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Harley Benton RB414CS

#81
kevmac said:
The nordy is great,from almost everyone I've seen in reviews like Patrick Hunter claim the bridge is good and maybe better than an authentic Ric bridge so I'd think twice about replacing it.
Click to expand...

Ya. I’ve already thought better of it... the bridge is subpar, but I can manage leaving it as is..
Definitely may go with the nordenbocker... gonna think on that over next few weeks. Thanks!


kodiakblair said:
With neck through and set neck basses the correct bridge is crucial. They are designed to work with the stock bridge.

Throw a bridge that's too tall on there and you'll never get a low action. Use a low profile bridge , the problem is in reverse. Strings start to foul on the bridge pickup or the upper frets.

Too tall,too low bridges have solutions. You can sink into the body or raise using a base shim.

Forewarned of this you can now make any bridge work :thumbsup:


There's a guy been scouring the net for RB414 posts, on every one he talks of a bridge design fault and an imagined situation involving a broken string and part of the bridge rolling under the drum riser.

Could happen but I can't help thinking "Jeez fella. If you're that concerned, quit the copy/paste for a moment and use a dab of glue." :roflmao:
Click to expand...

and I’m glad to find this out now before learning the hard way. and that’s funny.. poor guy sounds affected LOL
Thanks a lot.
 
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#82
kodiakblair said:
With neck through and set neck basses the correct bridge is crucial. They are designed to work with the stock bridge.

Throw a bridge that's too tall on there and you'll never get a low action. Use a low profile bridge , the problem is in reverse. Strings start to foul on the bridge pickup or the upper frets.

Too tall,too low bridges have solutions. You can sink into the body or raise using a base shim.

Forewarned of this you can now make any bridge work :thumbsup:


There's a guy been scouring the net for RB414 posts, on every one he talks of a bridge design fault and an imagined situation involving a broken string and part of the bridge rolling under the drum riser.

Could happen but I can't help thinking "Jeez fella. If you're that concerned, quit the copy/paste for a moment and use a dab of glue." :roflmao:
Click to expand...
I'm the guy. I don't care that the bass looks just like a Ric. I have broken stings, (not many) but it happens and if it did it would most likely happen when it's most important. Superglue doesn't hold the rollers in place, silicone might. I don't have to worry about it anymore, my scale is 34" and it's intonated properly and the action is great
 
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#84
kodiakblair said:
With neck through and set neck basses the correct bridge is crucial. They are designed to work with the stock bridge.

Throw a bridge that's too tall on there and you'll never get a low action. Use a low profile bridge , the problem is in reverse. Strings start to foul on the bridge pickup or the upper frets.

Too tall,too low bridges have solutions. You can sink into the body or raise using a base shim.

Forewarned of this you can now make any bridge work :thumbsup:


There's a guy been scouring the net for RB414 posts, on every one he talks of a bridge design fault and an imagined situation involving a broken string and part of the bridge rolling under the drum riser.

Could happen but I can't help thinking "Jeez fella. If you're that concerned, quit the copy/paste for a moment and use a dab of glue." :roflmao:
Click to expand...
While I agree the small rollers being unsecured is stupid,that is the only problem I've encountered with the RB-414 stock bridge.You are correct,just use a dab of glue, epoxy or whatever.
 
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#85
idlechrome said:
Ya. I’ve already thought better of it... the bridge is subpar, but I can manage leaving it as is..
Definitely may go with the nordenbocker... gonna think on that over next few weeks. Thanks!




and I’m glad to find this out now before learning the hard way. and that’s funny.. poor guy sounds affected LOL
Thanks a lot.
Click to expand...
The Nordy's great but there's a lot of Ric replacement neck pups out there to choose from so do your homework and pick a winner.The Ric bridge design had been discussed forever and like Gibson they turn a deaf ear to the fan base.Keep what it came with until it gives you a problem,then consider the Hipshot.
 
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#86
Roger Ford said:
I'm the guy. I don't care that the bass looks just like a Ric. I have broken stings, (not many) but it happens and if it did it would most likely happen when it's most important. Superglue doesn't hold the rollers in place, silicone might. I don't have to worry about it anymore, my scale is 34" and it's intonated properly and the action is great
Click to expand...
Those things are whack,try finding one with my 65 yr old eyes! I'd try a dab of epoxy or clear silicone caulk.
 
#87
kevmac said:
While I agree the small rollers being unsecured is stupid,that is the only problem I've encountered with the RB-414 stock bridge.You are correct,just use a dab of glue, epoxy or whatever.
Click to expand...
There has been concern that the bridge pu is not as loud as the neck. Most folks have removed the bridge cover, and it's easy while it's off, to cut the mounting springs in half and that will allow the pu to be raised up to increase the volumne of the pu.
 
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#88
Roger Ford said:
I'm the guy. I don't care that the bass looks just like a Ric. I have broken stings, (not many) but it happens and if it did it would most likely happen when it's most important. Superglue doesn't hold the rollers in place, silicone might. I don't have to worry about it anymore, my scale is 34" and it's intonated properly and the action is great
Click to expand...
“I’m the guy”
Well this is awkward .... :bag::roflmao: jk
I don’t blame you. Bit envious BC I can tell the bridge can make tuning a little wonky. Will wait it out & do the hipshot eventually - I know it would help with weight & by then I figure I’ll be more up to the task.

kevmac said:
The Nordy's great but there's a lot of Ric replacement neck pups out there to choose from so do your homework and pick a winner.The Ric bridge design had been discussed forever and like Gibson they turn a deaf ear to the fan base.Keep what it came with until it gives you a problem,then consider the Hipshot.
Click to expand...

Definitely will & am doing my homework as we speak... Have been recording with this thing nonstop.
I know it’s a ric a like, but it really does have its own thing going on. The Wobbly heavy weight is a bit much, but playing thru it is easy For me BC I enjoy the sound of it. just feels right in my hands. Bizarre.
 
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#90
idlechrome said:
“I’m the guy”
Well this is awkward .... :bag::roflmao: jk
I don’t blame you. Bit envious BC I can tell the bridge can make tuning a little wonky. Will wait it out & do the hipshot eventually - I know it would help with weight & by then I figure I’ll be more up to the task.



Definitely will & am doing my homework as we speak... Have been recording with this thing nonstop.
I know it’s a ric a like, but it really does have its own thing going on. The Wobbly heavy weight is a bit much, but playing thru it is easy For me BC I enjoy the sound of it. just feels right in my hands. Bizarre.
Click to expand...
I'm a 65 yr old gear slut that owns 21 basses of various brands and quality mostly mid range and a couple of high enders.That said this bass arrived in great shape and ready to play on stage or in studio.The stock sound is fine, better than many imo.I'm just the type that loves to putter around with my stuff if it's worth making improvements.This is the cheapest bass I own but it hits way above it's weight class.The best bargain I've ever come across.
 
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#91
kevmac said:
I'm a 65 yr old gear slut that owns 21 basses of various brands and quality mostly mid range and a couple of high enders.That said this bass arrived in great shape and ready to play on stage or in studio.The stock sound is fine, better than many imo.I'm just the type that loves to putter around with my stuff if it's worth making improvements.This is the cheapest bass I own but it hits way above it's weight class.The best bargain I've ever come across.
Click to expand...
Not a lie was told, my friend. This thing kicks.

Stock sounds fantastic enough. If I wasn’t on a mini quest for strange tones while recording this project I would keep it stock. Best bang for buck I’ve ever spent.

will check back in when I throw other pick ups in this thing. Plan on a couple combos so will see. Thanks again all for bridge info, etc.
 
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#92
Roger Ford said:
I'm not sure where to get it here in the US. I bought mine from Rondo Music several years ago and I noticed that this one is priced in Euros.
Looking on the US Amazon site, there is similar, but do not have string through holes. I found one with holes, a little different but is setup for string through. Note that the original has only 2 screws holding it on. Everything else uses 4. There are several single string bridges, a much more difficult unit to keep straight and all set up for strings through.
Here's the other bridge that will work. In US. I noticed the string holes arn't chamfered, that can be done quickly with a drill bit.
https://www.amazon.com/MagiDeal-4-string-Electric-High-End-Tailpieces/dp/B07B664BP4/ref=sr_1_153?crid=2XV3YHFP8A5NM&dchild=1&keywords=bass+bridge+4+string&qid=1611076574&sprefix=bass+bridge,aps,304&sr=8-153
Click to expand...
 
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#93
I just found the bridge that I used. It is $19.95 at Rondo music. I used a 1/8" spacer under the bridge.
SX BB104 HIGH MASS BRIDGE
Harley Benton new bridge 1.jpg
 
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#97
so what would one potentially want to glue down on the bridge? I just ordered one of these and i'd like to do the smallest smartest little mods. i'm not in any mood to replace a bridge, but i'd like to avoid anything breaking if i'm heavy playing.

think i'll keep everything stock but the strings i'll change out - does anyone else have flats on this? Thoughts on that, or is that anathema to the Rick ethos?
 
#98
LeesGotitSimple said:
so what would one potentially want to glue down on the bridge? I just ordered one of these and i'd like to do the smallest smartest little mods. i'm not in any mood to replace a bridge, but i'd like to avoid anything breaking if i'm heavy playing.

think i'll keep everything stock but the strings i'll change out - does anyone else have flats on this? Thoughts on that, or is that anathema to the Rick ethos?
Click to expand...
When you remove the strings, you will see how the rollers come out. Make sure you do it where you can see where they go. One fellow used epoxy to secure them. Super glue doesn't seem to hold. You could try clear silicone rubber from a parts store.
 
#99
LeesGotitSimple said:
so what would one potentially want to glue down on the bridge? I just ordered one of these and i'd like to do the smallest smartest little mods. i'm not in any mood to replace a bridge, but i'd like to avoid anything breaking if i'm heavy playing.

think i'll keep everything stock but the strings i'll change out - does anyone else have flats on this? Thoughts on that, or is that anathema to the Rick ethos?
Click to expand...

Crazy Glue worked just fine on my bridge rollers. I put my usual (flat wound) D'Addario Chromes on mine and it sounds great.
 
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#100
Hi, I'm new here and I'd like to ask a few questions to anyone here more experienced than I who could solve the doubts that I have. I'm thinking of buying the gorgeous Harley Benton RB-414CS and I wanted to know a few things:
1.- Would any of the bridges in the following link would work for the bass? I've heard that the stock bridge is problematic to say the least... Link: https://m.thomann.de/es/puentes_de_bajo.html?s=price
2.- What strings would you recommend to swap the stock ones with? (please attach a link to your answer so I can look it up, thanks) and also I was wondering if these would work: https://m.thomann.de/es/warwick_red_label_040.htm
3.- I'd like to change the tone/volume knobs. Could any of these in the link work? I'm interested in the ones that have numbers not the completely blank ones. Link: https://m.thomann.de/es/botones_de_potenciometro.html?s=price
4.- I'd like to change the white pickguard for a black one, does anyone know where could I get one that would fit? Thank you.
 

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