AMV001

Referring once again to Paul Boyers excellent book 'The Rickenbacker Bass, 50 years as Rocks Bottom'. He states in the chapter dedicated to finishes that Montezuma Brown was only available between 2003 and 2006 (it first appeared as a Colour Of The Year in '03 and was the only colour programme to be extended). Therefore the OP's bass, being a 82, can't be Montezuma Brown. Pics from the book attached- 2 Monte Browns and an Autumnglo & Walnut comparison. The latter are very close in colour, however the accompanying text states that Autumnglo disappeared from RIC price lists in 1980 but Walnut continued until early '85 although it was described as 'shaded brown' from '81. I'd still be inclined to say the OP's bass is Walnut.

Possibly Walnut? Paul Boyer's book mentions that Walnut was available in matt and gloss finishes up to 1985.

Frosty The Snowman- The Cocteau Twins Sleigh Ride- The Ventures Sleigh Ride- R2D2 & C3PO Walking Round In Women's Underwear- Bob Rivers & Twisted Radio (to the tune of 'Walking In A Winter Wonderland')

There are a few contributors to the Rickenbacker thread over on Talk Bass (yes, I know...) who have done 4/5 string conversions. Might be worth a browse. Apologies if you've already done this, of course.

Was flicking through Mick Rock's book 'Iggy & The Stooges- Raw Power' last night and was curious to find this pic of Ron Asheton with a Precision/Jazz hybrid. Most live pics of him in his bassist days show him using a Guild Jetstar but this must have been a neck and body thrown together from different instruments. I don't think Fender were in the hybrid game during 1972 but I could be wrong.

Absolutely there is, I agree.

Ah...after fret work, I see. That's a different kettle of fish from a regular polishing routine then.

320 grit? Really? Wow, I salute your skill. I wouldn't dare use anything that coarse. A real risk of re-shaping the fret with something that rough.

8000 grit micro mesh polishing cloths.

Ha! That bloody typo from the 1990 press release is still going around then, 35 years later? There is no 'a' in the title (as it refers to the T-Rex song 'Mustang Ford'). Spent years explaining this in interviews!

https://www.basschat.co.uk/topic/489070-bass-review-magazine/#comments

See my reply above. Similar situation.

Its interesting that Dunlop straplocks have been mentioned in relation to this. I do some work with a guitarist who has Dunlop straplocks on all his guitars and the only ones that have failed (repeatedly) have been fitted to Les Pauls. The top horn position. We have never been able to figure out why. They click into place OK and seem tight (we can't pull them out of the button) but once he's stood in playing position it only takes a few minutes for it to fail. Tried a couple of sets with the same result. He's got quite heavy leather straps so maybe the weight has something to do with it. Having said that he's got the same type straps and Dunlop straplocks on his V and Explorer and they are secure with no problems. Its very odd.