Lol typical Ali Express type miscommunication. I didn't notice the image in the picture didn't have a bridge. When the sent me pics of the bass before shipping, it was completely put together, bridge and all. I'm sure they put it together to test the electronics. But, when I got it, no bridge. So in their defense, the listing didn't include the bridge. It looks like they have milled a 5 string tail piece/bridge that looks exactly like a Rick, but I'm thinking using a different bridge will help give it a little different look. Just not sure which one I want to use yet.
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Chickenbacker Refinishing Question
- Thread starter mark1542
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Lol typical Ali Express type miscommunication. I didn't notice the image in the picture didn't have a bridge. When the sent me pics of the bass before shipping, it was completely put together, bridge and all. I'm sure they put it together to test the electronics. But, when I got it, no bridge. So in their defense, the listing didn't include the bridge. It looks like they have milled a 5 string tail piece/bridge that looks exactly like a Rick, but I'm thinking using a different bridge will help give it a little different look. Just not sure which one I want to use yet.
I can recommend the Kahler 5 string fixed. You can adjust string spacing as well as height and intonation easily. It was one of the few that allows a 5 string setup with a stock width neck, but they adjust a fair amount.
Did you get a case for it through Aliexpress? The genuine Ric cases are not that great, at least the ABS plastic ones, the feet have a reputation for breaking and punching right through the case. The Tolex covered ones are very nice, but absurdly overpriced at $300+. Nobody else (I looked!) makes a fitted case for a Ric, except the Chinabackers. I've never read a review on the quality, I'd buy one if I knew it was decent.
I didn't. I did look at them, but mine did not come with it. I was intending on buying a gator case for it. I ran into the same issue as the fitted cases are so expensive! And I didn't know how it would fit a 5 string version.
If I find anything else decently priced and fitted, I'll let you know!
Oh man that's nice! I think that may be what I get. String spacing was one of my worries, so I think buying this bridge will help solve that! Thanks for sharing!
Here's my Ric clone build (finished a while back) in a Roadrunner case I got at GC. It was the best fit I could find at the time, I'm planning on making some inserts to hug the body contours. As-is, the bass can move a round about 1/2" either way. I'm building a second one for my son, ,maybe I'll try the Aliexpress. They will sell you ANYTHING, if you can get past the language barrier.
If velcro (hook part) will stick to the liner material there are velcro-attach camera case inserts that would easily fix 1/2" of slop.
The liner is some kind of faux fur, I don’t think Velcro will stick to it, but I haven’t tried it to confirm. You’d think that grey fake fur would be easy to find at any fabric store, nope!
I have this bridge on one of my builds. I'm not a fan. That said, it will do adjustable string spacing to as narrow as something like 2 1/4". And it's the only bridge that will do that, as far as I know.
Don’t forget that if this is like most Chinabackers, it’s a 34” scale bass. Rics are 33.25” scale, a standard Ric bridge may get too close to the body edge. Measure from inside face of nut to center 12th fret to verify, double that number, that’s your G string saddle position. I have a complete dimension set on the Ric bridge if you need it, pretty sure Hipshot has all their bridge sizes posted. I think the Hipshot Ric bridge looks best, but that may not fit either.
5-String Bass Bridge Chrome | Allparts.com
This bridge is also highly adjustable, however I think the narrowest is 2 7/16 of an inch. It's also not cheap.
This bridge is also highly adjustable, however I think the narrowest is 2 7/16 of an inch. It's also not cheap.
Thank you, that is great info. I'll definitely keep that in mind. You are correct though, I measured and it is a 34" scale.
Just out of curiosity, what didn't you like about it? I saw some threads on it and height seemed to be one of the biggest complaints.
The height is one issue. I had issues with the saddles slipping forward as I tuned the bass. Setting intonation is a pain - you have to loosen the string, loosen the two set screws, and take a guess as to where to place the saddle. Then retune, and hope you tightened down the saddle enough that it won't slip. Then realize it has to go back a little more. So loosen the string again, loosen the two screws, reset the saddle position, tighten up the two screws, and retune the string. Hopefully, this time it's in the right spot. Setting the string spacing is a similar process, though that typically only has to be done once. String height is another issue. The height adjustment is weird. The actual saddle is a screw with a slot on the top, so the string must be loosened, the saddle turned - and hope the correct height is in half-turn increments, retune the string, and check the height. Repeat until set correctly. Finally, it is not, in my opinion, a good looking bridge. I dislike that slotted base especially.
Here it is in all its glory.
And as usual, I agree with mapleglo on all counts.
Yeah. Glad I asked the question. I’m not sure which bridge to get. Still thinking through. It would be nice to get something with some flexibility to make sure the spacing and setup are correct. But I don’t want to go too far with that flexibility and get something that is too hard to setup. Plus the height thing really worries me.
Stock Ric fingerboards are just under 1/2” above the body, which works with a stock Ric design or Hipshot bridge. I’m guessing yours is lower, because Rics have an unusually thick board (3/8” at center high point). If you measure fingerboard center height above body and add 3/32” or so for string clearance, that’s your available bridge height with the saddles bottomed out. I’d put a straightedge on the frets to make sure the fingerboard is parallel to the body too. Real Rics have no neck to body angle, don’t know on Chinabackers.
Question for you (or anybody else) I may run into and wanted some opinions. The toaster style pickup that was in the neck position was really small (around 2.75"). I am having the pick guard custom made, so I will have the pick guard widened. But, as you can see in the pictures below, I'm a little worried that widening the neck pickup hole will get really close to the bottom of the pick guard screw hole.
Here's my question. Do you know any neck pickups (passive) that are traditionally narrower? I had wanted to put that Bart Rickenbacker replacement pickup in, but it is only for a 4 string. But, most of the 5 string pickups I've been looking at are more around the 4 inch mark. Just wanted to see what your thoughts are on this piece.
Thank you!
OP, Ive been thinking about getting something cheap off Aliexpress for fun "why-the-hell-not" experiment to see what they are capable of.
That said, what country are you from? And did you have trouble with customs? Ive read on another forum that with the international CITES regulations on rosewood...that its easy to have stuff confiscated at the border. And thats even if the instrument in question isnt using rosewood and merely resembles it.
Basically I worry about someone simply seeing any dark wood, and confiscating my bass...because they dont wanna take a chance on being the person who let rosewood into the country.
That said, what country are you from? And did you have trouble with customs? Ive read on another forum that with the international CITES regulations on rosewood...that its easy to have stuff confiscated at the border. And thats even if the instrument in question isnt using rosewood and merely resembles it.
Basically I worry about someone simply seeing any dark wood, and confiscating my bass...because they dont wanna take a chance on being the person who let rosewood into the country.
