Rickenbacker question-worth it?

[poorbassist15]

http://www.musicgoround.com/detail.aspx?id=1320234

Since I really can't find anyone that will hold a Rick for me, I'm considering buying this and getting the neck bow fixed. Does this bass seems like it's worth saving, or should I move on and find another?

[Floyd Eye]

If the problem is actually the truss rods it is a very good deal. Truss rods will cost you $50 I think and installing them is not a big deal.

Like I said, IF that is the only problem.

[poorbassist15]

I think I'll call and get some more details. I don't have any experience at all with dual rod basses, so I wasn't sure.

[Beej]

Double truss replacement is around $300-400 in my parts. Could be more depending on what's wrong with it and what's involved to get it done...

[Ric5]

A neck through bass with a neck problem ... I would avoid it.

[MPU]

Originally Posted by Beej

Double truss replacement is around $300-400 in my parts. Could be more depending on what's wrong with it and what's involved to get it done...

Rick truss rods can be replaced without removing the fretboard. If truss rods are the only problem it's easy and cheap to fix.

[daveman50]

Yep. You just remove the rod retainer/spacer thingy and pull them out. In some cases they can simply be bent back into shape and reinstalled. Take a look here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8903114...7608359193882/

[T-Bird]

Hi.

You really need to ask yourself a very simple question: Is the said company in business of monetary loss?

Fixer-uppers sure are tempting, but unless You're capable of performing the fix yourself, it's always going to cost more in the end than an eqvivalent used (insert an item of Your choice here).

Regards
Sam

[SGD Lutherie]

They probably have high tension strings on it too. I bert you they didn't think of loosening them either.

People don't realize that when you adjust the necks on a Rick you have to physically bend the neck, and then tighten the rods. You can't always just twist the truss rod and expect it to move the neck.

With lighter gauge strings, and maybe some heat while having the neck clamped, it should straighten up.

The truss rods shouldn't need replacing unless the threads are stripped.

[Floyd Eye]

Originally Posted by SGD Lutherie

They probably have high tension strings on it too. I bert you they didn't think of loosening them either.

People don't realize that when you adjust the necks on a Rick you have to physically bend the neck, and then tighten the rods. You can't always just twist the truss rod and expect it to move the neck.

With lighter gauge strings, and maybe some heat while having the neck clamped, it should straighten up.

The truss rods shouldn't need replacing unless the threads are stripped.

Manual neck adjustment is limited to 4001. This is a 4003.

[SGD Lutherie]

Originally Posted by Floyd Eye

Manual neck adjustment is limited to 4001. This is a 4003.

It's true of all truss rods on all instruments. More so on the 4001 because the rods where two thin prices of aluminum.

And when they don't want to adjust, you have to clamp the neck and adjust them.

I was lucky that my two 4001s never had neck problems.

[Floyd Eye]

Originally Posted by SGD Lutherie

It's true of all truss rods on all instruments. More so on the 4001 because the rods where two thin prices of aluminum.

And when they don't want to adjust, you have to clamp the neck and adjust them.

I was lucky that my two 4001s never had neck problems.

Hmm. I have heard of people resorting to that on 4003, but I never thought it was the norm and I never knew it applied to all guitars/basses.

Learn something new everyday.

[SGD Lutherie]

If you are just giving your rod a little tweak, like we all do, then it's fine. But if you have a bow going on, you have to clamp it first. Otherwise you might end up over tightening the rod. I've seen them break like that.

[poorbassist15]

this is what the store sent me:

"Thanks for your email. The neck has a heavy front bow. The truss rods are tight as if the bass were in adjustment. Its not necessarily a truss rod problem but the neck is infact permanently bowed. If you have any other questions, give us a call at the shop."

Is this even remotely close to right?

[poorbassist15]

I always thought it was the 4001 that required the neck bend to set the rods.

[poorbassist15]

I may actually just buy a body/neck and put one together. I think that's doable for about $1100.

[254 stringer]

Originally Posted by poorbassist15

I may actually just buy a body/neck and put one together. I think that's doable for about $1100.

If you are gonna spend that much save up a little more and get a new one with a warranty. They go for 1500 at some places and probably cheaper if you look around.

[poorbassist15]

I found one here on TB for $1350 which is more than reasonable, but it's the fact that I actually prefer older 4001s because I've played a few from the late 70s and early 80s and I adore the neck shape. New ones just feel chunky to me.

If you find a store that is selling a new 4003 for $1500, I'll be one of the first in line to get one. That seems like almost a miracle.

[greggster59]

I received a new Ric with a bowed neck and brought it to my tech. He told me that every Ric he's worked on that had arrived in that condition was problematic. I sent it back the same day and got another one, this time from Pick of the Ricks and it's amazing.

Ricks are hit or miss, no in-between, IMO.

[poorbassist15]

Originally Posted by greggster59

I received a new Ric with a bowed neck and brought it to my tech. He told me that every Ric he's worked on that had arrived in that condition was problematic. I sent it back the same day and got another one, this time from Pick of the Ricks and it's amazing.

Ricks are hit or miss, no in-between, IMO.

So it would be in my best interests to avoid this one?