The Rickenbacker Club Part Eight

[DaveSill]

FYI, Knoxville, TN, Craigslist listing for '08 Jetglo, $1100:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

(It's nobody I know.)

 

[Drewbacca]

Hey 4001 owners, just trying to clarify something. My new-to-me fireglo (which the owner said was an '85 but the serial number dates to '81 so...?) when played with a standard instrument cable in the standard jack, only outputs the neck pickup. The ric-o-sound jack is the bridge pickup (again when played in mono). I haven't had a chance to try it with a proper stereo cord setup. But is this the standard wiring?

 

[Jeff Scott]

Hey 4001 owners, just trying to clarify something. My new-to-me fireglo (which the owner said was an '85 but the serial number dates to '81 so...?) when played with a standard instrument cable in the standard jack, only outputs the neck pickup. The ric-o-sound jack is the bridge pickup (again when played in mono). I haven't had a chance to try it with a proper stereo cord setup. But is this the standard wiring?

Nope.

 

[254 stringer]

Hey 4001 owners, just trying to clarify something. My new-to-me fireglo (which the owner said was an '85 but the serial number dates to '81 so...?) when played with a standard instrument cable in the standard jack, only outputs the neck pickup. The ric-o-sound jack is the bridge pickup (again when played in mono). I haven't had a chance to try it with a proper stereo cord setup. But is this the standard wiring?

No

 

[Drewbacca]

I can't read wiring diagrams for the life of me... Here's what's under the pickguard. Look legitimate?

 

[thiocyclist]

Sounds like the bridge pickup is not wired into the mono jack. Maybe the joint went bad. If you pull the plug halfway out of the ros jack do you get the neck pickup? If so everything upstream is definitely okay and your mono jack is the problem. The pics look good.

 

[Jaymi]

yep pics look mostly there...seems like there is a wire or two missing between the jacks...

 

[hosebass]

I would love to be part of the club. My new 1980 4001 autumnglo ! I am so stoked !

 

[hosebass]

My new 1975 4001 Mapleglo. This bass was used by Lemmy of Motörhead to record the Metallica song Whiplash. This song won a Grammy for the Best Metal Performance in 2005. It was used on the recording of "The Game" for the WWE Champion Triple H.

 

[hosebass]

Lemmy with my bass!

 

[MOTORHEADBANGER]

Alright, I'm finally stuck between two basses. I found a 2010 4003 in Jetglo for $1500 setup with the PotR treble bezel and a Hipshot bridge installed (it includes the original cover and bridge). The only problem with it is a small (1cm?) chip in the finish by the binding on the lower bout/horn that isn't super visible. I was about to pull the trigger, but I also found a very nice white (black pickguard/binding) 1978 4001 for $1100. It appears to be in great condition with only a few little nicks/dings and very little yellowing.

Anyone have any experience with the late 70's 4001's? I already understand the higher maintenance of the old-style trussrods and have a tech that has Ric experience. I played a '74 and loved the thin neck, but how do the late 70's models compare?

 

[Jeff Scott]

I already understand the higher maintenance of the old-style trussrods...

Higher maintenance? Once set correctly they almost never have to be touched again. How is that higher maintenance?

 

[MOTORHEADBANGER]

Higher maintenance? Once set correctly they almost never have to be touched again. How is that higher maintenance?

My friend always seemed to have trouble with his '74. Then again, Michi-iana has some of the most bipolar weather out there. It's typical to go from 80 and humid to a dry 38.

 

[kcole4001]

I've found all the 1970s and early 1980s Rick basses I've seen (including my 3) to be incredibly stable.
I like pretty low action and never have to adjust the rods unless I change string gauge or tension.

 

[MOTORHEADBANGER]

I've found all the 1970s and early 1980s Rick basses I've seen (including my 3) to be incredibly stable.
I like pretty low action and never have to adjust the rods unless I change string gauge or tension.

Huh. Well, I stand corrected.

 

[kcole4001]

Huh. Well, I stand corrected.

Well, I'm sure there are some that do need more attention than others, but I assure you it's unusual from everything I've seen and read about the era's basses.

The new style rods are easier to adjust and are quite sensitive compared to the old style rods, but there's nothing wrong with the old system.

There are those who advocate using the same technique for adjusting any truss rod: clamp the neck and adjust using mechanical means then tighten the rods to hold the neck in place, thus you don't strain the threads of the rod when making an adjustment.

Anyway, the old rods are not to be feared, problems only arise when they are adjusted [DEL]using[/DEL] incorrectly, and it's pretty easy to master the technique.

 

[MOTORHEADBANGER]

Well, I'm sure there are some that do need more attention than others, but I assure you it's unusual from everything I've seen and read about the era's basses.

The new style rods are easier to adjust and are quite sensitive compared to the old style rods, but there's nothing wrong with the old system.

There are those who advocate using the same technique for adjusting any truss rod: clamp the neck and adjust using mechanical means then tighten the rods to hold the neck in place, thus you don't strain the threads of the rod when making an adjustment.

Anyway, the old rods are not to be feared, problems only arise when they are adjusted using incorrectly, and it's pretty easy to master the technique.

Alright. I tend to do most setup work myself, but if I do go the 4001 route, I'll probably have my tech set it up, and show me the ropes on these.

How do the late 70's 4001 necks compare to the earlier models? As I've said, the 74 I've played had a great slim feeling.

 

[Jaymi]

I would do the 78 before ANYTHING newer.....it will be much more stable...

 

[kcole4001]

Alright. I tend to do most setup work myself, but if I do go the 4001 route, I'll probably have my tech set it up, and show me the ropes on these.

How do the late 70's 4001 necks compare to the earlier models? As I've said, the 74 I've played had a great slim feeling.

A '78 should be pretty similar to the '74.
Hand shaping/sanding accounts for some variation, but it should still be in the same ball park size-wise.

 

[sloppy_phil]

Alright, I'm finally stuck between two basses. I found a 2010 4003 in Jetglo for $1500 setup with the PotR treble bezel and a Hipshot bridge installed (it includes the original cover and bridge). The only problem with it is a small (1cm?) chip in the finish by the binding on the lower bout/horn that isn't super visible. I was about to pull the trigger, but I also found a very nice white (black pickguard/binding) 1978 4001 for $1100. It appears to be in great condition with only a few little nicks/dings and very little yellowing.

Anyone have any experience with the late 70's 4001's? I already understand the higher maintenance of the old-style trussrods and have a tech that has Ric experience. I played a '74 and loved the thin neck, but how do the late 70's models compare?

Go for the white one, man! those things are gorgeous. I also happily endorse the old-style truss rods; i have them in my '84, and they are excellent at holding rock solid