I first became aware of the 4005 via the cd insert for the Stone Roses' debut album (though over a decade after its release, when I was in college) and have long held a fascination. As Andy noted, though, they've only ever become exponentially more expensive since then, and given their scarcity I've never even seen one in person. I'd still really love to own one one day!
re: "Other than those minor quibbles…pretty faithful!"
well, they have 6 string R's which is why the strings look 'bent' coming out of the R... :(
re: "In 1974 the 4005 would return in both standard and WB form. A lot had happened in the years since their last run, and the 1974 version would have a number of new, “modern” features."
The '74's had red dots!
re: "A few more guitars would be made in 1975 with a new feature: Rick-O-Sound."
I bought a used one for $400 in the early 80s. It was not that old, because it had the higains and smaller fretboard inlays.
I put Rick/Maxima red box 4440 flatwounds on it, and thought it basically sounded like a slightly more full range Hofner Beatle bass. It was not the sound I was looking for, and I found the whole thing oversized and unwieldy. Sold it within 6 monthes to buy a BC Rich Bodine. I’ve revisited them a couple of times over the decades, but I’m still not a fan.
Before your excellent post today, I have never seen a version of the 4005 with the forwarded location of the bridge pickup.
That actually might’ve helped the sound a bit, but otherwise it’s still a tuna boat to me!
I first became aware of the 4005 via the cd insert for the Stone Roses' debut album (though over a decade after its release, when I was in college) and have long held a fascination. As Andy noted, though, they've only ever become exponentially more expensive since then, and given their scarcity I've never even seen one in person. I'd still really love to own one one day!
Great read Andy. Minor feedback/stuff:
- why no love for the 3261?
re: "Other than those minor quibbles…pretty faithful!"
well, they have 6 string R's which is why the strings look 'bent' coming out of the R... :(
re: "In 1974 the 4005 would return in both standard and WB form. A lot had happened in the years since their last run, and the 1974 version would have a number of new, “modern” features."
The '74's had red dots!
re: "A few more guitars would be made in 1975 with a new feature: Rick-O-Sound."
The '74's have Ric-o-sound!
Thanks as always, John. Have revised to incorporate your notes.
Very nice!
I bought a used one for $400 in the early 80s. It was not that old, because it had the higains and smaller fretboard inlays.
I put Rick/Maxima red box 4440 flatwounds on it, and thought it basically sounded like a slightly more full range Hofner Beatle bass. It was not the sound I was looking for, and I found the whole thing oversized and unwieldy. Sold it within 6 monthes to buy a BC Rich Bodine. I’ve revisited them a couple of times over the decades, but I’m still not a fan.
Before your excellent post today, I have never seen a version of the 4005 with the forwarded location of the bridge pickup.
That actually might’ve helped the sound a bit, but otherwise it’s still a tuna boat to me!