Setting up a Rickenbacker 4003 for drop C?

skullcandy · #1 02-02-2009, 11:59 PM

I was wondering if any one know much about this bass or has one i have had mine for around three years now and i just got in a band that plays in drop c and need some help on seting it up that way so please shed some light for me

Ric5 · #2 02-03-2009, 07:46 AM

The Rickenbacker tuners have smaller holes than most basses. If you want a detuner use the schaller. But perhaps a better solution is just string it BEAD.

jgroh · #3 02-03-2009, 08:48 AM

I just bought a 4003 from a fellow TBer and he had played it in drop C. Obviously, you need to raise the action of the strings at the bridge, and get as heavy and high tension strings as you can stand. Keep and eye on the neck bow/relief when you do that though. There are tons of posts here and on Rics site on how to set it up if you have a bowed neck. And like Ric5 said, it might just be easier to string it BEAD.

lousybassplayer · #4 02-03-2009, 08:55 AM

Concur on the bead. being that yours is pre 07, it should have a lower nut as well. For this application it might be worth trying to find one of the newer higher nuts they are using and widen the holes with a jewelers file for the heavier strings. Check the Ric forum, there are a few seriuos gurus on there that have feilded similar questions. All of the above is pretty accurate though. I wouldn't worry about neck relief. YOu probably will need to adjust, but with ricks and the two truss rods, you'll be able to dial it just right.

skullcandy · #5 02-03-2009, 01:46 PM

ok so i was thinking on using ernie ball 5 power strings and using only the top 4 out of the set now some one told me if i do this that it will cause a lot of tension on my neck do you think this is true or can i use the string many people have told me about using 5 string set cause of the string gauge

lousybassplayer · #6 02-03-2009, 02:11 PM

Like I said, it will rpobably affect the neck relief, but you will be able to adjust it out. I still think that the nut will be your biggest issue. Then again, maybe not. Remember, you will be using heavier strings, but tuned down a step and a half. You don't neccesarily have to have high string tension as long as its playable. Put some on and see how they fit, tune it up, and then adjust as neccesarry. Or look into custom guage strings. There are places to get individual strings in whatever guage you want.

Ric5 · #7 02-03-2009, 04:14 PM

Also with a few skills you can turn your 4003 4 string bass into a 5 string bass like this one.

lousybassplayer · #8 02-03-2009, 04:56 PM

This too could work.

I want....

Ric5 · #9 02-03-2009, 10:11 PM

If you want to convert your Ric I can help ... I have done it before and I have some of the parts needed ...

lousybassplayer · #10 02-04-2009, 05:42 AM

Maybe when I get the next one. I was considering looking for an factory rick 5, but yours is amazing! It's my bass with five strings almost exactly. I'm working on my next jetglo 4003. When I get it I will seriously consider this.

jgroh · #11 02-04-2009, 05:50 AM

thats a sweet fiver Ric5! My only question is, how tight is the string spacing? Heck, how tight is it on Ric made 5s?