Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi everybody,

First things first: I'm not very good at linear thinking, and I'm even worse at typing, so I hope this all comes out right!

I used to own a February 2003 4001C64, but had to sell it late last year due to needing the money after losing my job.

Well, things are looking up again, and I would like to get another bass, but have some questions.

I loved the sound, and feel/neck size of my Fireglo C64, but I didn't like the upside down truss rod cover and reverse tuners, so my options seem to be:

1. Get another C64 and replace the tuners with non-reverse ones, and change the TRC so it's not upside down.

2. Get a 4001V63 and swap the pickups out for the lower output more vintage sounding type that my C64 had. (only AFTER I give the higher gain pickups a chance)

3. Try to find one of those "needle in a haystack" RM1999FG models that were made for the Japanese market

4. Get a new 4003s and change the pickups, pickguard and TRC to more or less make a V63 out of it.

It seems from reading the forum for a few days, that the Rick neck sizes are all over the place. All I know is, I LOVED the neck on my C64, but don't know what size it would have been considered as it was the only one I ever played. That being said, it seemed to be on the thinner side (back to front) to me. (I assume all necks would be the same width wise to accommodate string spacing?)

I've been looking at some 4003 models and really like the look of the body/neck binding and the fingerboard inlays. Having only ever played my C64, I'm wondering if the binding makes it less comfortable to play?

Questions:

Q1. Is it possible to get another C64 and put non-reverse tuning machines on it and replace the TRC with one that's not upside down?

Q2. What years did the V63's span, and which years are considered the most vintage correct? (neck size, headstock length and body horn shapes)

Q3. What years did the C64's span, and which years are considered the most vintage correct? (neck size, headstock length and body horn shapes)

Q4. How are the new 4003/4003s models? (neck size, headstock length and body horn shapes)

I'm really looking forward to your replies, and appreciate you all taking the time to help me with this.

Royce

Royce wrote:...I've been looking at some 4003 models and really like the look of the body/neck binding and the fingerboard inlays. Having only ever played my C64, I'm wondering if the binding makes it less comfortable to play?

The body binding is a personal thing as to comfort; how one holds the bass, arm location relative to body, etc. I, personally, have never had a problem with the binding, plus checker binding is way cool (I know the current 4003 does not have CB, see next paragraph).

This bass may be something for you to consider. March 1973 4001, original toaster pickup, rebuilt '60s magnetic horseshoe pickup, great looking full width inlays, the aforementioned checker binding, thin neck, very low action, etc. Includes some nice goodies.

Ohhhh Jeffrey, what a boy you've been...


Jim

Alright, what happened to "bad"? I typed it...?

FabGearHead wrote:Alright, what happened to "bad"? I typed it...?

I've been there, always blame the keyboard!

OP: Welcome. Your best bet may be an 80's or early 90's V63. You'll probably even like its stock pickups. The late 90's to mid to late 00's tended to be baseball bats, so I'm surprised you found it thin. Perhaps that model was thinner due to it being a C Series and they wanted it to be accurate? Don't know. Never owned a C64 since I think the upside down headstock is ridiculous. Not even a TRC swap fixes that!

Even the early 90's V63 necks could be "clubby".
I briefly owned a beautiful '92 MG V that had what i considered a chunky neck,and i had an '04 Cheyenne ii for comparison!
Normally I also tend to stay away from the deluxe models with binding,but i did play Gareth Holder's JG '73 4001 last year,and thought it felt absolutley great!
I think with the prices being what they are on the various models,it might be just as good to convert a current 4003s,if you're up for it.

To add to the varying neck girth discussion, my April '98 4001V63 had a neck that was just barely larger in feel to both the '73 4001s I have/had (March, and July).

Take a look at the re-issue 4003-S model, comes in Firglo and may suit your needs, if not I've a really nice 93-05 Mapleglo I am probably going to list soon.

On the subject of binding, I used to play mostly with a pick. My old 4001 really tore up my right forearm, and I was thrilled when I got my new 4000. Now, I play mostly with my fingers, and binding is mostly not an issue, although the binding on my new 4003W was really sharp. A few passes with very fine sandpaper fixed that, and the sharp edged binding is no longer a problem.

I just found a 1985 4001V63 in GREAT condition, AND a reasonable price. The only problem (for me anyway) is that it's MapleGlo. As bad as I want it to be FireGlo, something about refinishing it seems wrong.

Royce wrote:I just found a 1985 4001V63 in GREAT condition, AND a reasonable price. The only problem (for me anyway) is that it's MapleGlo. As bad as I want it to be FireGlo, something about refinishing it seems wrong.

The one on Reverb.com? That belongs to a forum member,and does look really nice. It would be a shame to lose that nice ambered 31 year old finish on it...