snorkie635

"'Tis the season to be conned, by good, old Fender, once again. Tralalalala ... ..."

If it comes to pass, I'd suggest we name the thread in memory of @SamIAm who loved her uke-bass.

That's the best mod-job I've ever seen on a Ricky 4001.

Hell, yeah!

Another call-out for your time and effort. Definitely stopped me even considering a 'blind' purchase of one of these. Thanks - you've saved me some grief here.

Nice one Neep.

Aesthetics aside, (always going to be naysayers who waffle on about board woods and 'prawn' headstock inlay etc.), the modern version is easier to navigate controls on a gig. The parametric mid-control on the 2018s works really well and those pickups sound great to my ears. The 77s have the mojo (whatever that might actually be?), and the Moog circuitry, which give them a possible sound, not available without using pedals on the 2018 model. Both models weigh a hefty 11.5/12lbs, so not for those with back issues I'd imagine. The frets on the newer models are wider and slightly higher than those on the 70s and the headstock, being smaller, makes finding a gig-bag (to reduce schlep-grief) that bit easier. I'd happily recommend either model, with the caveat of the need to buy a crane.

Have a listen to 'Slade in Flame' with Jimmy Lea on bass (or any other Slade album with him playing). You might get a surprise.

Last gig at the start of this month.