Fionn

Sooo, what’s the opinion of folks who have had a bit time with this pedal? @Quatschmacher… Did you get one?

It was a very different kind of festival and audience for us, and odd to perform in daylight. Only the second time we ever did that, and so the atmosphere and energy was strange (but good). From this perspective the experience was fantastic, and the organisation top notch. Wildly impressed by that festival, to be sure.

Ha! Yes, I always travel far to work. No cutting shapes with Hollywood darlings in the Hebrides! I’m in Lewis, so I don’t know your friend. I’m sure everyone in Harris does though … if he’s driving the bus.

In that band … a vocalist, yes, but neither the band leader nor writer.

Had a shower, smoked some weed, went to the afterparty, drank mead, cut shapes with some Hollywood darlings you know, drank more mead, smoked more weed, watched the sun rise from arid hills into the pink-blue hue of an LA morning (the strangest light).

Just had a super easy transaction with Dunc. Everything awesome ⚡️

Had the most perfectly straightforward deal with Clarky. All good and easy ⚡️

True that

Top tip … Make sure your CD is the cheapest thing on the stall

I have a bass that I hate, sure. Why? … Because it’s a Rickenbacker. I’ve always hated Rickenbackers. Which makes it so unlikely and funny that I own one now … A 1976 4001 so, ironically, it’s valuable enough to pay for the bass of my dreams. However … it’s a family heirloom that I would never sell. This was my uncle’s bass that he played prolifically since ‘77, til only last year when he passed away. It was me who inherited the bass from him. First-World problems ‘n’ that, sure … but it looks like I’m stuck with this thing. Albeit in the most drole and light hearted way, it’s a daily challenge to me, such is both my historical prejudice and realtime frustration. That said… having had it a couple of months now, and having played it a lot (despite how confrontational it is to my tastes). I’ll admit to finding a trace of affection for it by now. This is laced with an equal trace of guilt and shame however. It doesn’t quite leave me feeling dirty. Just a bit perplexed. I’ll persevere though. I’ll make it my task to love this bass, one way or another. It’s a funny old life.

Ahhh, balls. Research time

I concur! Thank you so much for your suggestions everyone. I could talk all day about Warwicks or Matsumoku Arias … But I’m but a babe in the woods when it comes to Rickenbackers, so this is all very appreciated 🙏🏻

Is that what I have? They’re the originals. There are only three, and neither the gear ratio nor the reverse gearing are to my liking … hence my inclination to change them l.

I’m after some advice regarding a bass I recently inherited … a vintage 4001 (made in 1976). My post is a bit long-winded, so please bear with me. It’s funny that I ended up with this bass, as I’ve always had a particular dislike for Rickenbackers. They’re literally the furthest thing from my traditional basses of choice (Warwick) … yet here we are, haha. I’ll never part with this as it’s a family heirloom. My uncle bought it new in 1977 when he moved to San Francisco to pursue a career in music, and played it the whole time since. However, the bass is not destined to gather dust either. It will most definitely continue to be used in battle, so there are some (reversible) changes I’d like to undertake in making it mine. I know that for many the only way forward would be to source original vintage replacement parts, though that’s not my aim here. My questions are as follows … The Bridge: Currently there’s a non-original bridge which doesn’t give me the range of intonation for the strings I want to use (the ‘E’ saddle is all the way back already). I’m considering the Ric-specific Hipshot model as it’s well engineered with enhanced adjustment, but also the Allparts replica as it’s in line with the original aesthetic and has the mutes. I was wondering though … * Is the Allparts replica prone to the same tail-lift as the original? * Is there a better option, or any other considerations that I’m not aware of? The Scratchplate: It appears to be non-original as a new set of holes have been drilled in the bass to accommodate it, and it doesn’t line up correctly (look how close it is to the edge beside the jack-socket!). • Where can I find a replacement with the correct dimensions and hole placement for a 4001 of this vintage? The Tuning Keys: Three are original, one is a Hipshot detuner. I’d like to replace them all. * Is there such a thing as a set of drop-in replacements (with correct hole spacing), that are NOT reverse geared, have a better gear ratio than the originals, yet have a similar aesthetic (black ferrules/ short stems) ? * If not, what are my options? Other than that, I removed the pick-up cover as it was in the way, but I’ll put a bezel in there so my thumb doesn’t get eaten by the dusty void. This is a wildly outlandish instrument to me but, despite its many quirks, there’s definitely ‘something’ about it that’s growing on me. It oozes mojo, sure … I’d never have imagined saying so, but I’m beginning to love it already. The photos are of the bass exactly as my uncle left it. He was a true Prog-Rocker, and a great player. It’s my desire that the bass should continue to be used and cherished … albeit with a few tweaks. Also, if anyone has any idea of the value (for insurance purposes), I’d be keen to hear it. Anyway, advice from those learned in things-Rickenbacker would be most gratefully received. Thanks 🙏🏻