Ric 4003 Bridge Saddle Rattle

Skyblue977 · #1 08-27-2009, 02:28 PM

I've finally decided to get into playing my recently acquired 4003. Changed to existing dead Roto's to DR Silver Stars. Now I have a more prunounced saddle rattle on the D and G strings.
When I take the bridge off these 2 saddle still don't lay firmly against the bridge.
I'm thinking if I take to the non-countersunk screw hole ends on the bridge and remove a little metal, the screw will be a little low thus lowering the saddle and making it a better fit against the bridge.
Any thoughts on this? Are there better ways? Should I just suck it up and buy a Hipshot?

Metal Mitch · #2 08-27-2009, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skyblue977

Now I have a more prunounced saddle rattle on the D and G strings.
When I take the bridge off these 2 saddle still don't lay firmly against the bridge.

Unfortunately that's normal for Ric. Their bridge saddles are manufactured with such a loose tolerance the screw holes are never properly centered. I tried a replacement set once and they were even worse.

Ask all the guys with bent intonation screws about it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skyblue977

Should I just suck it up and buy a Hipshot?

That's what I did. Extremely overpriced for a Schaller knockoff with a different baseplate... but I haven't had any problems with it.

60bass · #3 08-27-2009, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Metal Mitch

Unfortunately that's normal for Ric. Their bridge saddles are manufactured with such a loose tolerance the screw holes are never properly centered. I tried a replacement set once and they were even worse.

Ask all the guys with bent intonation screws about it.

+1 The Ricky I owned was the same way. I never could understand how a bass that costs what a Ric does and is so solid in every other way, could have one of the worst designed and sloppy bridges ever to make it's way on to a bass

CayceG · #4 08-27-2009, 07:21 PM

My D had saddle rattle. My fix?

I cut up a business card into really small squares and stuffed a couple of squares under the saddle. Can't see it and I forgot it was there until I read this thread. I made this fix in 2007 and it hasn't made a noise since.

And about the bridge, I had my Rick set up in 2007 (at the same time when I fixed the rattle) and it hasn't needed intonation or neck adjustments since. So the bridge may be a pain to adjust, but it goes so long between needing it I don't find it to be a problem.

Skyblue977 · #5 08-27-2009, 08:42 PM

Well after a few hours tinkering this morning I've reached the conclusion that this bridge is a PO$. What were they thinking? How can this sort of design be allowed? It is crap!
Wouldn't happen with a G&L. This thing can go and sulk in it's case for the next 6 months while I continue my love affair with my L2000.

CayceG · #6 08-27-2009, 08:44 PM

Get a Hipshot replacement. Drops right in, no extra parts needed, fills the space left and it gives you four individual saddles to fiddle with.

I'm guessing that John Hall is of the opinion that 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it.' However, while it ain't broke, it sure is difficult to work with.

Metal Mitch · #7 08-28-2009, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CayceG

I'm guessing that John Hall is of the opinion that 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it.' However, while it ain't broke, it sure is difficult to work with.

Hey, ya know it shouldn't be that tough to get your small machine parts supplier to drill holes in the right place!

Skyblue977 · #8 08-29-2009, 05:46 AM

Well I just coughed up for the Hipshot. Should arrive within the next week.

jgroh · #9 08-29-2009, 06:10 AM

Oh yeah, the bridge on the Rics stinks. Where and how much did you get the hipshot for if I may ask? I just got my Ric set up, so I (hopefully) wont need to mess with the bridge anytime soon, but what a PIA! I read a post by John Hall on their forums where he said they wont change it because they got too much flak from "purists". They should offer a replacement bridge on all new Rics and available to buy for older ones. They would sell a ton of them.

petersland · #10 08-29-2009, 06:10 AM

you'll be happy you chose the hipshot.
I've had 2 and no probs.
My 2008 Ric bridge wasn't even as good as my 1978 Greco copy bridge. There ya go Mr. Hall. POS
Pete

Skyblue977 · #11 08-29-2009, 06:21 AM

Pete- I was close to buying a Greco from Liam. Almost wish I had now! I sure hope when I get this thing sorted it will be worth it.

Skyblue977 · #12 08-30-2009, 05:03 AM

Mitch - I think these things are cast and not machined individually. That says something about the clowns running QC.
jgroh - I bought the Hipshot from an ebayer in the US for $140U$ delivered to Australia.