Regarding bridges, what was said about being able to slip a sheet of paper under the back of them has made me very nervous. My '81 4001 has about a 1.5mm lift at the back of the bridge. It's solid as a rock and stays in tune etc no problem but is this something I should be looking to get fixed or is this just how they are?
I'm a bit panicky now...
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On topic, however, I can say I love my 4001 enormously. The tone is absolutely unrivalled by anything else I have played and suits my pick style perfectly. I agree the ergonomics are not to everyone's taste but for me they're not a problem. Lovely low action and great Ric growl.
As everyone else has said, you need to try one out properly to see how you'll get on with one, but I think you may well fall in love...