Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I was lucky enough to be able to locally purchase this early 1968 4001. The bridge pickup had the original baseplate and bobbin but no horseshoes - the pickup has been sent to Jason Lollar to rebuild. Aside from a missing plexi thumbrest (anyone know where to source one of these?), and a few missing screws around the bridge pickup surround, its in great shape! Also came with the original case - a bit rough (it still had airline luggage tags on it!), but useable. Action was a little high with some old Rotosounds, but hopefully a rest without strings and Ti flats will help. Really looking forward to getting her back in working shape!

Nice! So there was no rectangular magnet under the bobbin? Jason is going to have to make you a set of wide opening shoes for her, either that or cut down the bobbin. I know he's not fond of this style bobbin so it's cool that he has agreed to help supply the horseshoes. Have you taken off the horseshoe surround?? If so, is there any shading under it in the shape of this surround?? I've never seen the older style of surround on a 68. What month is she, if you don't mind me asking?

You can get the thumbrest from Pickguardian. How about a peek under the hood??

Sepp

Its a January build, so its possible they were still using the old surrounds. There was definitely a difference in the finish under the surround that matched it perfectly so I have no reason to believe its not the original part. I have also asked Jason if he needs the dimensions of the hole in the surround for the horseshoes. Thanks for the lead on the thumbrest Joseph!

Ohhh, mama! What a beauty! Like finding a Bugatti in a barn!

Joseph - check out my thread in the Appraisals section to see what was under the bobbin. Crude but functional!

A pot of gold!

86kubicki wrote:Its a January build, so its possible they were still using the old surrounds. There was definitely a difference in the finish under the surround that matched it perfectly so I have no reason to believe its not the original part. I have also asked Jason if he needs the dimensions of the hole in the surround for the horseshoes. Thanks for the lead on the thumbrest Joseph!

Wow a nice early build date!! Very cool and yes, a horsie needs to go back on her!!

Just took a peek at the other section and wow, nice raised lip bobbin on her!! Forget what ui said about the wide opening shoes, a pair of normal ones will be perfect on her. I'm in agreement now that the early surround is perfectly fine on this early 68 build and especially since you have the early 64 through 67 bobbin!

Sepp

Nice acquisition Steve!! And locally

The bass cleaned up really nice, Steve. I guess the grime was good for protecting the finish!

The TI Jazz Flats will sound great, too on this bass.

That's a really cool find Steve, no question, especially with the original bobbin. In most cases, that bobbin would have been thrown away here, (as most were), but that mod with the magnets kept it working, although the output must have been meagre.

Most likely, any pair of horseshoes from a lap steel from this period would line up correctly with that baseplate, and you'd have the authenticity of genuine 'shoes rather than a newly manufactured pair...I don't know how much the JL 'shoes are, but that's an option, especially if you would want to keep the bass period correct. Definitely an original surround and that Fireglo is in really lovely condition. Once the neck has settled down and with some lighter gauge strings, she should play real good.

Congratulations!

Welcome to the '68 club Steve, although I have to say there's a lot more of yours than there is currently of mine!

I'm sure that'll be gorgeous with a little tlc. Love the surround too! That's what I want if I can get one (or get one made).

I'm not too worried about having period correct horseshoes. In fact given the nature of them losing their magnetic charge in some cases, I'm more inclined to go for a new set!

Nice score Steve~!!!

Congratulations!

Verry nice find!

86kubicki wrote:I'm not too worried about having period correct horseshoes. In fact given the nature of them losing their magnetic charge in some cases, I'm more inclined to go for a new set!

Makes sense to me Steve.