4001s or RM1999?

[chriscxd]

Just got a Ric bass in my workshop and I'm struggling to identify it as the serials have been removed. The owner believes its a 1964 RM but looking at photos on the web I'm not convinced - this one has silver top knobs and all the screws for the pickguard and pickup are slot heads. All the photos I have seen of 64 RM's have black knobs and cross-head screws. Pic here https://twitter.com/ChriscxdDale/status ... 6926922752

Can anyone shed any light on the model and year?

[jps]

Post more detailed photos here, thanks.

[chriscxd]

Some pics

[jps]

It also has replaced components in the harness, and a total refinish job. RMs never came in white, that I have ever seen evidence of. The rest looks correct, from what little can be seen in those photos. How about the TRC, truss rod cavity, the truss rods, themselves, toaster pickup? The tailpiece/bridge, and HS surround (for a mid to late '60s bass) look okay. Have you removed the electrical tape to check out the HS PU wiring? I don't recall ever seeing a white wire coming out of it.

Just got a Ric bass in my workshop...

I take it by workshop you are service tech. What work are you performing on the bass?

[chriscxd]

Some more pics. The Bass was gigged heavily in the 70s and for the last 30 odd years has been stored away. A few years ago it was taken out of storage and the neck was twisted and was straightened by a Luthier and the neck pup was rewound. I'm also a Luthier so I have it to take a look at as the owner would like a refin. As you pointed out its already been refinished, twice before I think, being initially Fireglo judging by where the paint has flaked in the cavities. The harness seems to have a mix of original and new components the caps are by RS and seem to me to not be original. Interesting thing is the pots, they look vintage but have nylon shafts and are 250k and 100k having what looks like CTS inked markings - 250k LG R T C AB KO CTS on the sides. Could the RTC stand for Radio & Television Co the forerunner to RIC?

[teeder]

Rounded neck heel, so it's definitely not a '64. Probably '67'-'68'ish.

[8mileshigh]

Good eyes Kev!

I'll give $500 for it as it is......

[jps]

Yes,I did note the incorrect pots/shafts, wasn't positive regarding the tone caps (I have never seen those before) as several different one have been used over the decades.

What we don't know (you haven't mentioned) is where you are located, and where the bass has spent its life. That can be the key as to whether this bass is am RM1999 or a 4001S.

BTW, I see evidence that shows this bass is from 1967.

[chriscxd]

Many thanks for the info folks. Really interesting to here your expert input.Im in the UK and as far as I know the Bass has been here since 69/70. Bt the way what evidence points to 67?

[xsubs]

Rounded neck heel, so it's definitely not a '64. Probably '67'-'68'ish.

Sounds about right... looks like a parts bass.

The harness, except the treble cap, some of the wire and possibly the switch, is not Ric.
The shoes are of the later type (wide opening) and the pickup has been rewired. The wire is blue (as John pointed out).
I looked closely to see what I could of the bobbin (lightening up the photo), and it doesn't appear to be a green bobbin as would be correct.
The surround looks like it was cut from a lap steel. I would expect a standard surround on this vintage.
Interesting that the mute plate is the older two piece type.
Short pole toaster (also helping date this bass if it's original)... has been rewired. Notice the lead is white at the pickup and red at the switch. There's a splice there somewhere.
All the screws are wrong.
Case is correct... nice to have, as most are long gone at this point.
Probably an RM, but without the serial # you'll never know.

That said, if it has a stable neck it should make a fine bass once it's been refinished.

[jps]

Many thanks for the info folks. Really interesting to here your expert input.Im in the UK and as far as I know the Bass has been here since 69/70. Bt the way what evidence points to 67?

Given its location I'd say it is a RM1999, and how long it has been there.

The 1967 evidence is the TRC; from what I know, only the 1967 ones had the cut off edge by the nut at the G string. Note the same on my old 1967 4005WB.

[chriscxd]

Interesting! Here's a couple of close ups of the pickups. The toaster was not working when it came out of storage and apparently was rewound by one of the UK boutique winders (can't recall the name I was told) so that would explain the toaster. The owner didn't recall anything on the HS though.

[aceonbass]

I have original NOS Switchcraft pickup switches and Ajax Blue caps in stock, as well as the correct CTS pots, switchcraft output jacks, and 22g cloth insulated wire to replicate the original harness.

[cheyenne]

Cool find.

[xsubs]

Interesting! Here's a couple of close ups of the pickups. The toaster was not working when it came out of storage and apparently was rewound by one of the UK boutique winders (can't recall the name I was told) so that would explain the toaster. The owner didn't recall anything on the HS though.

Thanks for the photos Chris. That helps... the HS bobbin is Ric.
It's the earlier "raised lip" variety.

Too bad there's no way to accurately date the bass... the original pots & jack plate are needed.
How was the action on the bass? Neck angle?

Reminds me of my '71 S