1974: Cast aluminum tailpiece with three mounting screws replaced by cast zinc tailpiece with five mounting screws.
1975: Bass ("neck") pickup moved to about 1" from fingerboard (previously about 1/2")
Mid-1970s: Back-painted clear acrylic truss-rod cover replaced by new raised-letter, injection-molded plastic cover.

Understand that the period of change for many of these features was spread out, especially with the add-ons. All the while, Grover and Kluson tuners were used as supply allowed.

Thanks for the comments guys! It was a great night - Talc and his 4 mates hadnt played together since the 70's, so they had been rehearsing all the stuff they did back then (original prog stuff!!! - he was obsessed with a certain Chris Squire hence his choice of bass)

He doesnt remember exactly when he got it and is by no means an expert, so you guys are almost certainly correct on dating it. What was referring to was the differences between my bass and his - fatter neck, generally heavier... Same differences i noticed between my '82 4001 and the 4003 to be honest.

WOW!!! I used to have that SAME amp....and NO, it wasn't left-handed

Great sounding....wish I still had it!!!!!












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