Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Need some advice. I got into this modified 4001 really cheap at a local shop and I'm not sure which way to go. Its a 4001, #PC-1997(March of 1976 I believe) neck pickup has been replaced, tuning keys have been replaced, and the bass at this time has no finish except for what appears to be the sealer coat. I bought it to restore completely, but I'm considering restoring it as a 4000. What do you think? Would I be foolish to do this or should I restore her as a 4001.

Here's another pic.

I would kinda lean towards a 4000, just to have something a little different. I've always liked the elegant simplicity of the 4000 though.

Just noticed something: the body appears to have black binding while the neck has white. I wonder if it was made that way or if it's something that's happened along the way.

I'd restored here as a 4001. But that's my opinion...

A 4000 would be really cool, but I'd restore it as a 4001, just because that's how she was born.
That's a nice one Scott. I like the Maple glo with the black trim. It is odd that the neck has white binding instead of black. I've never seen one like that before.

That bass was originally finished white for sure. The black plastic and body binding shows this. Also i have seen many 70's 4001 in white that had black body binding but white on the neck

And yes i think a 4000.

Having problems with the truss rods. they seem to be over tightened and the nuts are angled back into the headstock just far enough that I cant get my wrench on one of the nuts. Any suggestions?

Scott - email Mark Arnquist. He may be long gone from here but will respond and answer anything and promptly too. He will help you sort it. Your going to have to remove and repair the rods i think - but ive done it and irs actually really easy.

That's one beautiful 4001 you got there, Scott.
I for one would restore it as a 4001. As for the black body binding/white neck binding combination, I'm sure it is period-correct. Not sure whether Mapleglo was the original finish, though. Look for traces of white (?) finish under the pickguard and the bridge assembly. Once again, a great-looking 4001.

I havent found any traces of white. Some burgandy and black coloring in the screw holes. Mostly burgandy, that does'nt make much sense to me as I've never seen a burgandy with black trim.

Neither have I. Anyone?

This one is even more interesting. See '1975 4001 Mapleglo' in 'Rick Basses Archives 2000-2001'.

White! The previous owner or owners painted the control and pickup cavity's with some kind of black sheilding paint. Under the paint was some masking tape, once removed you can see the white paint underneath. Also the previous owners S.S. # LOL

haha! see!

You called that one Owen!