1957-59 Ric 4000 tuning keys

[Baz Cooper]

Hi Guys. I'm new here. Just had a quick question regarding the original 1950's Ric 4000 tuning keys. Does anybody know how long the posts are??? I have some old upright Kluson tuners and want to install them on a Rick bass but I need to cut down the shafts as they are much longer than needed. Any info on these tuners? Thanks!

[FabGearHead]

Hey Baz, looks like the posts are 1 3/16" long. Are you doing this for an original Rick bass or is it a "tribute" bass?


Jim

[Baz Cooper]

Thank you so much!!!!
I recently traded a '64 beat to hell refined Thunderbird II
For a '59 Rick 4000 made by Dale Fortune
It's the one with the Mahogany neck and maple wings
I'm trying to make it as exact to a real '59
As I am a bass player and could never afford a real one.
However, this bass is so awesome that I would seriously trade one or two of my 60's t birds for a real one
Thanks again Jim!

[johnhall]

For a '59 Rick 4000 made by Dale Fortune

How can THAT be?

[Baz Cooper]

Well, I assume it was him because his name is written in Sharpie on the nort of the pickup but I honest ly don't know for sure
The bass looks too clean to be an old one.
Dual truss rods

[Baz Cooper]

I meant his name was written on the bottom of the pickup
But I bought a new Ric Hoeseshoe to put in there
After playing this, I would Gladly trade my '64 T Bird II for a vintage one

[Baz Cooper]

For a '59 Rick 4000 made by Dale Fortune

How can THAT be?

Uh...I'm sorry....am I missing something??? I had heard that he was a former employee of Rickenbacker from 1972-1976, but that's just what I heard on the internet.

[jps]

For a '59 Rick 4000 made by Dale Fortune

How can THAT be?

Uh...I'm sorry....am I missing something??? I had heard that he was a former employee of Rickenbacker from 1972-1976, but that's just what I heard on the internet.

Dale would not had any involvement in building a '50s 4000.

[collin]

Well, I assume it was him because his name is written in Sharpie on the nort of the pickup but I honest ly don't know for sure
The bass looks too clean to be an old one.
Dual truss rods

Probably a restoration by Dale - he's signed his restoration work before.

Post pics!

[Baz Cooper]

Here is a pic from the day I picked her up.

[Baz Cooper]

And Another.

[Baz Cooper]

The Rear

[rickenbrother]

If Dale "restored" it, wouldn't it already as close to it's real '59 originality as it could already possibly could be? Would a decently restored genuine '59 sell affordably?

[Baz Cooper]

Closeup of the body. I bought a correct Repro Bridge/Tailpiece with 6 holes, 4 widened, 4 saddles, the center 2 wider. I have the vintage Kluson upright tuners. Nobody seems to know that these were upright tuners that had them posts cut down. Was that because nobody made a set of electric bass guitars in 2x2???
Also, the pickup which is a fake horseshoe (signed by Dale Fortune), sounds INSANELY Killer and 5.4K but I bought a New V63 style Official Chrome Ric Hoeseshoe.

[Baz Cooper]

And a closeup of the Pickup. Alumnimium. Just kidding, It's Aluminum.