1964 Rickenbacker 4001 Restoration - NEED FIREGLOW HELP!

[LedBelli Bass]

I have a client who has commissioned LedBelli BASS Guitars to perform a complete restoration of a 1964 Rickenbacker 4001.

The bass was nearly destroyed by it's original owner in 1966 due to unprofessional retrofitting efforts, etc.

The bass was then purchased in the U.K. by it's current owner. When purchased, it was a train wreck; basically a box of parts and a seriously bad attempt at a refinish (that went bad).

The second owner then kept the bass in storage for the past 45 years, then brought it to me for a full-on restoration.

WHAT I NEED FROM MY FELLOW TB'RS: I need sources and methods for recreating an accurate "Fireglow" finish, vintage 1964. Color mixing, sources of information . . . anything and everything that could help.

Here are a few pics of progress so far:

 

[Beej]

Looks like fun! I got quite a few hits with "fireglo", but here is someone doing something similar: Invalid Link Removed

 

[Splods]

That patch is quite noticeable. Maybe you should do a solid colour.

 

[kohntarkosz]

That patch is quite noticeable. Maybe you should do a solid colour.

It is noticeable at the moment, but if OP sticks to original parts then it would be difficult to see between the large bridge and large pickup surround. When the bass has strings that area will be broken up, visually. I would prefer to see OP restore it to historical specs, personally, but that is just me.

You have to wonder what made the original owner decide to crudely route out a bunch of wood with what appears to be a conventional power drill.

 

[Luthier Atlanta]

Wish I could help buy I will be watching this resto..

 

[Zooberwerx]

It is noticeable at the moment, but if OP sticks to original parts then it would be difficult to see between the large bridge and large pickup surround. When the bass has strings that area will be broken up, visually. I would prefer to see OP restore it to historical specs, personally, but that is just me.

You have to wonder what made the original owner decide to crudely route out a bunch of wood with what appears to be a conventional power drill.

Goes with the authentic Ric method of routing by overlapping via drill press (between the control cavity & neck pup).

BTW, the patch looks good and shouldn't be noticed post finishing and hardware install.

Riis

 

[ICM]

Awesome, I love rickenbackers (will get one someday) and I love restoration threads.
Double great!
Subscribed.

 

[CarbonTom]

I love rickenbackers!!! I love restorations!!! Subbed! That patch looks fantastic, very nice work. I think with the stain and hardware it will be very hard to notice.

 

[CarbonTom]

Also, what is the blue bass in that wall picture, that fingerboard is sexy. Headstock almost looks like a ritter, but the pickups beg to differ

 

[millsbass5]

Also, what is the blue bass in that wall picture, that fingerboard is sexy. Headstock almost looks like a ritter, but the pickups beg to differ

These below. He builds 'em. I've wanted one ever since he built the green one for Tim Reynolds' bass player. I think they look great, and, assume they sound even better.

Link Removed

 

[geddy402]

I think Rickenbacker has an official restoration section on their websites forums. There's a guy jinglejangle that does official Rick restorations. He may be able to help with colors and stuff. I've actually seen the paint guy at Rickenbacker chime in on their forums. But I haven't been on their site in a while....so not sure if corporate is still actively involved in the forum.

 

[Ric5]

Contact Paul Weklinski ... He's the best guy for what you need.

I would put a 1/8" quilted maple top on that bass and a new fretboard.

 

[tangentmusic]

Very cool resto project. Subbed..

 

[Tony In Philly]

I strongly suggest the forum at rickresource.com under Just Basses. There are number of vintage Rick bass experts that frequent there.

 

[LedBelli Bass]

Contact Paul Weklinski ... He's the best guy for what you need.

I would put a 1/8" quilted maple top on that bass and a new fretboard.

Where do I contact this man?

 

[A-Step-Towards]

There is a guy in Oregon or Washington , that is really regarded for rick refinish work.

 

[FretlessMainly]

Where do I contact this man?

The name is Paul Wilczynski, and he's a forum moderator here: http://www.rickresource.com/forum/. Sign up and check out the forums under "RRF Gear Technical Forums."

He's busy, but he's the best.

 

[jamro217]

Has the original owner's prison sentence ended yet? I hope not.

 

[LedBelli Bass]

Custom replacement truss rods arrived today. Vintage correct truss rods custom made courtesy of Randy Wood Guitars, Bloomingdale, Georgia

 

[LedBelli Bass]

The name is Paul Wilczynski, and he's a forum moderator here: http://www.rickresource.com/forum/. Sign up and check out the forums under "RRF Gear Technical Forums."

He's busy, but he's the best.

Thank you for the direction here, I believe I will find what I need through this resource!

Thanks again!