Found this at a pawn shop the other day. No serial number to be found? Obviously not a stock bridge. They claim 1972 I think?
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What year Rickenbacker is this?
- Thread starter saltyj
- Start date
It looks to me like a real Rick, but definitely not a 72.
I was going to say 80's, but I think it's probably a late 70's 4001. It should have a different truss rod cover. That one is probably taken from a later bass. The original should also say "Model 4001". That was probably put on there for the all black look with the pickguard.
A 72 would have many of the features of the earlier 4001 models, such as a toaster pickup, which would be closer to the neck, full length inlays and checkered binding.
I think it's a late 70's probably because of the headstock and type of wave on it. I hope that if I'm wrong, somebody can correct me on that.
I was going to say 80's, but I think it's probably a late 70's 4001. It should have a different truss rod cover. That one is probably taken from a later bass. The original should also say "Model 4001". That was probably put on there for the all black look with the pickguard.
A 72 would have many of the features of the earlier 4001 models, such as a toaster pickup, which would be closer to the neck, full length inlays and checkered binding.
I think it's a late 70's probably because of the headstock and type of wave on it. I hope that if I'm wrong, somebody can correct me on that.
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Def not a 72, it's got a non-original bridge on it and I don't think white trim models came with black TRC's and pickguards stock, could be wrong about that, but serial number would be on the jack plate, first letter A = 1961 up to Z for 1986, second letter is the month A = Jan, ZL would be Dec/86 for example. It's hard to tell if it's a 4001 or a 4003 without taking the TRC off. I would guess a late 70's or later 4001. It had a non original thumb rest on it at one time on the left, you can see the two little holes. White TRC's have model 4001 on them too. Even the early 4003's had the model number on the TRC. Does it have reverse tuners?
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Sure there is no serial number visible? It should be STAMPED into the jackplate. In any case, it could be a late '70s 4001 (or one of the stragglers from the early '80s) or a 4003 from the late '80s. The black pickguard and TRC are not good tells of the date of the instrument's construction as they may have been changed out. Since it has mods, I wouldn't pay more than $1250 for it.
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Have you checked the jack plate for the letters yet? Also if that is a late 70's it would have reverse tuners.
Sorry if somebody's mentioned it, but another way of checking is to look under the pickguard. I know on 4001's, they would often write "4001" inside the cavity someplace.
So those aren’t reverse tuners? I’m going to go check it out today and I’ll check the jack plate. How expensive would it be to get an original bridge?
Noticed tag in every pic is reversed... what are they asking for it?
I wouldn't even bother with an original bridge. The replacement is on there for a reason, and could get you a discount for being a non-original part. If you get a new bridge, the new ones RIC is putting on their new 4003s is way better. It will function like that one does but look more like the old ones. The originals tended to lift somewhat, and were harder to intonate. You can find them on Reverb and eBay once in a while, but you'd probably pay premium for a vintage part when you could pay less for a better part with the flaws finally worked out of it.
I just dig the original look but appreciate this info! Is the white part showing just what is normally under the original bridge? Just wondering if that's some weird repair or not.
It's probably a piece they put in to cover the original footprint, which is the shape of the white area. If you were to remove the bridge and the white piece, you'd not only see the footprint of the original bridge and tailpiece, but also the well for the foam mute. Whether you bought new or used, it would all fit right in there. I'm pretty sure that even the new stuff would fit right in.
I say "probably" because being an aftermarket modification, one tends to see a lot of different things when people replaced those bridges, but the primary reason is to cover the old bridge/tailpiece footprint.
I agree. It isn't original, so don't make it original. But it could be a killer playing and sounding (and looking) Ric, so go with that and keep a little $$.
That bridge looks like the Ric bridge they use on the 4004L. If you ever need to do setup you’ll be glad you have that bridge.
Badass! I’d go for it at a good price, I agree about the bridge looking odd but I do think a closer replacement could be had. Could at least change the cover plate to metal also so it looks more original
Can’t tell you what I’d pay for it because it’s against forum rules. Those photos look like a pawn shop guy trying to get a free appraisal lol. But you should let us know what they want and where it’s at if you don’t buy it eh
Can’t tell you what I’d pay for it because it’s against forum rules. Those photos look like a pawn shop guy trying to get a free appraisal lol. But you should let us know what they want and where it’s at if you don’t buy it eh
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