4001 vs 4004cii

[copacetic]

Thinking about getting a 4004cii because of the lighter weight. However I am a lover of the toaster pickup and am thinking of placing one in the mid position just to get 'that sound'(with treble rolled off). I am wondering if any one has done this or have any thoughts on it. I realize there would be some rerouting perhaps but it would be done very professionally as the RIC finishes are so spectacular. I do like the 4001's but not a lover of the reverse headstocks they are turning out these days and they are 10 lbs.

[ilan]

I also love toasters but I'm not sure that slapping one on a 4004 will instantly give you the "4001-with-a-toaster" sound.

Routing a 4004Cii for a third pickup will seriously hurt resale value.

I do like the 4001's but not a lover of the reverse headstocks they are turning out these days

I don't like them either but RIC has discontinued the 4001C64 last year, so no more upside down headstocks.

and they are 10 lbs.

Both my Rics ('73 and '86) are 9 lbs.

[copacetic]

They have discontinued the 4001 C64's w/reverse headstocks? So now they are making them with the original (non Paul) 'design correct' headstock? I do like the 'shaved' non binding (Paul) touch however.
As you say the toaster might not automatically the 4001 sound but if I insert it right in the mid position on the 4004 where that mid-placed bridge pickup is it might get close. I am not thinking of having 3 pups.
If I were to do that mod I would be making it a keeper(! yeah right). I like the Cheyenne 05 brownish finish.

[ilan]

That one is called Montezuma Brown.

RIC discontinued the C64 but did not revive the V63 with the righty headstock. At the moment there are no vintage style basses and only the 4004 series basses have contoured bodies and no binding.

[Dave W]

Someone at the RRF (Jeff Scott?) put toasters in both positions of a 4004 a few years ago and he was satisfied with the tone. OTOH that won't make it sound like a 4001/4003, and neither would putting a toaster as a third pickup on a 4004.

I had a 4004 and 4003 at the same time, the weight difference sure didn't seem like much to me.

[copacetic]

Yes Montezuma Brown is the prferred color but only produced in 2005. I'll keep an eye out for one. Ilan and Dave you both mention that a toaster in the neck position (with the bridge pup off) on the Chyenne Cll won't give the 4001 sound..? Is it because of some other wiring configuration on the 4001?

[ilan]

The 4001/4003 is all maple, the 4004Cii has a walnut core under the figured maple top. 

Montezuma could be ordered in 2003 and 2004 - it was the only Color of the Year that was extended to two years.

[Dave W]

Also the different bridge will affect the sound somewhat. Not drastically, it's still a Rick, and it may give you what you need, it just won't be the same as a 4001.

[uwe]

The walnut core should considerably beef up the mids to the detriment of some clarity in sound, at least that is what the walnut tone plate does on my Gibson Money basses in comparison to a model without it. It's not what I would immediately identify with a Ric which to me is more defined by highs and lows than by mids, but a midrangy sound has its qualities too.

[Chris P.]

I loved that 4004 with two Darkstars which was at the DS-thread at the ole' Pit.

[Basshappi]

That double DS Ric was for sale just a little while ago on TB. I don't know if the guy has sold it yet.

[Dave W]

Geez, how many times has that thing been sold? 

[Chris P.]

Maybe it wasn't a real succes. But I like the looks.

I dislike the 4004, but I got a bit used to them cos Paul Weller's bass player uses two.

[Dave W]

I wasn't rolling my eyes at the 4004, just the one with Dark Stars. All the DS fans were so overanxious to permanently modify basses, this one was supposedly so great, yet it keeps changing hands.