Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Ok, here is the story. We have here a 1967 4005 FG that has had some very nice but undesireable work done to it over the years. The owner, the forum's own John Minutaglio, wants it restored to it's former glory. At some point, someone removed the fingerboard and replaced it with an ebony board. At that time, the Rickenbacker truss rods were removed and replaced by a Gibson single rod. John sent me a 4003 fingerboard as a replacement but after reviewing the bass I am thinking that it would be better to make a new one from scratch. Comments?

Are you going to do the inlay on the board, Ted? Or make it like an "S" model?

Good question! My thought here would be to try to find some material that approximates the sparkle (crushed pearl) inlays of the 60's. The story is that the same material was used to cover drum shells of at least one manufacturer back then. If such material can be found then I would do edge to edge inlays like the originals. Failing that, it would also be appropriate to use something like the swirly off white acrylic that was used on the early 60's instruments. The sparkle is preferable though.

I was hoping you would say that!
Wouldn't be the same without those beautiful inlays....as always, looking forward to finding out how in the heck you do these things!

Wonderful fireglo, Ted, I hope the restoration will be successful... Good luck!
4005s are so rare here in Italy... I have a 1967 MG one and I guess there are maybe a couple of other 4005 around here. I'd love to find a Fireglo one. Too bad is not in production anymore, I'd be the 1st customer to purchase it.
Everytime I am on stage people and other musicians wonder what the terrific bass I am playing with

This is what I have in mind for this one. First, gather accurate measurements and detailed photos from 4005 owners. Jeff Scott will be a valuable resource in this area as he owns a '67. Planning is key here but the broad strokes would be something like this.

1) Remove the ebony board
2) Remove the truss rod
3) Reopen the original truss rod channels
4) Install a new fingerboard and truss rods
5) Fret and setup for testing

There must have been some wood removed from the neck to center that single truss rod. What went on in there?

BTW, DW Drums is making a broken glass finish that looks spectacular (real glass). I'd love to see the concept on Ric triangle inlays if it could be implemented. The color changes depending on what color light is shining on it.
http://www.dwdrums.com/drums/finishply.htm

Welcome Francesco, I understand that all Italians drive Ferraris, right! As you no doubt have been reading these threads before joining, you realize that Chris Pappas gets the first reissue 4005 and I believe Chris Poteat gets the second. Will you settle for third?

I think Ted is going have to do some rather major work to get the truss rod channels back in shape, but I am sure he is up to the task, it will just take some time. How about canabalizing some vintage drums in the name of restoration?

Okay I'll have to keep myself satisfied with 3rd placed reissue... just bronze medal for Italy, Jeffrey LOL
By the way been trying to post the picture of my nov67 MG 4005..but they say the file must be 500x500...I think I'll send it by Air Mail...faster and less prolems!!
P.S. of course I'll let u know about my next Ferrari

Ted,
Pen makers have solid blnks of what looks like "crushed pearL, all be it is in fact an Acrylic.

The blanks are normally about 1/2" square and about 5" long. They're available in a range of colours including white, and natural pearl.

Sounds like Francesco has a '67 mapleglo Ferrari, model 4005.....


Ted, you have e-mail....

Yes my vintage Mapleglo Ferrari ... I love it!!
A serious question: here in italy ricks are not very common and 4005s are so rare like martians on earth...well..I've noticed that the necks of my 1967 4005 and 1967 360 are quite thinner than other rickenbackers I have played....i have a 1966 330/12 and a 97 FG 4001v63 both in Fireglo finish which have thicker neck even if they're vintage style. I used to have a 4001 and a 330 from the seventies and they had thicker neck as well...It sounds like RIC produced thin necks just for a short period around 1967...(same period of crushed pearls inlays maybe) Okay..what's the story about it? sorry if the question sounds silly for US rick fans..for me it doesn't. Anyway I find the thin one MORE and MORE comfy than the other one...

Ted, let me know if you want any photos of my 4005 - it's a '65 FG. Unfortunately, it's been refinished (although done REALLY well) but the fretboard wasn't touched and is still 100% original. If you're interested, you can reach me direct @ [email protected].

Francesco, thin necks are common on all 60,s Rics. The basses especially are much thinner than later models. I,m still kicking myself, because I had the chance to buy a beautiful 68 F/G 4005 a year ago than had a neck profile to die for. That bass actually went to Italy...

I can post close ups of my '67 4005FG