I would have much preferred to sell my 4003 last month on BC but was forced into using eBay. While it did eventually sell to a nice guy, I got some absurd offers and a request to meet somewhere unspecified and get payment in cash (yeah right ... )
Aquila are now manufacturing some strings specifically designed to replicate the famed Kaplan 'Golden Spirals' used by many famous 50s/60s player (and later by Charlie Haden). They come in two flavours - Vintage (nylon wrapped gut D and G) and Synthetic (nylon-wrapped synthetic core; D and G, plus copper flatwound wrapped E and A). They do sound fantastic. Video of Herve Jeanne playing the synthetic set below.
And here is the TalkBass thread that charts the development of these strings. https://www.talkbass.com/threads/about-a-possible-replica-of-the-kaplan-golden-spiral-gut-strings.1531645/
They are not yet on their website (apparently will be shortly) but the full synthetic set is about €185 +VAT (€85 for D/G pair and €90 for EA/pair), while gut D/G is €220 + VAT
If I said I have a Takamine TB-10 and your list in the post above didn't include this would it send you full-blown Inspector Dreyfuss? Kill Clouseau, kill Clouseau...
Also the positioning of the strap button looks the same to me as on @Old Horse Murphy's 2021 mapleglo 4003S, pictured higher up this page. Its obviously the new and bestest design so I think any owners of pre 2021 Ricks should be worried that their top horn is at risk of being sheared off 😀
PS, why not keep a cheapo bitsa in reserve. Doesnt take up much space and you may feel an occasional hankering or even recording need? I realise this is a bit late in that you have said you have already sold 'em all!
I just replaced my JG 4003 with a JG 4003S and prefer the body shape, neck and weight. Has some beautiful figuring on the fingerboard wood too. Finally happy!
My one has changed. I sold the 4003 (didn't like sharp, bound body edges) and replaced with a 4003S (nicer neck, lighter, contoured edges) which I am enjoying
Great job. The unbound 4003S model (based on the 60s UK version sold by Rosetti) has dot markers. I would leave as is and lament the many uses that 99p could have been put towards 😄
Turns out I didn't cut these much so they might well fit a 4 in line headstock, eg Mustang. I measure the G string at 82cm from ball to end of metal wrap, then there is another 18cm of silk, for total string length of 100cm.