The Reversed headstock of the C64 model.

Started by Blazer, June 19, 2008, 08:16:56 PM

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Blazer

Okay I know they are going for the look of Sir Paul's bass but I can't help but to think that a reversed headtsock looks better on a lefthanded bass than it does on a right handed bass.


It looks so odd in comparison to the usual way 'round


Dave W

You're certainly not the only one who feels that way. 

ilan

I think it looks weird on any bass, right- or left-handed. A lefty headstock should be a mirror image of the righty. Rossmeisl designed a very elegant shape with the 4000 Series, and the headstock is an integral part of it. McCartney's bass was made with a righty neck, even the dots on the fretboard are upside down ;)

Bert

#3
You get used to it. Actually I even like the "different" headstock now.


'68 4001|'73 4001 MG|'73 4001 AZG (PW refin)|'75 4000 MG|'79 4001 JG FL|'81 4001S AZG|'86 4003 MID/BT|'86 4003 Shadow|'86 4003S JG|'88 4003s Blackstar|'89 4003 Grey/BT FL|'96 4003S/8 FG|'98 4003S/5 JG| 05 650D|06 4004 CII BBR||B-115|RB 30||?

leftybass

Of my 3 Ric basses only one has the "mirror" headstock, I prefer the backwards one on lefties.


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Thornton Davis

Too me, a left handed headstock on a right handed looks daft. I wouldn't mind owning a C64, but not as long as they continue to make them this way. Just my opinion.

TD
Please keep your eyes open for my stolen 1973 Burgundyglo Rickenbacker 4001 Serial # MD1582. It was stolen in November of 2006. Reward for its return. Thx!

ilan

A good luthier should be able to reverse the upside-down headstock. Remove the walnut wings, make new righty ones, re-drill and refin. I'm sure RIC will exchange a righty lucite TRC for the lefty. Shouldn't be too expensive to convert a C64 to a v63.

Blazer

Quote from: ilan on June 20, 2008, 04:30:49 PMShouldn't be too expensive to convert a C64 to a v63.

Oh no? As a luthier myself I can say that the amount of work including the refinish will set one back at least 200 bucks.

Dave W

I don't think a C64 owner would object to a $200-$300 conversion cost.

Bert

Quote from: Dave W on June 20, 2008, 11:31:15 PM
I don't think a C64 owner would object to a $200-$300 conversion cost.

I would. Nobody will be butchering my 4001c64. ;-)

a) it's an homage to Paul McCartney who still plays with a reversed headstock.
b) the instrument was supposed to be this way.
c) You get used to it or even begin to like it once familiar with it in real live.
'68 4001|'73 4001 MG|'73 4001 AZG (PW refin)|'75 4000 MG|'79 4001 JG FL|'81 4001S AZG|'86 4003 MID/BT|'86 4003 Shadow|'86 4003S JG|'88 4003s Blackstar|'89 4003 Grey/BT FL|'96 4003S/8 FG|'98 4003S/5 JG| 05 650D|06 4004 CII BBR||B-115|RB 30||?

Dave W

Bert, I meant that the cost probably wouldn't be a big problem for a C64 owner who wanted to convert it. No doubt many owners are happy with it as is.

godofthunder

 I have had lots of rics over the years, including a V63.  I LOVE my reverse headstock C64 it's a tribute to Paul and thats why I bought it ! Looks cool to me.
Maker of the Badbird Bridge, "intonation without modification" for your vintage Gibson Thunderbird

eb2

I think they look goofy.  If you are a Beatle-dork they are fine, especially if you play in a tribute band.  To that end I appreciate that they made them.  But to dictate that a supposed reissue be made with an incorrect headstock kind of stinks.  Not that the Rick people care, and I don't really pay attention to them either.  But to the degree that they offered a peculiar thing demanded by Beatle fans, I would have wished they would have offered a special order "correct" headstock option.  Rickenbacker was much more accomodating to customer requests like that 25 years ago when I could special order things from them, and as they have gone the other way I have not bought new from them.  I will get a used V63 one of these days, or a 4001s.
Model One and Schallers?  Ish.

godofthunder

#13
He called us a Beatle dorks   :o
Maker of the Badbird Bridge, "intonation without modification" for your vintage Gibson Thunderbird

the mojo hobo

The C64 is a Beatles tribute bass, or maybe even a signature model without a signature.

I don't care, I'm not buying one. They look silly unless they are left-handed.