Ric 4001 - Removing strings and pickguard

[KarateKid25]

Hey guys,

I need to remove the pickguard from my Ric 4001 so that I can get at the electronics. I need to tend to a couple of issues in there...

Anyway, to do this I'm going to need to remove the strings. I've done a search and read a few threads and I think that I should be able to remove the strings without touching the truss rods. Just wanted to get a couple of opinions before doing this.

Generally I would back the truss rod off a bit on my other basses before removing the strings, but the Ric seems like more of a PITA due to the dual rod system and the need to manually bend the neck into place when setting them again...

Seeing as my neck is nicely set up at the moment, I kind of want to leave it as it is...

Anyone else taken the strings off without tweaking the truss rods first?

Cheers.

[JLS]

There's no reason to do this. Another bass guitarists' "urban myth".

[Jazz Ad]

It's only needed if the bass is going to remain unstrung for a long time, which should never happen.

[jgroh]

If its a 4001 it should only have one truss rod. You can remove the strings for a short period of time and there shouldnt be any trouble.

[KarateKid25]

Originally Posted by jgroh

If its a 4001 it should only have one truss rod. You can remove the strings for a short period of time and there shouldnt be any trouble.

It's a '74 4001. I'm sure it has dual rods in there. It has two adjustments anyway...

Thanks for the comments though guys, the strings will only be off for an hour or so at the most. I'll get into it tomorrow

[john_martin_sai]

I have a '75 4001. It has 2 truss rods.

I never adjusted the truss rods simply to remove the strings temporarily.

Never had a problem.

[12bass]

Given the delicate nature of the Ric 4001 truss rods, it is generally best to leave them alone unless adjustment is called for. Removing strings temporarily does not necessitate adjustment.

[KarateKid25]

Yep, seems I'm a bit over cautious... Gone are the days of tweaking my truss rods beforehand then. Not sure where I picked that up, but I've been doing it for years on my other basses!

My last 4001 was a '78 and from memory it had dual rods as well. In fact, I'm fairly certain that all 4000 series Rics have dual rods.

[jgroh]

Originally Posted by KarateKid25

It's a '74 4001. I'm sure it has dual rods in there. It has two adjustments anyway...

Thanks for the comments though guys, the strings will only be off for an hour or so at the most. I'll get into it tomorrow

Ok...sorry.

[KarateKid25]

It's ok Just had me scratching my head for a second there

[gricko]

if you stretch strings a little, you'll be able to remove pickguard w/out removing strings. did it myself many, many times.

[KarateKid25]

I did actually try that, but was having trouble getting enough clearance for the neck pickup. It could probably be done, but at this stage I'm going to remove the strings.

[kcole4001]

Any genuine 4000/4001/4003 will have 2 rods, and leaving the strings off for a short period of time shouldn't hurt or need to have the truss rods loosened.

I've owned Ricks since 1986 and never had a problem doing this.

[KarateKid25]

Great. Thanks again for all the comments. So far, not one person telling me any different so I'm confident about doing it now

[hdracer]

Just loosen the strings. I have a '85 4003 with the truss rods on the bottom and have to remove the PG to adjust them.

[Gizmot]

On my '78 4001, I don't have to remove or loosen the strings to take the pickguard/pickups off. All I have to do is to carefully slide them out from underneath the strings. Ricks don't really like to have all their strings removed at once, so if you feel compelled to loosen them, I'd only do the G string. You should be fine without loosening them.

[Pilgrim]

Just change the strings. Then have a beer.

Messing with truss rods to change strings is like pulling the motor out of a car to change the oil. Much more potential to cause problems than to prevent them - and unnecessary.