Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Got the chance of this mid-70's 4001.

Only got the photos to go on at the moment - looks like some fret wear, and a funny paint job to the rear!

How bad do the frets look to the experts out there? And is that kind of spray common on FG 4001s?

Opinions please!

I would not spend money to refret a mid 70ies 4001.

Buy one that not require a refret instead. There are plenty around from these years.

The frets can likely be dressed vs replaced if they are original. The finish looks as if it reacted with a stand or something it was in contact with? Otherwise it doesn't look odd at all, especially for a good price.

All depends on price. Care to share?

The spray on the back... could be a "Friday afternoon" bass. We've seen worse.

Price is £1200 - that's the lowest I can get it to.

I've seen far later examples priced closer to £2k over here!

Keep those opinions coming!

Personally, I'm not sure a re-fret is needed. And the finish looks fine to me, although, I'm no expert
(But I play one on TV)

Looks OK to me. Good Luck!!!!

I agree, I wouldn't refret it at all. Just get them dressed and it'll be fine. The finish, eh, it's the back and it gives it character.

maybe just needs a fret dressing???? I thought my '74 4001 need a fret job and the luthier said they just needed to be dressed. Good luck! Let us know what happens!!!

I'd ask for more photos Iain - those "marks" could be anything - maybe even sunlight & shadows through a window. Is it a private sale or one that's up on the Net? It's a little odd that they've not shown any photos of the front of the bass though....

If fresh photos indicate that the finish is OK (and possibly even if they don't), I'd be very tempted to pull the trigger at that price! I wouldn't be put off by any potential refret job at that price, assuming it's in otherwise reasonable condition.

Ash

Cool advice, many thanks.

I've actually got about 20 other photos of the bass, views of all over. Rest of it looks good.

Previous owner had it for about 15 years AFAIK. Current owner is a guitarist, and has only had it for about 18 months.

It's only about 65 miles away, so could be worth a look. Only thing I know is that the tuners have been replaced about 5 years ago, with the modern Ric - branded ones. Besides that, I believe it's pretty original.

Looks like a stain on the back from leaning against something or being left in a cheap case. The frets don't look too bad, but it's just a photo.

As with anything.... a refret could be justified if the price is right.

As for the finish, I guess those marks could be reaction to a guitar stand, but it doesn't look bad to me, normal wear for what is obviously a '70s Rick bass. As for the pits in the frets, that likely could be dressed rather than having to completely refret, but I'd defer to a good luthier. Looks pretty darned good to me!

I know where i would be spending my money Iain, not on an old 4001 requiring work. i think these basses are more for collectors i would buy a good 4003. no hassles, for not much more than you are paying for that bass and the frets look pretty beat up to me.

Seen worse looking frets on guitars/basses that played well. A dressing would make the better, but they might be good enough. Not sure about the finish, looks good to my eyes...

George's suggestion rings true to me. I think I'd rather get a new 4003 these days than a 70's 4001, but maybe because I already have a 75?