2020 Winter Build Off - 4000LS

[ctmullins]

This is my submission for the Winter-2020 Build off

For details, please read my build thread 2020 Winter Build Off - 4000LS

This is another one of my fantasy builds based on classic models. The Rickenbacker factory never made any Light Show versions of the 4000/1/2/3/4 series, so I decided to make my own, updated with modern LED light technology and modern rechargeable batteries. These updates make my version lighter, cooler, less cumbersome, more reliable, and self-contained.

Specifications
Body: walnut back, maple top
Neck: maple/walnut/maple/walnut/maple neck-thru laminate
Finger Board: Pau Ferro with epoxy and crushed MOP flake triangle inlays (thank you @Gilmourisgod !)
Fingerboard radius: 20”
Scale Length: 33”
Tuners: Korean GB7 knockoffs, Hipshot GB7 detuner
Bridge: Hipshot Rickenbacker, brass
Pickups: one ChiSonic single-coil
Electronics: 500kOhm volume, push/pull active passive, John East BTB-01, Color Organ Triple Deluxe II kit
Finish: TruOil
Strings: DR HiBeams

Crap video clip: http://www.chris-todd.net

Better video clip:

(Temporary battery cover, held in place by friction)

I have a list of little details that still need sorting:

• The 17th fret is buzzing
• Needs a proper battery cover
• Desperately needs shielding
• Volume pot seems to be faulty
• A dedicated on/off switch for the lights
• Possibly a potentiometer for the color organ sensitivity

But I’m amazed that I was able to finish this as well as I did in just three months!

 

[Fat Freddy]

This is my submission for the Winter-2020 Build off

For details, please read my build thread 2020 Winter Build Off - 4000LS

This is another one of my fantasy builds based on classic models. The Rickenbacker factory never made any Light Show versions of the 4000/1/2/3/4 series, so I decided to make my own, updated with modern LED light technology and modern rechargeable batteries. These updates make my version lighter, cooler, less cumbersome, more reliable, and self-contained.

Specifications
Body: walnut back, maple top
Neck: maple/walnut/maple/walnut/maple neck-thru laminate
Finger Board: Pau Ferro with epoxy and crushed MOP flake triangle inlays (thank you @Gilmourisgod !)
Fingerboard radius: 20”
Scale Length: 33”
Tuners: Korean GB7 knockoffs, Hipshot GB7 detuner
Bridge: Hipshot Rickenbacker, brass
Pickups: one ChiSonic single-coil
Electronics: 500kOhm volume, push/pull active passive, John East BTB-01, Color Organ Triple Deluxe II kit
Finish: TruOil
Strings: DR HiBeams

(Sound clip coming)

Crap video clip (better one coming): http://www.chris-todd.net/videos/4000LS_test2.mp4

View attachment 3746481

(Temporary battery cover, held in place by friction)
View attachment 3746482

View attachment 3746483

View attachment 3746484

View attachment 3746485

View attachment 3746486

View attachment 3746487

View attachment 3746488

View attachment 3746489

I have a list of little details that still need sorting:

• The 17th fret is buzzing
• Needs a proper battery cover
• Desperately needs shielding
• Volume pot seems to be faulty
• A dedicated on/off switch for the lights
• Possibly a potentiometer for the color organ sensitivity

But I’m amazed that I was able to finish this as well as I did in just three months!

Yessir...

 

[2groggy]

color organ sensitivity

reported to the Accidental Band Names thread

 

[ctmullins]

Thanks for all the kind and encouraging words, laughs, good suggestions, bad suggestions, tangents, non-sequiturs, innuendos, and wearable food gags. You guys are great!

 

[Gilmourisgod]

Knocked out of the effing Park, per usual, CT. That thing is absurdly cool! The electronics alone would have made this a great build, but it just LOOKS badass. So now you have 1 of what, 2-3 light show basses in existence? I don't care what the JPC (Jammie Pants Community) says, if you play this out, a highly impressive complimentary outfit is mandatory.

 

[Jisch]

very nice work! looks great, very clean.

 

[TerribleTim68]

I’m not a member of any mainstream media site, so the “embedded video” feature isn’t an option for me. But you can see it if you click this link: 4000LS test 2

O!M!G! The light show is amazing! How did I miss this earlier?!?!?!?

 

[5tring]

My ‘dodgy website blocker’ won’t let me view your video - are you playing it in the nude?

 

[Gilmourisgod]

My ‘dodgy website blocker’ won’t let me view your video - are you playing it in the nude?

Well, he IS wearing Jammie Pants in the video, which is one short step above nude on the Uncomfortable-O-Meter in my book, but the bass looks Bitch'n, so I decided to let it slide.

 

[ctmullins]

Pish. I make them look good!

 

[ctmullins]

I had my wife help me shoot a better video, and I activated my YouTube account so I could post it.

Video is from the iPhone, but audio is from the “Bass Stack” amp (like an Ampeg with some grit) in GarageBand.

Submission post updated!

 

[Fat Freddy]

Here is my first entry to the Jammie Pants debacle.......

(Thought I'd start with a few light jabs.....Get the range of the oppo....Y'know?).....

Murphy the Cat taking a nap behind me...for a change.......

 

[Scoops]

This is my submission for the Winter-2020 Build off

For details, please read my build thread 2020 Winter Build Off - 4000LS

This is another one of my fantasy builds based on classic models. The Rickenbacker factory never made any Light Show versions of the 4000/1/2/3/4 series, so I decided to make my own, updated with modern LED light technology and modern rechargeable batteries. These updates make my version lighter, cooler, less cumbersome, more reliable, and self-contained.

Specifications
Body: walnut back, maple top
Neck: maple/walnut/maple/walnut/maple neck-thru laminate
Finger Board: Pau Ferro with epoxy and crushed MOP flake triangle inlays (thank you @Gilmourisgod !)
Fingerboard radius: 20”
Scale Length: 33”
Tuners: Korean GB7 knockoffs, Hipshot GB7 detuner
Bridge: Hipshot Rickenbacker, brass
Pickups: one ChiSonic single-coil
Electronics: 500kOhm volume, push/pull active passive, John East BTB-01, Color Organ Triple Deluxe II kit
Finish: TruOil
Strings: DR HiBeams

Crap video clip: http://www.chris-todd.net

Better video clip:


View attachment 3746481

(Temporary battery cover, held in place by friction)
View attachment 3746482

View attachment 3746483

View attachment 3746484

View attachment 3746485

View attachment 3746486

View attachment 3746487

View attachment 3746488

View attachment 3746489

I have a list of little details that still need sorting:

• The 17th fret is buzzing
• Needs a proper battery cover
• Desperately needs shielding
• Volume pot seems to be faulty
• A dedicated on/off switch for the lights
• Possibly a potentiometer for the color organ sensitivity

But I’m amazed that I was able to finish this as well as I did in just three months!

Hey, Is there a chance to get the audio only from your Vid.....I'd like to lay down some guitar tracks.
I know it's sacrilegious to mention guitar in this neck of the woods, but what the hey!

 

[postalflunkie]

Here is my first entry to the Jammie Pants debacle.......

(Thought I'd start with a few light jabs.....Get the range of the oppo....Y'know?).....

View attachment 3747346


Murphy the Cat taking a nap behind me...for a change.......

Will there be an award for the most Freddy drool? I think one of those shirts would make a great prize

 

[Fat Freddy]

Will there be an award for the most Freddy drool? I think one of those shirts would make a great prize

Sadly, that just may be construed as bribery.....

Meanwhile......

 

[ctmullins]

Home again; took the opportunity for a family portrait of all of my Ric-inspired builds:

L to R, the 4620, the 4000LS, the (relatively undocumented) Geckenbacker, and the 4004CTM.

I sure have spoiled myself!

 

[Fat Freddy]

Home again; took the opportunity for a family portrait of all of my Ric-inspired builds:

View attachment 3754793

L to R, the 4620, the 4000LS, the (relatively undocumented) Geckenbacker, and the 4004CTM.

I sure have spoiled myself!

All very beautiful, You must be very proud...
One question though...no 4001?....

 

[ctmullins]

One question though...no 4001?....

Just give me a tiny push, that’s all it takes....

(Actually I really hate the pickguard of the 4001/4003 series, so no...)

 

[postalflunkie]

A 4005 Would have fit this years build off perfectly

 

[Steve Cooke]

They all look beautiful. Amazing workmanship. I can just imagine how great they sound and play..