looking for dale fortune

wingnut · #1 03-02-2009, 04:41 PM

I need Dale's help. I need hairpin style truss rods for a 1981 4003. Help Help!

wingnut · #2 03-03-2009, 01:08 PM

I can't believe no one knows how to get a hold of this guy. He's supposed to be the rickenbacker Guru when it comes to parts...

Atoz · #3 03-03-2009, 01:44 PM

The forums on www.rickresource.com have a couple of guys there who can make them for you.

Also, based on what I've read on the official Rickenbacker site forum, Dale has been incredibly busy lately with projects. Paul (jingle_jangle) from the Ric forum also makes them, IIRC.

Good luck!

wingnut · #4 03-03-2009, 02:30 PM

Thanks! Trouble is, I can't log onto the forums for some reason. I emailed the webmaster, but haven't gotten a response since friday. At least I have a couple of more names now. You wouldn't know if I can cut off the first inch of both ends on the truss rods and have it re-threaded would you? These are hairpin rods.

Atoz · #5 03-03-2009, 02:50 PM

I think I can recall John Hall saying you can, but I wouldn't trust my memory on that.

I have a '79 4001, and I'll likely need a new rod at some point (a previous owner...

), so I'm interested to see how this turns out for you.

If I get a few minutes, I'll peruse the forums and see if I can come up with anything.

EDIT: I just thought of something. If you have the old rod in your possession, why not take it to a local luthier? That style rod is used in some acoustic guitars, so I don't know why someone local with acoustic guitar experience couldn't make one for you.

wingnut · #6 03-03-2009, 02:53 PM

Thanks a million! I really can't see where an inch would be that big a deal, but as always I could be wrong...

lowendblues · #7 03-03-2009, 02:56 PM

You should be able to trim the stripped end of the rods and re-thread them with no problems.

I've heard of this done a few times with success.

Definatley worth the try.

wingnut · #8 03-03-2009, 03:02 PM

The thing is, the rod is folded over onto itself. The threaded part and the none threaded part are virtually the same length. This means both parts would have to be shortend. I just need to be certain that having the overall length of the rod shortend by an inch won't cause any harm.

JackTheRipper · #9 03-03-2009, 03:08 PM

You can try to email him at:

fortuneguitars@yahoo.com

Good luck.

--jack

wingnut · #10 03-03-2009, 03:20 PM

Thank you Mister Ripper.

wingnut · #11 03-07-2009, 01:44 PM

I sent the rods off to Paul Wilczynski yesterday. I'll let everyone know how it turns out.