Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Fist time on the board – please cut me some slack. (Note: If you find me on the BMW M3 board I know exactly what I am talking about!)

I have what I believe a 100% stock Jetglo 4001 from 1973 (ME1753) – I bought it in 1978. It has the Checkerboard binding, toaster bass P/U, Grover keys, slotted tailpiece, full inlays and original plastic nameplate and pickguard. I'm not sure what else defines it as stock. I have started performing with it (on Sunday mornings) and have a number of questions as to what I can do to modernize it. If that is a good thing?

The tailpiece has lost a lot of chrome and the foam damper is shot. Q1 What are the pros/cons of replacing it with a 4003 or 4001V63 chrome part from Ric or leaving the ugly piece on?
Q2 Should the wiring harness and stereo jack assembly be replaced after 30 years?
Q3 Is there any benefit in putting in new pickups.

The bass sounds great with some new E. Ball roundwounds and I am trying to get up to speed with all the history, features and information on this wonderful instrument.

Thanks

PowersM3

M3, booooooooooo.

Volvo S40 forever. My 2.8Ti s40 could nail your M3. (just kidding. mine just looks better. *runs off*)

Q1 - 'Ugliness' means different things to different people. A bit of worn chrome for me, and many on here, denotes character to a bass of such vintage. There's no difference really between the old 4001 and 4003 tailpieces, (except those with two screws to keep it down, but that's another story.) If the part works, why fix it... chrome wear *can* look more impressive to people. *shrugs*

Q2 - I replaced the wiring with mine. And the jacks. And the switch. Hell, I even replaced the knobs. I got a much better sound from mine, actually, she's never sounded so good. She's louder, she hums less, and she growls and clanks very very nicely.

KEEP THE ORIGINAL STUFF, though. You never know when it'll come in useful, AND.. what's better than saying you have all the original components on hand if you decide to sell it one day...

Q3 - Depends. If your single-coil treble pickup has died... I.e, lost its charge, etc.. then, *Maybe*. You could however, get it rewound. But, if the pickups are loud enough for what you need them for, I see no real benefit. Vintage pickups are bound to be quieter. They're not as firey as the newer 4003s with their great high gains, which can shove out bottom end like there's no tomorrow, but 4001s have a distinctive treble cut which ultimately characterises the tone of the instrument...*shrugs again*

Oh, and - Show us some pics!!

(I own a 1972 Burgundy 4001 (LJ****) with the same spec, by the way, so I know where you're coming from.)

Welcome to the forum, too.

Welcome John. As it is all original, you might just want to keep it that way. The other option is to upgrade the parts but save everything to put back if neccesary. I have a '73 that has everything but the full width inlays. At the present time I have a V63 horseshoe in it and Hipshot Ultralite tuners have replaced the falling apart Grover tuners.

If you do not plan on using the mute just leave it be, otherwise you can get replacement foam from Mike Parks at www.the-music-connection.com/ric.htm .

My '73 4001:

The Grovers on my Burg started to fall apart as well, Jps.

I replaced them with Rickenbacker-branded Schaller Deluxes, though. The hipshots look great!

The Ultralites are also available with cloverleaf keys if you prefer that look; I think the Y style suits the modern look of these basses better. Of course back in the '50s and '60s there was really no other choice!

John, the original three screw bridges were made of chrome plated cast aluminum (the newer ones are plated pot metal and a bit weaker). If the chrome is peeling off, then have a reputable plater re-chrome it. Ther's no shame in restoration of an original part.

If you do any mods on it make sure they are 100% reversable ... you could get the tailpiece rechromed ...

hey M3, no posting without pixs!


Welcome

...off topic but I'v gotta say it. Mark, that 4001 of yours clearly is one of the prettiest basses on the forum. Burgandy is nice enough but to have those 60's features on top of it! Too much!


.......I'l be quiet now

Another 'Burgundyglo defending champion' in the Forum is Grant Arthur's 1971 21 fret 4001. Hot!

They are all very nice, but I think Jon Casselman's is hard to beat.



Pic posted without Jon's permission, I hope you dont mind Jon.

I was incorrect in the above post as to the later tailpieces construcion. They are NOT pot metal(powdered metal and plastic). They are instead made of die cast zinc which is almost twice as strong as aluminum. This info comes from a higher source.

That's cool Scott. I haven't seen that photo in awhile.

Jon